Demand

GLADYS CLARA FORSDICK

To every student of Christian Science engaged in the activities of the business world, there must oftentimes come the earnest desire to possess a true and scientific knowledge of demand. Broadly speaking, activity in the business world is based on two things, supply and demand; and the business man is, therefore, ever desirous of finding a constant demand for that which he has to supply. He seems at times, however, to meet with disappointment, discouragement, or even failure; but with grateful and courageous application of the true understanding of demand, as revealed in Christian Science, he will find himself lifted above disturbing, discouraging experiences.

What, then, is the truth about demand? On page 595 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy defines "Thummim" as "Perfection; the eternal demand of divine Science." This bears out our Master's teaching; for did he not command, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect," a command that stands good for all mankind throughout all ages? "Be ye therefore perfect" means the expression of love, gentleness, tenderness, compassion, patience, peace, purity, harmony, gladness, gratitude, unselfishness, truth, justice, and honesty. It is a demand for every spiritual quality. Demand, then, is spiritual; and being spiritual it is constant. It varies not, never lessens, never decreases, and never ceases. Moreover, God demands what man is able to perform, and what by reflection he is capable of giving. And, being spiritual, demand can never be wrong, and can never fluctuate or fail.

Does so-called mortal mind try to persuade us that something desirable is being demanded of us that we are incapable of doing or giving? Then we must realize that this suggestion is erroneous, unreal, untrue, and that all true demand is controlled by God, and is for man's good always. God alone demands; and His demand is for spiritual thinking and acting, for the constant consciousness, expression, and manifestation of good. Demand, then, from God is not in, of, from, or for matter; it is purely spiritual.

From the business standpoint, does demand seem to cease, so worrying the business man or the one who has something of which he wishes to dispose? But demand never ceases, since it is of God, "with whom is no variableness." God never ceases to demand of us perfection, holiness, trustworthiness; and these spiritual, blessed qualities we can eternally and unceasingly express.

A student of Christian Science who was engaged in the business world at one time experienced several days of what seemed to be either the wrong demand or else lack of demand. After prayerful consideration and earnest mental work, the true idea of demand was unfolded; and the student's thought, lifted above material conditions, was filled with joyful gratitude at the contemplation of this new revelation of Truth. Immediately the situation changed, and within a few hours more business was transacted than had been accomplished in the whole of the preceding five days.

Does the demand on us seem too great at any time? This belief is due to a finite sense of substance. True demand is always for some form of good, and good in any and every form is of God, and is therefore infinite and ever available. On page 184 of our textbook we find these comforting and reassuring words: "Truth, Life, and Love are the only legitimate and eternal demands on man."

Is the demand for something new, while the seemingly old is spurned or rejected? Truth is eternal, never old, never losing in loveliness, forever fresh and fair, forever manifesting new beauties and unfoldments, and forever supplying each and every need. Truth is infinite; so there is in reality nothing to be wasted, cast aside, or proved useless or valueless.

As we earnestly and unfalteringly strive to replace every erroneous human concept with true spiritual understanding, "boundless thought walks entraptured, and conception unconfined is winged to reach the divine glory" (ibid., p. 323); and we realize and prove demand to be not only unceasing, but also perfectly and divinely controlled.

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