Editor’s Note: The following background information and application ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson for this week are offered primarily to help CedarS campers and staff see and demonstrate the great value of daily study of the Christian Science Bible lessons year-round, not just at camp. If more information or the text of this Lesson is desired, please see the Director’s Note at the end. The citations referenced in the “met” (metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the King James Version of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. The Bible and Science and Health are the ordained pastor of Churches of Christ, Scientist. The Bible Lesson is the sermon read in Christian Science church services throughout the world. (Other reference books are fully noted at the end.)
Indestructible wellbeing & God’s bounty are always available! Application Ideas on “SUBSTANCE” (The Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lesson for Sept. 4 – 11, 2005)
by Corde Hanzlik, C.S., Austin, TX
As our prayers have turned to recognize God bounty and care for all, in all circumstances, the Christian Science Weekly Bible Lesson is right on target. God’s bounty is always available! Indestructible wellbeing! The Golden Text tells us that God is our rich source. All we need to do is to call. Faith is the key to everything according to the Responsive Reading and further on in the Lesson. Faith is substantive. Three examples are Abraham, Sara(h) and Moses. When they followed God and His direction, they were rewarded bountifully. The task for us, as it was for them, is to do what God demands of us and “not be slothful”.
Section 1: Watch how, where and why you spread your roots
The metaphors used in the Bible in this section might not seem very understandable to an urban society, but we can understand Jabez’s prayer.(B4) Obviously, water is extremely important to a tree. God takes care of His trees/man giving us what we need. Right foundation is the key. I the Lord searche the heart,” (knows your thought) I try the reins (the inner most parts)”. (B1) If our motives and desires are in obedience with God, we are blest. If working or praying with wrong motives, we’ll not be holy, but have holes – lose all. The winning seeds? Righteousness and mercy.In the Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, substance is explained to be totally spiritual, to be of God, never of matter. (S&H1) Think about the qualities of invisible and indivisible – we are hidden with God, unseen to material sense; and we are never fragmented parts nor separated from God. (S&H 2) We are again presented with the reminder to check our motives. Is God the center of our love and trust? (S&H3) The last marker in the first section could be the nagging tease of mind-sets to test our devotion. Where do we truly put our trust? It sure would seem stupid to rely on matter even though it looks good. Spirit definitely has the “right stuff”. (S&H 4)
Section 2: No one is left out or deserted
This section is perfect for disaster relief. There is no blame, no anger, no hurt. There is only good for every idea of God. He’s waiting for our call. “Out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.” (B8) There are no refugees in the Kingdom of God. There is always home, care, love, …… Again repeated is the “searching of the heart” and “know my thoughts”.(B9) God already knows our need while at the same time His is fulfilling it. (S&H5) He knows because Mind is the maintainer and the corrector. There is permanence to His work. (S&H7) Look what Love is giving us – might, immortality, goodness, health, holiness, infinite Life, Truth, Love. (S&H8)
Section 3: Donations?
Even the provision for helping others is covered in this Lesson. When we realize the spiritual reason and motive for our giving we may find our “tribute” in the strangest of places. It seems a rather fishy story, but why should we ever doubt or outline how God is doing His job. Jesus didn’t want to break the law. He did what was required. We ‘re not losers in giving. (S&H10) Remember the camp song “Love is something if you give it away, give it away, give it away, Love is something if you give it away, you end up having more.” If we know God is infinite supply, could there ever be a demand not met, or anyone left out? We are all “in one grand brotherhood” gaining from giving, whether we are the giver or the givee. (S&H14)
Section 4: Never a time of lack – there never was a Depression
Jesus chides his disciples about their complaining about not having enough bread and their hardened hearts. Both the number 12 and 7 in biblical terms are symbols of completeness.(B14) He reminded them of the good that they have, the true bread of life that never runs out. All good begins with right seed. Aren’t we seeds as well as sowers? Doesn’t God take care of both seed and sower? We are blessed by our good thoughts and endeavors. (S&H15) What is spiritual evolution? Is it waiting for change and development? No. Spiritual evolution is unfolding – the unfolding of all good, without beginning or end. (S&H 16) Even the earth is commanded by God as we read in marker 17 of S&H. All is His, so therefore ours by reflection. It sure looks like everything for many thousands of people have “lapsed” from harmony, but God holds all, unchanged. (S&H 19)
Section 5: The directive
If anyone doesn’t know their job by the end of this section, they’d better read it again. We are to heal, cleanse, raise, cast out, give, (B16) be a messenger, an interpreter, shew, be gracious, deliver. (B19) God and the Christ within give us the strength, faith and courage to do the work. (B20) Work? Blessing is work? We are filled with fulness. Redundancy. As we have received all ability, we can do what God requires. We can, through Christ Jesus, that is, the understanding of the healing method that Jesus showed and proved and Mrs. Eddy explained, heal and demonstrate power over any sense of evil.(S&H20, 21) Mr. Clark in marker 23 and 24 is Mrs. Eddy’s proof that “history” of a claim or problem has no real power to make the situation true, impossible or difficult.
Section 6: The destruction of material things has no power to limit
It would appear that much was lost (literally many temples) last week, but we must continue to realize the good unfolding and claim it for everyone. Let’s not be fooled by the media’s imposition. There is no death, no end to living. There is only promise. We need to refuse to give into “finding fault.” Jesus proved that he could not be destroyed. Actually, through his human sacrifice, he gave us absolute proof of immortality. Are we so caught up in the world and ourselves that we lose track of what we are? Clear the fog or rise above it using marker 27 and 28 of S&H. Rather than be “absorbed in material selfhood” (a human statistic), let’s be an individual idea of God. We live in God’s complete, all universe, now. (S&H 29) Thank you, Father-Mother for your constant love in Love.
Camp Director’s Note: The above sharing is the latest in a long series of CedarS Bible Lesson “mets” (metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians. This document is intended to initiate further study as well as to encourage the application of ideas found in the Weekly Bible Lessons as printed in the Christian Science Quarterly and as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms.* Originally sent JUST to campers, staff and CedarS families who wanted to continue at home and in their home Sunday Schools the same type of focused Lesson study and inspiration they had felt at camp, CedarS lesson “mets” are in no way meant to be definitive or conclusive or in any way a substitute for daily study of the lesson in the books. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension, background and daily applicability to some of the ideas and passages being studied. The Lesson-Sermon speaks individually through the Christ to everyone, providing unique insights and tailor-made applications for each one. We are glad you requested this metaphysical sharing and hope that you find some of these ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor.)
