Seek what is substantial — what really matters!

Seek what is substantial — what really matters – not things but thoughts!

Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on

Substance for March 7-13, 2011

Prepared by Kathy Fitzer, C.S., of St. Louis, MO kathyfitzer@gmail.com

[brackets by Warren]

 [Editor's Note: The following application ideas for this week, and the Possible Sunday School Topics that will follow, are offered primarily to help CEDARS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and demonstrate the great value of daily study and application of the Christian Science Bible lessons year-round, not just at camp! You can sign up to have them emailed to you free — in English by Monday each week, or by each Wednesday you can get a FREE TRANSLATION in French thanks to Pascal, in German thanks to Helga or in Spanish thanks to a team of Ana, Erick, Claudia and Patricio. YOU CAN SIGN UP at www.cedarscamps.org/newsletters]

 

What really matters in life? What is it we're focused most on? Money? Grades? Health? Looks? Winning? Satisfying appetite? Escaping and having fun? — Or,  Giving? Blessing? Expressing talents? Witnessing? Fulfilling potential? Sharing companionship? Obviously, each of these lists is limited — with lots of possibilities left off. But, this week's lesson helps us realize that how we think (what we've made our priorities) determines our true substance. We're all doing the best we can at the moment — but no doubt most of us could do better — if we made it a priority. It's not the things or the activities as much as how we think about the things (we have and do) that matters. It's all about being God-centered — selflessly Love-centered! (Evan Mehlenbacher's 20-minute lecture on christianscience.com, titled “Are you ready to flourish?” gives some great insights on exchanging things for thoughts.)

 

Golden Text: The treasure of lasting substance — found in the Kingdom 

Jesus taught us to seek the kingdom of God to find true treasures. As used in this verse, the original Greek word translated 'seek' meant 'to worship God' (in a good sense) and in a bad sense it meant t'o plot against [someone's] life.' So, if we're pursuing material pleasures — or looking to matter to meet our needs — rather than trusting God — we're actually plotting against ourselves, rather than helping or strengthening our position. When the Bible refers to heart, think in terms of the whole of an individual — a person's center, so to speak. So, if our treasure (or what's important to us in life) is rooted in seeking God's kingdom (“the realm of unerring, eternal, and omnipotent Mind” S&H 590) — we find our lives anchored in that kingdom — secure, consistent and incapable of being disturbed, no matter what kind of storm rocks our world. Money, good looks and cool friends can be taken from us, but we can't be robbed of gratitude, faith, joy and goodness, which lead to lasting supply, beauty, grace, health, and companionship. Seek that which builds and lasts, and you will be whole — including a rhythmically beating heart, the currents of Love circulating freely and unobstructed.

 

Responsive Reading: Solomon's treasure-seeking example

Solomon knew what he needed in order to be successful — not wealth, or others appreciating his greatness, or revenge on his enemies. He just needed wisdom and knowledge. That's all any of us need! We can't know specifically what we'll need in any given situation, but if we have wisdom, we'll know what to do and where to go to solve whatever challenge confronts us. With wisdom, Solomon also received great wealth and respect. But, those came because Solomon sought God's kingdom and treasured His gift of wisdom. He sought the “means” — not the end! We don't have to worry about beating out someone else, or how much stuff we can accumulate. We just give God the glory for all things, and pray that we'll know what we need to know, when we need to know it. Love will take care of the details — supplying every need perfectly!

 

Section 1: What is substance — what's really real — and how is it perceived?

If you look the word “substance” up in the dictionary, you'll find a variety of definitions which suggest that both matter and spirit are substance. But, substance is consistently identified as that which is real, significant, solid, which exists by itself, and “the ultimate reality that underlies all outward manifestations and change” (Webster).  Strong defines the Greek word used in Hebrews (referring to faith being substance) as “a setting under or support; essence.” True substance is what is really real and can't be taken away — it's what grounds us so we can go forward!

 

The first four citations of the Bible describe God's creation as all-inclusive — Everything in the heaven and earth was made by God (B-1);  Riches (true substance) come of God (B-1& B-2);  God's work is solid — unmovable (B-3); God, being Spirit, His creation is constituted only of spirit (B-4). So, how do we perceive it? Not by looking to matter — not through fraudulent material senses. God REVEALS His creation through the activity of the Holy Spirit — the Holy Ghost, or Comforter, that Jesus promised would be with us forever. God is actively revealing His creation to the human consciousness in a way that we can understand (B-4).  As we respond to the message of the “spirit which is of God” rather than the “spirit of the world” (which starts from a false premise of substance as changeable matter) we SEE God's eternal spiritual creation — made in and of God (whole, healthy, good — lacking nothing). Mary Baker Eddy emphasizes the eternal nature of substance — “incapable of discord and decay,” and makes reference to Paul's message to the Hebrews when he speaks of FAITH as substance. Eugene Peterson interprets that verse (Heb. 11:1) as: “The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living.” Because God made everything, there isn't anything except what God made! So, if we want to find consistent good — riches, peace, and health that can't be taken away, we have to depend on the report of the spiritual senses (what God Himself is revealing to us through His Spirit).  Correct each piece of fickle material evidence (whether it's reporting good or bad at the moment) with reliable spiritual evidence that is always good. Even in the face of contradictory physical testimony, remain steadfast. Ultimately, the spiritual will become the only visible reality, and the view changes!

 

Section 2: Lasting Substance — things or thoughts?

There is a tendency to judge wealth by how much “stuff” people have. But that “stuff” (considered tangible because it can be seen and touched) is always subject to destruction or loss (corrupted by moth and dust or stolen by thieves, as the Bible says) — unless you understand what's really behind it (B-7).  “Stuff” isn't necessarily bad, in and of itself. But, the key is remembering that God is the only source of good. The Bible tells us to give GOD the glory for all things. WE aren't responsible for our intelligence or our strength or our riches. God is. We shouldn't spend time thinking about our intelligence or our strength or our riches. WE need to be thinking about GOD! What we understand of God's limitless nature is what's important because as we understand our oneness with limitless Mind, everything else falls into place…. just like it did for Solomon. (See B-6.) What we consider as important establishes a centered, unshakable sense of being… our heart is strong and healthy when we're valuing the right things. Think about it….. thoughts (ideas) can never really be destroyed. And, even if something happens to a “thing,” as long as the idea of it still exists the “thing” can be rebuilt (restored). In reality, all of creation (the creation that lasts forever) is truly God's thoughts expressed. And, as Mrs. Eddy says, “ideas are tangible and real to immortal consciousness, and they have the advantage of being eternal” (S-6, p. 279). That which is eternal is always safe and sufficient. Ideas (springing from Mind) are all that is truly eternal (S-4 & S-6).  Pure science — Divine Science — leaves matter totally out of the equation.  It “resolves things into thoughts” and “replaces the objects of material sense with spiritual ideas.” All the good that we see around us (or that we have need of) — nature, home, technology, transportation, work, people — are not things. They are complete thoughts. If there seems to be a problem — discord or lack of any kind, all that needs to be changed is our perspective. Ideas are constantly able to be adjusted, corrected, purified. It doesn't take time to change your mind — correct your concept about something. Refuse to focus on the problem! Right where destruction, friction, loss or lack seems to be, SEE the possibility of construction, harmony, and restoration and watch for how God (Mind, Soul, Spirit, Life) is going to transform your thought to see what has always been. Facing away from the light, there seems to be darkness and void. Turn to the light, and what has been there all the time is seen. When the view changes, your experience changes! (S-9) True substance is found!

 

Section 3: There's plenty of what matters (what lasts) to go around!

We know the story of Jacob and Esau — and the mess these brothers got themselves into because of the misperception that the blessing was limited, only one of them could get it, and it was this blessing that would make them happy. Striving to be the best we can be is always a good thing, but a false sense of competition — thinking there is a limited supply of whatever we think we need — can cause undue fear, jealousy, and animosity. Jacob and Esau each had lessons to learn about brotherhood, love, trust, honesty, fidelity, and what really matters in life — as do we all. They started out thinking their issues were about stuff and Jacob tried to fix things by offering his stuff to his brother. But, as he wrestled with his guilt and fear (his immersion in matter), he discovered that it's really all about seeing God face-to-face. And that includes seeing God's provision for all in all things! The substance of Love is what Esau and Jacob ended up sharing. Love enables us to support and trust each other — without [competition and] domination.  Divine Love itself meets every human need, restores the spirit of brotherhood, and enables us to see the abundance of blessing already provided for each one! Rather than determining progress in terms of material measurements (money, test scores, years, pounds, etc.), we have to ask ourselves: “Where are my affections?”; “What am I making my god?”;  “Am I feeling the presence of divine Love as the only thing that matters — as the very substance of my being — and knowing that Love IS meeting all my needs, as well as the needs of everyone?” (S-13) As we do that, we're throwing our weight into the scale of Spirit and acknowledging an almighty Principle, God, and Her complete and perfectly harmonious creation. We start seeing things as Love sees them… all things working together for good, right where the mortal senses are revealing conflict and destruction. As our view changes, the visible evidence changes and peace is restored (S-14). No one wants to feel oppressed or taken advantage of…. from before Jacob and Esau to individuals and the various disputing groups of today. God's love for man (reflected in man's love for and obedience to God) removes all hate, fear, domination, and competition. Love is substantial and bountiful!

 

Section 4: Change for good is always possible — pray for it in Christ's way!

The story of Zacchaeus is a great one (B-13).  Here was a man who had achieved his wealth by taking advantage of his fellow country-men. Greed far out-weighed his sense of love and fairness. Are we ever guilty of pulling a Zacchaeus?  Are we ever tempted to do whatever it takes to achieve personal gain — no matter how it will affect others?  Special interest groups and political leaders (across the world) are accused of such things all the time. How many of us would single out such a person and invite ourselves to their home for lunch (especially if entering such a home was thought to make us unclean.) But, Jesus looked right through the error (the sin) that looked like Zacchaeus, and saw God's man. He offered reformation and redemption, and it was accepted. We can't know why Zacchaeus wanted so desperately to see Jesus.  He may have just been curious. But, clearly he was touched by God's grace (that we read about in the lesson about Christ Jesus a few weeks ago) and the love of Christ melted all that was unlike Christ.  Zacchaeus DID change. It was — IS — Christ's mission to “destroy the belief of sin” (S-17).  Honestly…. how much are we doing to stop the oppression and political injustice going on today? Viewing things from different perspectives, we may not agree on where the problem lies, but if there is conflict, there is work to do! Greed, corruption and oppression are never healthy conditions. The human tendency is to attach these qualities to an individual (or group) and then condemn the individual or group rather than see through the error and free them and those they are hurting. Jesus saw the potential that is in all of God's children and worked to unlock it by restoring a true sense of “life, substance, and mind” (S-15). Solomon's prayer for wisdom enabled him to unlock his own potential. Others who haven't reached this perception of God on their own need US to behold “in Science the perfect man” right “where sinning mortal man appears to mortals” (S-18).  ALL of God's children — the oppressed AND the oppressors — were made to be free. The grace of God is preparing the thought of HIS children, but we need to respond by following Jesus‘example.  We need to think boldly and invite all to change.  To truly be “victorious over the passions” we have to see the inability of wickedness to rule over anyone (S-21 & S-20).

 

Section 5: Faithful focus away from matter to Spirit liberates!

What gave Peter and John courage to offer the lame man the gift of healing (B-17) rather than simply handing him a coin, telling him they didn't have any change with them, or walking by while avoiding eye-contact (things I've certainly done in similar circumstances)?  They had been given a mission…. to go out into the world, preach the gospel and heal the sick.  And they had faith that they could accomplish their mission. That mission wasn't just for Jesus‘ immediate disciples. We, too, can have the necessary “fidelity to Truth and Love” (S-25) to see through the mist to reality. We must turn from matter to Spirit and shift what we treasure (what we value and love) from a material to a spiritual basis — from limits to infinite possibilities.   Mrs. Eddy says that “Christianity causes men to turn naturally from matter to Spirit, as the flower turns from darkness to light” (S-24 italics added).   God has put the Holy Spirit in our inner parts so that we can discern (through trust and faith) what is really going on — what God has done, even when the material senses disagree. What we see as a physical world wasn't made from matter, but from Mind (Spirit, God) — made by that which can't be seen (B-19 & B-18). So, as we exchange the material evidence for the spiritual facts — exchange things for thoughts — we are able to exercise control over the physical, so-called, change the evidence, and bring about healing — as Jesus and his immediate disciples demonstrated. Look at what IS (the substance of harmonious Spirit — the consistently good model of perfection) rather than what appears to be (fickle matter that can change from good to bad).  Treasure the spiritual (ideas) and have faith that where your treasure is your heart will be…. what you are valuing will become your experience — and the experience of those embraced in your view. Then, we too will enable the lame and the oppressed to find freedom.

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 [CEDARS weekly “Mets” or Metaphysical Newsletters are provided at no charge to the 1,200 campers and staff blessed each summer at CEDARS–as well as to thousands of CEDARS alumni, families, Sunday School teachers and friends who request it, or find it weekly on our website or through CS Directory. But, current and planned gifts are needed. Just click here to use a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card) or a virtual check to make monthly and one-time donations to CedarS' Camperships, Horse Care Matching Fund, “Maintenance Musts”, “Mets”, Bible Lands Park, “Mediterranean Sea”, Unrestricted or Endowment Funds.  International supporters can give to CedarS via PayPal using built-in currency exchange rates by filling in an amount under International Donors and clicking on the “Donate Online” button.]

 

[You can also help CedarS reach out to all the “un-camped” students enrolled in Christian Science Sunday Schools across the world.  In the United States they outnumber Sunday School students who attend 1 of the 6 camps for Christian Scientists in N. America by more than 2 to 1. Experience shows that “CS-camped” children who are given the laboratory experience of putting their training from their homes and Sunday Schools into joyous practice in a “24-7” Christian-Science-laboratory experience at camp want to continue to make Christian Science their own. Therefore, please tell all the “un-camped” families you know about our work; and if possible let us know about them and their contact information. We will gladly send them–and you–a DVD, plus show host info for over 40 CedarS shows being scheduled and everything needed to help get “un-camped” students to camp — from info on our programs for all ages; to session dates and rates; to online enrollment info; to transportation;  to financial aid forms; and more.]

 [Camp Director's Note: This sharing is the latest in an ongoing, 10-year series of CedarS Bible Lesson “Mets” (Metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians. (To keep the flow of the practitioner's ideas intact and to allow for more selective printing “Possible Sunday School Topics” come in a subsequent email.) These weekly offerings are intended to encourage further study and application of ideas in the lesson and to invigorate Sunday School participation by students and by the budding teachers on our staff. Originally sent JUST to my Sunday School students and 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, application 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. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension and background as well as new angles (and angels) on the daily applicability of some of the ideas and passages being studied. The weekly Bible Lessons are copyrighted by the Christian Science Publishing Society and are printed in the Christian Science Quarterly as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms or online at eBibleLesson.com or myBibleLesson.com. The citations referenced (i.e.B-1 and S-28) from this week's Bible Lesson in the “Met” (Metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the Bible (B-1 thru B-24) and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (S-1 thru S-30). The Bible and Science and Health are the ordained pastor of the Churches of Christ, Scientist. The Bible Lesson is the sermon read in Christian Science church services throughout the world. 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 the ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor.]

 

 Enjoy!    Warren Huff, Executive Director   director@cedarscamps.org

 

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[PSST: Enjoy a real treasure hunt!]