In the Christian Science Bible Lesson September 3, 2012 Issue

The depth of God's riches

Kathleen Collins—Godfrey, Illinois

Ever wondered what it’s like to be rich? Well, no need to dream—just take a look at this week’s Bible Lesson, titled “Substance.” There you’ll find a study of “the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God” (Romans 11:33, Golden Text) and the ensuing blessings for humanity. We have God’s assurance that He will “cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures” (Proverbs 8:21, Responsive Reading)—not with silver, gold, or rubies, but with the enduring and meaningful treasures of wisdom, understanding, strength, honor, judgment, and life. 

First Timothy 6 (citation 8) continues this list of qualities of true substance, urging us to “follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness” (verse 11). After all, why should we “trust in uncertain riches” when we have “the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (verse 17)? 

Among our richest treasures are Church, “The structure of Truth and Love; …” and its relative, Temple, “… the superstructure of Truth; the shrine of Love; …” (Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, pp. 583, 595, cits. 29, 13). These “structures” are the channels through which the blessings of God are distributed, through which communities of faith are built, and where “the rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood …” (p. 518, cit. 30). 