English
Español
Français
DeutschClick here and on the LISTEN arrow to hear Kathy read her Met.
To Respond to God’s Call is to Acknowledge ONE Body …. Governed Entirely by Soul
Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lesson on:
“Soul and Body”
November 13-19, 2023
Prepared by:
Kathy Fitzer of Lake St. Louis, MO kathyfitzer@gmail.com
INTRODUCTION, GOLDEN TEXT AND RESPONSIVE READING
I found the ideas in this week’s lesson helpful at a variety of levels — from the personal to the universal. We learn that man is governed by Soul and that there is one Soul that constitutes the identity of each one — although expressed individually. This oneness eliminates the possibility of conflict between groups (bodies) of people, as well as within individual physical bodies. Thus, the myriad suggestions of conflict presented by the carnal mind and expressed in mortal, material conditions can be overcome as we understand the supremacy and onliness of God, Spirit, Soul.
If you want to pursue this subject of Body and Soul more extensively, I offer this article as one that I have found helpful by Janet Clements. It is titled, “Soul, body, the Holy Ghost—and healing” and is from the August 2016 issue of The Christian Science Journal. Here is a link: https://journal.christianscience.com/shared/view/14prr7a7stu?s=copylink
Although Paul’s letter to the Ephesians specifically addresses concerns regarding the Jewish and Gentile Christians living in Ephesus, his words in the Golden Text remind us of the importance of supporting one another as we strive to follow Christ and understand our true spiritual nature and the spiritual nature of all mankind. The Living Bible translates Ephesians 4:4 as, “We are all parts of one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future.” The Message says, “You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly.” Early Greek and Roman thinkers sometimes compared the universe to a body of interdependent members. Let’s remember that all mankind is really journeying together. How wonderful if our focus could more often be on what we have in common rather than how we differ!
As I continue to pray about the wars going on in the Middle East and Ukraine, I have loved expanding my sense of community to include all mankind. Regardless of people’s differing views of God, it is God’s view of man that matters. God sees all mankind as His children. And God has called each one to be devoted to, and respond to, God’s law of Love and to be embraced by Love’s abundant mercy and compassion. Love is caring for each and every one, knowing no “sides”. In reality, mankind dwells as one body. And, God is calling all mankind to abide in peace and unity. As our prayers bear witness to this fact, we can expect to see evidence of factions and fighting to be resolved. Our prayers can put an end to war and see the unity of one body brought to light.
The Responsive Reading continues the idea that the identity of each individual has its source in God. The impositions of heredity, as well as long-standing, apparently irreconcilable disputes existing between groups of people are rebuked by Ezekiel. The question is raised, as paraphrased in The Message, “What do you people mean by going around the country repeating the saying, ‘The parents ate green apples, the children got the stomachache?’” This is followed by the assurance, “As sure as I’m the living God, you’re not going to repeat this saying in Israel any longer. Every soul—man, woman, child—belongs to me, parent and child alike” (Ezekiel 18, 2-4, Message).
How often are problems based on “bad blood” that has persisted for years? Or how often are we held in bondage by beliefs of heredity? But, each day is a new day. And, as we recognize God, Soul, as the source of all good, we can say with the psalmist, “O my soul, don’t be discouraged. Don’t be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise him for all that he will do. He is my help! He is my God! (Psalm 42:11, TLB). Regardless of how desperate any situation appears — whether manifested as an individual or a collective problem — the fact remains that God is supreme, and we can expect to see Soul expressed as one harmonious embodiment.
SECTION 1: SOUL DOESN’T LIVE IN THE BODY, BUT IS FULLY EXPRESSED BY MAN
There is a commonly held, but false, belief that each of us has a separate soul abiding inside the body. But, Christian Science teaches that rather than there being many little souls, God is Soul. Thus, “man is not a material habitation for Soul; he is himself spiritual” (citation S1, 477:6-7). There is one Soul, or identity. As a spiritual idea, man (that’s all mankind) is “individualized, but not in matter” (cit. S4, 477:19-2). Each individual is the full expression of the fullness of God, “coexistent with God” and incapable of being separated from God. In order to realize the fullness of the blessing that comes from understanding our relationship to Soul, we have to be sure we aren’t accepting — even a little bit — a false sense of soul that would suggest that we have an identity separate from God that lives inside of us.
To me, the verses from Psalms in this section confirm that we dwell forever in Soul, and that Soul is the source of our safety and of our sufficiency. I see in the first citation a promise that we can trust God no matter what situation confronts us, and we can feel secure that we don’t need to turn to any other source for aid (cit. B1, Psalm 11:1). God will always meet our human need. I loved this definition of trust from the New Interpreter’s Bible. It says, “To trust God means fundamentally to affirm, despite appearances, that God is in control.”
Having abided forever with God, we have all we need. And as Psalm 139 says, in the Common English Bible, “I give thanks to you that I was marvelously set apart” (cit. B3, Psalm 139:14, CEB). Marvelously set apart — no one else quite like each one of us, and set apart from anything unlike God! We would do well to appreciate our uniqueness — and the uniqueness of each one — and cherish the fact that we are all made in God’s image, which is all good. How healing that would be!
SECTION 2: RESPOND TO THE CALL OF DEVOTION TO GOD’S LAW — FIND HEALING
I love Paul’s acknowledgement that all that he is, and all that he has been able to accomplish, is due to God’s grace — God’s unfoldment of good (cit. B6, I Corinthians 15:10). Paul was stopped in his tracks and awakened to the true sense of Christ. He was then willing to devote the rest of his life to sharing the good news of Christ ,and bless humanity by converting Gentiles to Christianity and shepherding Jews and Gentiles as the new church was developing.
Similarly, Moses accomplished all he did as a result of stopping to witness, as he was about his daily task of taking care of the sheep, God’s presence in the burning bush (cit. B4, Exodus 3:1-5, 14). It made me ask myself if I am being sufficiently receptive to God’s presence as I go about my daily tasks. Am I willing to respond to the one I, or Ego in all I do, in order to perceive that there is “but one divine Principle, or Mind, governing all existence” (cit. S6, 588:9-19)?
The Golden Text is repeated in this section. All mankind is one, reflecting the one Spirit. What is it to which we are all being called? The New Interpreter’s Bible says that “God’s calling is to create a people who are devoted to God’s law.” Responding to this call of devotion to God’s law starts with an acknowledgement of the oneness of God — the onliness of God as the one I AM, the only Ego. We will bless our world, and be blessed, as we admit that “There is but one I, or Us, but one divine Principle, or Mind, governing all existence.” This reveals the reality of “man and woman unchanged forever in their individual characters, even as numbers which never blend with each other, though they are governed by one Principle” (cit. S6, 588:9-19).
The goal is not to all be the same, but to recognize the beauty and goodness of each one, blending as numbers and notes — or as a beautiful mosaic, with each part enhancing the individual qualities of the others. Whether we are praying to realize the unity and harmony of an individual human body, or the body of mankind, the principle is the same. We have been called to see the spiritual nature of man, and to let our thoughts be gathered into their proper channels by God, Spirit, Mind, and unfolded so that God’s holy purpose of harmony may be seen (cit. S10, 506:18). Regardless of the mortal view, we can see things as God has made them, and healing must follow!
SECTION 3: DEMANDS OF THE CALL
This section helps us understand more clearly just what is involved in God’s “calling”. Mary Baker Eddy asks and answers the question, “What are the demands of the Science of Soul” (cit. S11, 467:1-7,17-23). The answer corresponds to what the Hebrews were told are God’s requirements, as stated in Deuteronomy (cit. B7, Deuteronomy 10:12-14). It’s not unusual to think of demands or requirements as something compulsory that we have to do, and can feel burdensome. But, no burden is involved when it comes to following God’s requirements.
The intent of God’s law is to bring freedom — to enable us to avoid the weight and entrapments of mortal, material so-called laws. As we read in Science and Health, “To divest thought of false trusts and material evidences in order that the spiritual facts of being may appear, — this is the great attainment by means of which we shall sweep away the false and give place to the true.” And, it goes on, “Thus we may establish in truth the temple, or body, ‘whose builder and maker is God’” (cit. S13, 428:8). The body built by God functions totally harmoniously and is the full expression of everything good. It is totally unfettered and free.
So … what are God’s requirements and the demands of the Science of Soul? The International Children’s Bible translates Deuteronomy 10:12 as, “this is what the Lord wants you to do. Respect the Lord your God. Do what he has told you to do. Love him. Serve the Lord your God with your whole being” (cit. B7, Deuteronomy 10:12-14). The basic requirement is to obey the 10 Commandments, which were given to enable us to be blessed by living in alignment with God, Good, and in harmony with others.
Mary Baker Eddy cites the first commandment, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” — before Spirit —as the first demand of the Science of Soul (the Science of Being). What is demanded in order to respond to God’s calling is to accept the fact that man reflects Spirit, Soul and is under the control of divine Principle. There are not many little personalities, or souls abiding inside material bodies. Rather there is one Spirit, Soul which “is not confined in man, and is never in matter” (cit. S11, 467:1-7,17-23).
The demand that is made on us is to acknowledge the oneness and allness of the one Ego — the good God that made all things and governs all things. As we do that, we silence the arguments that come from believing that we’re stuck in a material body that can rebel and act contrary to Love’s divine design of good … or that we have to somehow bring many different minds together and find a way to live with each other. If we start with the oneness of Soul, the individuality of infinite Mind is then expressed harmoniously in our unique experiences, and in mankind’s dealings with each other, just as the individuality and blending of numbers and notes is harmoniously expressed.
SECTION 4: LIFE IS THE LAW OF SOUL
This section shares the story of the prophet Elijah being cared for by a widow woman (an unlikely source of supply during a drought and famine) and later Elijah raising this woman’s son from the dead (cit. B9, I Kings 17:1, 8-19, 22-24). Both instances are examples of God caring for those who “dwell in [God’s] house” — or in the consciousness of God’s care being supreme and ever-present (cit. B8, Psalm 84:1-4). Elijah’s experience is a great example of responding to God’s call.
Elijah is speaking with King Ahab, who is married to Jezebel, who is devoted to the Canaanite god Baal. Baal was believed to be the one who brings rain and, thus, the possibility of life on earth. So, it seems extremely appropriate, although quite ironic, that Elijah proclaims that rain will not come until Elijah’s God says so. And, despite the drought, not only will Elijah be cared for, but also a widow woman and her son will be given life. The son’s life was actually saved twice … once when he and his mother appeared to be out of food and again when he became ill and died. This was a clear demonstration of God, Soul, being the source of life. I found it so interesting that the woman still doubted Elijah’s authority, even after seeing the multiplication of oil. It wasn’t until her son was raised from the dead after being sick that she remarked, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth” (cit. B9, I Kings 17:1,8-19,22-24).
What does it take for us to trust in the power of God to bring salvation and life to our experience — regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in? It seems to me that the challenge is to not let ourselves be pulled into the mortal testimony, regardless of how convincing that testimony may be. Mary Baker Eddy writes, “Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts” (cit. S20, 261:4, 24). Do we allow our thought to be consumed with images of war and conflict, of lack and disease? Or, do we confront every negative thought with the conviction that “the divine Mind is the Soul of man, and gives man dominion over all things” (cit. S14, 307:25-26).
I found helpful definitions of soul in Webster’s 1828 dictionary. They include: “the vital principle; essence; chief part; Life; animating principle or part; active power; heart or affection.” So, the divine Mind is the “vital principle, active power and affection” of man. This Mind is all good, all harmonious, and as a result gives man the power to overcome every limitation.
Mind, Soul, is the driving force, governing all mankind. As we realize this, we won’t be fooled by the evidence of war or sickness or death or destruction and lack — no matter how awful it appears to be. We don’t ignore problems, but like Elijah, we need to see through them to the reality of being until that reality becomes apparent, and healing is realized. “Christian Science (the law of God) … shows the scientific relation of man to God, disentangles the interlaced ambiguities of being, and sets free the imprisoned thought” (cit. S19, 114:23-27). We need to magnify every victory over limitation, every instance of peace, every example of disease and death being overcome. Life is the law of Soul! We need to bear witness to that!!
SECTION 5: FOLLOW JESUS’ EXAMPLE — CLAIM YOUR INSEPARABILITY FROM GOD
Jesus so completely understood the Christly nature that defined him (and defines all mankind) — and so understood the inseparability of God and man — that he was unfazed by the devil’s temptations. The premise from which the devil started was, “IF you are the Son of God”. Jesus knew he was! And, we need to know that we are, too!. When that approach didn’t work, the devil tried bribing Jesus with the promise of material riches and power if Jesus would bow down and worship him. Jesus’ response, of course, was to categorically dismiss Satan because only God is to be worshipped — and only God is the source of good.
Might we sometimes be tempted to think that a material path to success is more reliable than a spiritual one? And, that if we are willing to compromise our values (just a little), we will find rewards that are beyond God’s ability to provide? What especially struck me was that it was after Jesus took the stand he took — putting down temptation and totally embracing his Christly nature — that he healed everyone who was brought to him (cit. B11, Matthew 4:1-11, 24). In order to heal as Jesus healed we have to be clear about who we are as the children of God. We have to maintain our conviction that God is the supreme authority and the only source of all good!
Mary Baker Eddy emphasizes that [Jesus] “claimed no intelligence, action, nor life separate from God” (cit. S26, 136:5-6). Elsewhere she points out that we must “rid ourselves of the belief that man is separated from God, and obey only the divine Principle, Life, and Love.” She says that this is “the great point of departure for all true spiritual growth.” She goes on to say, “The denial of material selfhood aids the discernment of man’s spiritual and eternal individuality, and destroys the erroneous knowledge gained from matter or through what are termed the material senses” (cit. S27, 91:5,16).
Isn’t the Satan of our day the aggressive suggestions, constantly bombarding us from all sides, that we are inadequate, that we are lacking something, that we are functioning in an orbit of our own, separated from God, Good, and that our world is one of division and conflict? But, regardless of what negative thoughts or thoughts of inadequacy tempt us, we can know — as Jesus knew — that we are the children of God, that we fully express Christ, and so are and “ever will be inseparable from the divine Principle, God” (cit. S21, 333:26-27). Whenever we are tempted by thoughts that are not Godlike — not in accord with a sense of completeness and harmony — we must uncover those thoughts as not coming from God, see them as a form of sin (a form of missing the mark), and rebuke them (cit. S24, 6:23-24). Like Jesus, respond with authority, saying, “Get thee behind me, Satan” (cit. S25, 7:1-2).
SECTION 6: PRAISE THE FACT THAT YOU ARE THE REFLECTION OF THE ONE SOUL
The Common English Bible translates citation 12 from Psalm 103 as “Let my whole being bless the Lord! Let everything inside me bless his holy name” (cit. B12, Psalm 103:1, CEB). In this context, the Hebrew for the word translated bless means to kneel before, praise, salute and thank. To me, it means to give God all of the glory for whoever and whatever we are, and for every blessing and every evidence of good, no matter how small.
The Lesson concludes with this simple statement from Science and Health: “Man is the reflection of Soul” (cit. S29, 249:31). Webster (in the 1828 dictionary) defines reflection as “the expression of thought”. This says to me that there is really just God, Mind, the one Soul or identity expressing itself as man. There is infinite individuality, as there are infinite tones and infinite shades of color. But, one source, and so one effect. We need to embrace our individual and collective bodies as not being separate from the control of Soul.
We need to alertly entertain no calling other than obedience to God, and rejoice in the direction and sense of identity and completeness that comes from our Source — the Soul of all being! As we do that, we will find that we’re not traveling in an orbit of our own — destined to zig and zag and make our way through a life of ups and downs. Rather, we will see that we are the full expression of an infinite whole, filling a special niche — while blending with each other — forever! It begins with how we perceive ourselves and respond to each one that we come in contact with. On a recent trip to Turkey and Greece I witnessed the universal love expressed by the people I interacted with. It was glorious. As we practice recognizing the unity of Soul in our daily lives, we can expect the law of Love to be evident in our day to day experiences and in our health, as well as to spread throughout the world and be visibly expressed.
The first cache of GEMs of BIBLE-BASED application ideas (from Cobbey Crisler & others) will be emailed early in the week and the second cache will be emailed later in the week. You can always check for GEM contributions in progress before then at CedarS INSPIRATION website, whether or not you’ve SUBSCRIBED here for this free, inspirational offering.
Also later in the week, look for Ken Cooper’s
”POETIC POSTLUDE”
contributions related to this Bible Lesson.
THANKS to all you PRECIOUS DONORS for ALL of your ONGOING SUPPORT!
Every camper & visitor will be blessed by your GENEROSITY, VISION & LOVE!
ANOTHER MATCH WAS MET and its project operationally completed before camp! Thanks to several generous donors to our special A/V Appeal we were able to finish building a CHAPEL A.V. BOOTH that will protect not only new, donated equipment, but also all our hymnals for worship services and for CedarS Sunday Hymn Sings.
If you haven’t lately checked out the GIVING TREE, there are still plenty of other smaller areas of need to fill yet this year! Campers & staff will also be blessed bigtime by the donations made to additional areas of camp, including our horse program, activity equipment, camperships, and Christian Science nursing and practitioner services.
We’re deeply grateful for EVERY GIFT of love & support,
The CedarS Team
P.S. For more about ways to keep CedarS operations ever more green and flourishing and/or to make a PLANNED GIFT, A REQUIRED IRA DISTRIBUTION or an ENDOWMENT GIFT (that will all be MATCHED), feel free anytime to call or text me (Warren Huff, Executive Director Emeritus and Project Manager) at 314-378-2574. I can put you in touch with our Financial Advisor/broker who donates all fees for stock transfers and freely shares tailored, tax-advantaged giving approaches.
