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PortuguêsBECOME THE MASTER OF MATTER BY SEEING THAT ALL IS MIND!
Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lesson on
“Matter”
for March 15-21, 2021
Prepared by: Kathy Fitzer
kathyfitzer@gmail.com
To hear this Met, click on: Audio Met on “Matter” by Kathy Fitzer – CedarS Camps
For specic reference used, see the written version below OR online at Lesson Applications & Possible Sunday School Ideas – CedarS Camps
Every week, in every Christian Science church, in every corner of the earth, the service concludes with the reading of the Scientific Statement of Being from the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, followed by the reading of the Correlative Scripture from I John, chapter 3 that forms a Biblical foundation for this powerful statement. Sunday School also ends with the Scientific Statement of Being. When we find ourselves struggling with an urgent challenge, a mental “go-to” is often a repetition of the Scientific Statement of Being. The question is … are we really accepting the healing message of this statement, or simply repeating the words? Admittedly, simply repeating the words is better than rehearsing an injury or some other problem. But, this week we have the opportunity to dig deeper and really rejoice in the freedom that is being communicated in this amazing statement, as well as the 1st John scripture it is based on.
SECTION 1: PROVE THESE REMARKABLE AND RELATED STATEMENTS THIS WEEK!
The first section consists solely of these two statements, standing on their own. So, I’m going to start by simply including those here with some similar wording and patterns highlighted … to set the tone that the rest of the Bible Lesson follows.
The Bible
Citation 1: John 3:1–3 [Questions often include words like who, what, when, where, why and how. Check out the highlighted, bolded, italics in these two citations & throughout this Lesson.]
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, [why?] that we should be called [who?] the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, [why?] because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, [when?] now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be [what?] like him; [why?] for we shall see him as he is. 3 And [who?] every man that hath [what?] this hope in him purifieth himself, [how?] even as he is pure.
From the New International Version:
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, [a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy
Citation 1: page 468:8–15
Question. — What is the scientific statement of being?
Answer. — There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all. Spirit is immortal Truth; matter is mortal error. Spirit is the real and eternal; matter is the unreal and temporal. Spirit is God, and man is His image and likeness. Therefore man is not material; he is spiritual.
Notice the present tense running through both (now; is). Notice, also, that the Bible verse speaks of being like Christ when Christ appears, because we will “see him as he is”. “We shall be like him” when we “see him”, just as a reflection is just like the original when the original is revealed, or clearly seen. Accepting these statements as present reality means seeing harmonious reality now — no delay!
I found a couple of articles that were helpful to me in gaining a clearer sense of the correlative relationship of 1st John with the Scientific Statement of Being. One was an article written by a student of Mary Baker Eddy’s, Hermann S. Hering. He asked her for approval before it was published, which, of course, was granted. https://sentinel.christianscience.com/issues/1906/1/8-19/i-john-3-1-2-3
A more recent article, https://journal.christianscience.com/issues/1982/9/100-9/understanding-the-correlative-scripture, included this statement: “By indicating the correlative nature of the I John verses in respect to “the scientific statement of being,” Mrs. Eddy shows us that the Bible verses themselves indicate both the unreality of matter and the present spiritual sonship of all, however much the deceptive corporeal senses would try to obscure this sonship. It is instructive to read the whole of I John with these points in thought.”
There is also a helpful Sentinel Watch podcast that addresses the question, How Can I Better Understand the Scientific Statement of Being? with Janet Clements. Here’s a link: https://sentinel.christianscience.com/sentinel-audio/sentinel-watch/q-a-how-can-i-better-understand-the-scientific-statement-of-being
GOLDEN TEXT: FOLLOW THE PATTERN. WHEN QUESTIONS ARISE CONCERNING MATTER’S SEEMING SOVEREINTY, ANSWER “NO WAY!”
Just as the Scientific Statement of Being starts with a “what” question, so does our Golden Text. “What good will it do you if I am in the grave? Once I have turned to dust, how can I praise you or tell how loyal you are?” (Psalm 30: 8,9, Contemporary English Version)
As we call out to God [why?] for help, let’s know [what?] that it is His/Her will that we live — [where?] in Him/Her, [how?] as His/Her image and likeness — [when?] now and eternally.
RESPONSIVE READING: SAY NO TO MATTER & YES TO GOD AS THE SOURCE OF ALL GOOD!
Note that the answer to the “Question—What is the Scientific Statement of Being?” starts by saying what it is not — saying no to matter as the source of life, of truth, of intelligence and of substance. In like manner, our Responsive Reading opens by repeating not several times. We are to “give glory… not to us … not to us…but to your name” (to God’s nature). It continues denouncing the common idols of money (“silver and gold”); of humanism (“the work of human hands”)… and material body parts (“mouths …do not speak; eyes…do not see; …ears…do not hear; noses…do not smell; hands…do not feel; feet…do not walk…throats…do not make a sound.” (Psalm 115:1-8) The psalmist here is giving glory to God and denouncing idols (and what society often thinks most of) that have no life in them. But he also humbly acknowledges the human struggle to not be drawn in by the idolatry of the physical senses.
A common mistake throughout time has been for men to limit their concept of God, and thus worship gods made in the image of man, rather than to recognize man to be the image of the one God, which is “in the heavens”. Here, according to the New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary, “the heavens symbolize God’s cosmic sovereignty. … God makes things happen, the idols are made by people.”
Even though the human mind seems mesmerized by the claims of matter (“clings to the dust”) we pray for God to reveal that we have been fashioned by God and we will be given “understanding that [we] may learn [God’s] commandments.” (Psalm 119: 73)
The opening line of 1st John 3, “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us” assures us that it is God’s delight to reveal His truth to us!
SECTION 2: WHAT IS MATTER? A MISTAKEN CONCEPT WITH NO MAKER. WHEN? NOW
God’s love is expressed in the singularity of spiritual goodness that constitutes His creation. As translated in the Amplified Bible, the gospel of John opens with, “In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ) …” “Beginning” comes from the Greek word, arkham, and includes the idea of “active cause or origin,” and “chief in rank”. The Greek, logos, translated Word, can mean “the Divine Expression (or Christ), or the essential Word (or thought) of God.” Thought springs from Mind, so we can conclude that God is Mind. And “God is Spirit” (citation B4, John 4: 24 NRSV). So … God is Spirit and is Mind.
Continuing, we read, “All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being.” (cit. B2, John 1:1, 3, Amp) To me, that last part is key, especially when considered in conjunction with the first chapter of Genesis. The logic is there … God made everything; made man in His image; and declared everything He made to be good (Gen. 1:1, 26, 31). Because God (Spirit, Mind) can only make things of Spirit, or Mind, the unlikeness of Spirit — called matter — has no maker. (see citation S3, 335:7-12)
So, how do we explain what appears to the senses to be matter? It’s an important question to be really clear about, but not get hung-up on! Put simply, “matter is an error of statement” (cit. S7, 277:24-27). It’s a mistaken view. It seems very real and we can be easily fooled by it. But, in reality, it is an illusion of belief that must be seen through or corrected in order to see what really is. In every case, we’re dealing with thought. The question is the origin of the thought. Is it from the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent divine Mind … or is it the suggestion of a never powerful, know nothing, never present mindless material belief. (cit. S5, 275:20) Being a belief, the suggestions must yield to Mind as thought turns to the “light [that] shineth in darkness;” [but which is not comprehended by the darkness.] (cit. B2 John 1:5) Darkness truly has no power. It is simply the absence of light. Similarly, matter has no power. It is simply the suppositional absence of Spirit, Mind.
SECTION 3: HOW DO WE BECOME SPIRITUAL SEERS? TRUSTINGLY FOLLOW GOD!
Remember that we are God’s children now. But, before we can see and experience the fullness of that, we have to see God fully revealed. God has established a covenant (a contract) with His children. He will always be there for them (us), but to see the blessings, the people (we) need to put God first and obey His laws. In Malachi we read that the people weren’t following the Jewish law of tithing — bringing one-tenth of agricultural produce, from both livestock and produce, to the temple as a gift to God. They apparently were skimping — not confident enough to completely trust God to care for them. God assures the people that once they are willing to bring the full offering, God will pour out more blessings than they can even imagine (cit. B6, Malachi 3:10, 11).
How are we doing trusting God completely today? When we have a decision to make or we’re looking at the bank account or a relationship issue, are we leaning on Him completely, confidently trusting His guidance? Or, is there a limit to how far we’re willing to go, only being comfortable if there is a human plan to fall back on?
I’ve often thought about how crazy Elisha’s suggestion to the widow woman must have seemed. She only had a little oil, but she was told to go to her neighbors and ask to borrow empty vessels. What would she say when they asked what she needed them for? Wouldn’t they laugh at her? We might be tempted to feel that way today if the instruction should come to go to the bank and ask for a loan for a start-up business, or apply for a job that seems like a real long-shot, or apply to a school that seems like a reach, or start a project that seems impossible to complete in the necessary timeframe. But, if we have given our all to God, and are listening each step of the way and following only what we are led to do, we can trust as confidently as the widow woman trusted Elisha and expect to receive what we need. We just can’t let ourselves humanly outline the outcome or let doubt or concern over what others are going to think sneak in. Sometimes the answer may be to stop, or change direction. But, the blessings will always be there!
The point is that we must believe that we can be prophets (spiritual seers) (cit. S9, 593: 4). To do so we need to put “less weight into the material or fleshly scale and more weight into the spiritual scale” (cit. S10; 155: 21-25). The spiritual is one of ideas — infinite in nature, full of expectant hope, and ever available. The material is limited and constantly calls up fear and doubt. We have to constantly go up higher in thought … seeing only good … in order to “gain more correct views of God and man” so that “multitudinous objects of creation, which before were invisible, will become visible.” Start and stay with the fact that “Life is Spirit” — limitless! (cit. S11, 262: 10 & S12, 264: 13) I remember as a kid diving for pennies on the bottom of the pool. It was hard to see them until I got out of the pool and got a clearer perspective. Move out of mulling over human scenarios and possibilities. Go to God — obediently acknowledge the allness of God — and answers will come. Patiently and persistently hold to a spiritual view and you will be blessed! “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need,” (SH 494: 10-11)
SECTION 4: WHAT DEFINES WHO WE ARE? THE TEMPORAL? OR THE ETERNAL?
The world would tell us that success and happiness are measured by how much money or stuff we have. The problem is that matter in general, and that includes material wealth, is temporal — temporary, fluctuating, and limited by time. Spiritual wealth, on the other hand — measured by qualities such as kindness, humility, generosity, love, flexibility, ingenuity, joy — are eternal (perpetual, endless, enduring). So, the question remains from Section 3, citation S10, where are we putting more weight — into the material or spiritual scale? (SH 155:21-25)
Jesus was quite clear in his teaching regarding the dangers of being consumed by material wealth. Wealth isn’t the problem; it is how we view that wealth. This comes out in the parable known as the “rich fool” from Luke 12 (citation B12, Luke 12: 13, 16-21). The telling of the story was sparked when Jesus’ teaching was interrupted by someone asking a question that had nothing to do with what Jesus had been talking about. This person was so worried about how his family inheritance was being split that he took center stage to ask Jesus to adjudicate the situation. Jesus didn’t see that as his role, but he did take advantage of the situation to teach a valuable lesson. In the parable he tells of a man who was obsessed with accumulating wealth. When he had a bountiful yield, he didn’t even think about the possibility of who he could share it with. He simply made plans to build more storage space. His total focus appears to be on having enough to live in luxury forever. God and goodness were left out of the equation. Unfortunately, in the story, his life was taken that night, and all of that accumulated wealth did him no good at all.
A few verses later (cit. B12, Luke 12: 33, 34) Jesus encourages his listeners to sell their goods and help those less fortunate. In this way, true riches would be found in the form of spiritual qualities that would never run out … sustaining them, as well as blessing others.
The parable doesn’t say it is wrong to be humanly successful, or to have money at one’s disposal. The key is to see God as the source of every bit of the good, see it as being spiritual (thus eternal and unlimited) and not material (temporal and limited), and humbly and unselfishly turn to God to determine the best way to use the blessings that have come. As Mary Baker Eddy writes, “blessed is that man who seeth his brother’s need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another’s good” (cit. S19, 518:15-19). Because true wealth is spiritual in nature, there is enough for everyone to have what they need. Does love run out, or honesty, or joy or peace, or a feeling of being satisfied? No! Because the source is God, Spirit, Love! When we stop trusting in worldly riches, we will become rich in Spirit and our “zigzag course” will end up on the straight path of spiritual goodness, feeling satisfied with the assurance that God will always provide! Turning from matter to Spirit, like a flower turns to the light, allows us to forsake the worldly model of inequality, uncertainty, and fear. As we seek to understand the infinite nature of God’s goodness, we will be blessed, and be able to bless others! (cit. S18, 458: 32-8)
SECTION 5: HOW DO WE BECOME THE MASTER OF MATTER? THROUGH FAITH IN WHAT IS TRUE … IN SPIRIT
Faith includes seeing through the limited report of the material senses to what God (Mind, Spirit) has made and is revealing. (cit. B14, Hebrews 11: 1, 3) It is reported in Acts that a man unable to walk was healed by Paul. The experience is reminiscent of Peter healing the lame man outside the temple. The man had been paying close attention to what Paul was saying, although there is no indication that the man asked to be healed. (cit. B15, Acts 14:8-10) It seems to me that healing, in this situation, was the natural outgrowth of both Paul and the man recognizing the truth of spiritual being (as demonstrated in the life and teachings of Jesus), and seeing through the false reports of matter (cit. S20, 369:5-7, 14-15). As this happens, healing is inevitable.
Health, being an attribute of Spirit, is the real and eternal. Disease, being an unreal material counterfeit, is unreal and temporal (cit. S21, 120:15-17 and cit. S25, 337:20-24). It is so freeing to know that we don’t have to helplessly watch disease develop or have its way with us — or others. Material evidence can’t tell us if things are better or worse. As metaphysicians, we need to constantly check in with Mind and “delineate upon [the body] thoughts of health, not of sickness.”
Stick to the fact that “man, being immortal, has a perfect indestructible life.” (cit. S22, 423:8-24 & cit. S23, 208:29-2) The scientific fact is that “Spirit is God, and man is His image and likeness.” That is the fact … no matter what else seems to be going on. Stay as focused on that fact as the lame man was focused on Paul’s teachings. Faith in what is true is surely rewarded and healing happens through the Word of God!
SECTION 6: WHERE IS THOUGHT FOCUSED? MATTER MUST YIELD TO THE SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVE!
The last line of the “Scientific Statement of Being” says “therefore man is not material; he is spiritual.” Whenever you see the word therefore you know it ties in with what came before. The case has been made. Spirit is all, and matter is nothing. Satan tried to battle against Truth when Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days. But, Christ had the last word. Again, in Revelation we see the battle between Truth and error, Spirit and matter, the angels of Satan and the angels of God. But the result is always the same. Good wins! And “now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ.” (cit. B16, Rev. 12:7-10, 12)
The devil can only claim to have power, claim “that there is intelligence in matter either to benefit or to injure men.” Important to recognize that matter can’t benefit any more than it can injure (like in the parable of the rich fool.) This false belief that we call the serpent or devil or Satan, or the red dragon can only ever be one thing … “pure delusion.” (cit. 29, 567:18-23)
It can be tempting to judge progress by material indicators … material evidence or measurements. But, we’ve got to break that cycle. The only question we have to ask is where is our thinking dwelling. Are we focusing on the problems, symptoms, the desperation we’re seeing or feeling? OR, are we on fixing our thought/attention on our knowledge of and faith in the reports of Spirit, coming straight from God — regardless of what the body, check-book, or other indicators are saying?
We read, “If divine Love is becoming nearer, dearer, and more real to us, matter is then submitting to Spirit” (cit. S31, 239:16-20). I have experienced times when nothing about the body or another situation has changed, but my thought has stopped focusing on the problem and I have become engrossed in the presence and power of God. Maintaining that altitude of thought, the erroneous situation has no choice but to yield to Truth.
As we turn from the limited material view to the reality of infinite Spirit we gain a greater sense of who we are as a child of God and we experience a sense of “enlarged individuality, a wider sphere of thought and action, a more expansive love, a higher and more permanent peace” (cit. S32, SH 265:10). The temptations of the devil are then cast down, matter yields to Spirit, and victory is experienced. Not our victory, but God’s!!!
CLICK below for more APPLICATION IDEAS for this Lesson from CedarS-team:
- CedarS GEMs of the week will be sent ASAP with their very helpful insights and application ideas from Cobbey Crisler and others.
- Hear on YouTube a custom Ken Cooper poem “What is matter” and a poem called “Now is come Salvation” both related to this week’s Bible Lesson.
Enjoy OPPORTUNITIES for SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT with fresh insights WEEKLY!
CedarS Sunday Hymn Sings every Sunday! Don’t miss CedarS TWO special Easter Sunday Hymn Sings by Andrew Brewis of the UK! You can sing along with Andrew and hundreds of friends worldwide the 8 hymns he wrote for the 2017 Christian Science Hymnal, as well as several favorite Easter hymns! Click here for fuller, special details.
Invite family, church and other friends and even neighbors to join us by Zoom every week at 7pm Central Time for CedarS Sunday Hymn Sings. (A precious prelude precedes each sing at 6:45pm CT.) We encourage singing along in Zoom’s gallery view to share the joy of seeing dear ones in virtual family-church reunions that bless all generations.
To protect privacy and copyrights, these “brief, but spectacular” sessions are NOT recorded. So, calibrate your time-zone clocks, mark your calendars, and remind friends, so that no one misses any of these inspiring, weekly reminders of our precious, spiritual oneness with each other and with our ever-loving, Father-Mother God who owns and embraces us all!
Lovingly singing prayers and praise to God for 30 minutes each Sunday is such a warm, “Welcome Home” tradition to bless the start of each week with joyous, peaceful GRACE. (Our 2021 theme.) We have loved singing-in this grace with longtime as well as first-time friends—not only from ALL 50 of the United States, but also from 21 other countries! So far, our “Hymn Sing family” has clicked or dialed-in from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, England, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan, Paraguay, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, as well as from each of the United States! In the universal language of divine Love, the “still, small voice”’ of scientific thought reaches over continent and ocean to the globe’s remotest bound.” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 559:8–10)
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