In the Christian Science Bible Lesson January 9, 2012 Issue

Life is living you

For the lesson titled "Life" from January 9-15, 2012

By Karen Bailey

In this week’s Bible Lesson, titled “Life,” we see that Life truly is God, and we are the effect, the activity, the expression of Life’s ever-present divine consciousness. Science and Health, by Mary Baker Eddy, informs us that “Life is Mind, the creator reflected in His creations” (p. 331, citation 1). Therefore, it becomes clear that Life is living us. Life is the prime actor, and we are the activity, the evidence of Life’s perfect action. “Life demonstrates Life,” says Science and Health (p. 306, cit. 27.)

We begin to realize our God-given dominion as we consistently turn to Him in every need, and accept His divine guidance. Then thoughts, motives, and actions become purified, spiritual progress becomes evident, and we grow in grace. Grace, charis, is defined in the “Dictionary of the Greek Testament” as “the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, p. 77).

In Deuteronomy, chapter 29, Moses reminded the children of Israel of God’s divine influence and manifestation as they journeyed together to establish a nation in the Promised Land. From the time of the Exodus when God delivered them from the Egyptians to His guidance of Moses for their provision in the wilderness, God was the life-giving presence meeting their every need (see verses 2, 5, cit. 1). Although they often complained about their plight, God’s steadfast love remained.