To Adam it was said (Gen. 3: 19), "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread." This somber pronouncement is generally interpreted to mean that through toil and struggle one's daily sustenance is to be gained. In striking contrast is Mary Baker Eddy's comforting statement in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 307), "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies." Thus we see that our daily needs are rightfully met not through toilsome labor but through joyful acceptance of God's spiritual ideas. Christian Science teaches that these ideas are forever at hand, awaiting our recognition and acceptance

Do we seem to be lacking in human necessities—in health, ability, opportunity, companionship, food, shelter? Then let us look to our sense of receptivity. Is our mental home cold and cluttered with uninviting thoughts of ingratitude, doubt, and fear; or is it aglow with joy and thankfulness for God's abundant goodness and protective care?

In Exodus (3:14) God is revealed to us as I AM. Christian Science teaches that in the kingdom of I AM there are no fearful tomorrows, since God is unchanging good. In the light of this truth how unnecessary appears all anxiety regarding the needs of tomorrow. And how apparent is the wisdom of Mrs. Eddy's loving admonition (ibid., p. 307), "Never ask for tomorrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment."

While in a military training camp a young student of Christian Science found himself with insufficient funds to meet a financial obligation. Before retiring that night he turned to the Bible and Christian Science for needed light and inspiration. Gradually such an uplifted sense of God's infinite ability and willingness to meet every need came to him that all uneasiness regarding the lack of funds completely left him.

The following day his entire company was placed under quarantine. The thought of being confined to his barracks with nothing to do seemed at first little less than a calamity. However, it soon occurred to him that he could employ part of the time writing letters to his family and friends. When the letters were completed, the idea came to him further to utilize his time by decorating the front of the envelopes with a simple humorous sketch. A member of the company, on seeing one of the completed envelopes, asked the student to decorate one or two for him. While these were being drawn, other members of the company gathered around and made similar requests. Some wanted as many as two dozen. Even though it appeared necessary to make a small charge, the student was kept pleasantly employed during the next two days. As the orders poured in, he suddenly realized that his financial problem was being solved, for by the end of the second day he had earned more than enough to meet his need. The following day the quarantine was lifted, and the company resumed its normal activity.

A loved hymn states (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 182):

Sometimes a sense of frustration and inertia may tempt us to overlook an opportunity because it seems to be trivial and to have no possible bearing on the working out of our problem. What if the quarantined student had yielded to a sense of indifference and decided he did not feel in the mood for letter writing? What if the request to decorate two envelopes gratuitously had been refused? We never know what simple act may open up the channel which divine Love is waiting to fill to overflowing with the needed supply. For example, a widow woman in a famine-stricken land who was gathering sticks with which to cook her last meal was asked by Elijah, the prophet, for bread. When she replied that she had only a "handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse" (I Kings 17:12), Elijah bade her not to fear but to make him a little cake. He promised her that the meal would not waste, nor the oil fail, "until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth." What if she had resented such a request when her poverty seemed so acute, or questioned the prophet's promise of unfailing supply? Obediently sharing her meager store, she had enough food for her household for many days. Thus "channels for the streams of Love" were made.

In Christian Science we learn that it matters not how hopeless to material sense one's situation may appear to be, for no emergency, no right demand, large or small, can exceed divine Love's willingness and ability to meet it, if we but do our part. Christ Jesus, assuring us that we need have no concern regarding our life, what we shall eat or drink, or how we are to be clothed, said (Matt. 6:33), "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Christian Science clearly reveals that God's kingdom is mental and spiritual; that His righteousness is the expression of His love, purity, goodness, intelligence, and perfection; and that they are ever present and indestructible. Obviously, therefore, our seeking must be done not materially or with the five physical senses, but mentally and spiritually. Christ Jesus showed us the way. Knowing that he of himself could do nothing, he looked heavenward, to God, the source of all real power and intelligence, and gave thanks for the joyous privilege of bearing witness to divine Love's goodness, wisdom, and might. Thus was the Master's inspiring teaching and healing work made possible. What he did he said his followers could do in the degree they understood his words and works.

Is so-called mortal mind tempting us to be fearful, discouraged, lonely, impatient, slothful, selfish? Then let us seek to know that such qualities are no part of our God-given heritage; that they are alien to God's perfect kingdom; and that as citizens of that kingdom we really dwell in the midst of limitless abundance, limitless opportunities and abilities. This seeking of God's kingdom, the consciousness of His harmonious and healing qualities, brings to human consciousness an expanding sense of receptivity which enables us to recognize and utilize God's ever-present and spiritual ideas. Then is the promise fulfilled, for unto us is added an abundant daily supply—all that we need for complete satisfaction and success.