Supply EDITH L. WOODMANSEE          The desire for material supply occupies so large a place in human thought that fear of its lack frequently finds expression. In place of the effort to acquire more of matter, Christian Science teaches men how to overcome every sense of lack and limitation by gaining a knowledge of spiritual Truth, in accordance with what Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." This is not merely a question of method; it is dependent upon conviction and absolute certainty. The beginner may say, If I can prove the presence of supply through demonstration, I shall do thus, or so. That little doubtful "if"! To know that needs will be supplied as the result of demonstration is a good beginning; to recognize that supply is bestowed by a loving Father, and comes wholly from God, is a step in advance; but to know that spiritual substance is ever at hand, infinite and available now, is what meets our needs, and is the understanding we must gain.          How may we attain this clear vision of the truth? By a process of watchful thinking, faithfully eliminating that which is not true to divine Principle. In the second commandment we read, "I the Lord thy God am a jealous God," — that is, a watchful God, watchful of the good; and His image and likeness, man, must be like Him. Man, being the reflection of God, must reflect; and he who reflects must receive from the infinite source. "Freely ye have received, freely give," is the command of divine wisdom.          In being constantly on guard that thoughts of divine Mind only are reflected by us instead of their opposites, — dislike, limitation, or other erroneous human concepts, — men win the understanding of the substance of Spirit; and this substance includes all intelligence, and manifests itself outwardly in whatever the need may be. As our Leader has so beautifully expressed it (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 307), "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies." Therefore, because we are able to think spiritually, we can demonstrate supply. Man reflects infinite supply, since every moment he lives, moves, and has his being in the divine Mind.          A student was once at the point of having her little all of material property swept away. The most of one night she spent in prayer over it. Sleep fled; while a strong desire to keep the property, and a great fear of losing it, struggled with the arguments of Spirit's allness. It was not until every recess of thought had been searched, every desire for materiality cleared out, every fear that God was not all-sufficient removed and, instead, joy in the things of Spirit, confidence in God as All-in-all, had taken possession of her consciousness, that the battle was ended and a great peace came over her. She slept restfully during the remainder of the night, awakening in the morning to learn that a new and entirely unexpected avenue had opened which released her from all obligations, and the cherished possession was no longer even in danger. Truly, though a mortal's need may seem to be material, the spiritual remedy is ever available, and the ever present substance of Spirit, reflected, supplies abundantly beyond all we can think or plan.   "Supply" by Edith L. Woodmansee Christian Science Sentinel, September 1, 1923

 

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