In the Christian Science Bible Lesson March 7, 2011 Issue

Bible friends teach true treasures

For the lesson titled "Substance" from March 7-13, 2011

Nancy Fischer

Solomon, Esau, Jacob, Zacchæus, Jesus, a lame beggar, Peter, John. In this week’s Bible Lesson on “Substance,” these familiar Bible friends serve as teachers, helping us understand, cherish, and prove the fact that “Spirit is the only substance, the invisible and indivisible infinite God” (Science and Health, p. 335, citation 1). 

In the Golden Text (Luke 12:34), Jesus alerts us to be very aware of where our treasure is because that’s where our heart will be (the heart having been considered by the ancient Hebrews as the center of thoughts and motives). In this verse, the Greek word translated “treasure” indicates collected, precious things laid up in a treasury. To me, this means not only the truly substantial things, but also thoughts, actions, expectations, and traits that have become so entrenched that we don’t even question their validity. Throughout this Lesson, our Bible friends show the importance of being willing to dig into our mental treasure chest, tossing all matter-based trusts, and discovering the real treasures that constitute our God-given identity. 

In the Responsive Reading (II Chron. 1:8, 10–12; 9:22, 23), our first teacher, the newly anointed King Solomon, valued as substance the spiritual treasures that God put in his heart, as he asked for wisdom and knowledge to help his people. Solomon’s right placement of trust brought an abundance of blessings.

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