The Bible's lesson for the new economy

Conditions in the United States, the eurozone, and other parts of the world may be so diverse that it seems impossible to reconcile each component and achieve balance and order. The economy of a country, a state, a family, or even an individual may be subject to limitation, scarcity, and dependencies over which we seem to have no control. The theory of supply and demand appears to rule.

The Bible provides us with many examples of a different economic outlook – one that includes success and prosperity. It points to the possibility of overcoming physical limitations and economic imbalances through the application of divinely based laws.

Moses was able to supply a multitude of people with abundant food and water in the midst of a desert (see Ex., Chaps. 16-17). Elisha proved that God’s law can supply every need when he enabled a widow in need to gain an unlimited supply of oil, whereas at first she saw only a single bottle of it (see II Kings 4:1-7). Jesus was able to feed more than 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fishes – and still have some left afterward (see Matt. 14:15-21).

According to Christian Science, the common theme running through these biblical accounts of God’s ability to transcend material limitations is a clear understanding that Spirit, not matter, governs. So often we accept the opposite and believe that the discordant condition is in charge.

To me this indicates these individuals were not slaves to a system but masters of the situation, through the power of divine providence. Their concept of the Divine must not have included variables, lack, indecision, or confusion. Their actions reflect an understanding of God as omnipotent good. It follows that His infinitude would preclude anything that didn’t express abundance and order. St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians states that promise of God’s continuing care in this way: “[M]y God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (4:19). This is an eternal promise for all of us.

Supplying our needs is not limited to the satisfaction of material requirements such as food, clothing, and employment, but embraces also the intelligence, wisdom, and understanding to make correct decisions and effective plans.

Christian Science teaches that Truth, a synonym for God, regulates the human system through spiritual facts, which include stability, security, capacity, good government. Mind, another synonym for God, is the source of intelligence and therefore exerts its power in adjusting the human condition to conform to the divine. Through prayer, both Truth and Mind can be seen as effective and operative in the world economy and in meeting our individual needs.

Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered Christian Science, and who proved these divine laws in her own life, described this effect. She wrote, “In obedience to the divine nature, man’s individuality reflects the divine law and order of being” (“Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896,” p. 104).

Prayer brings the realization of harmony – the natural state of each of us – into our activities. God is continuously unfolding to our consciousness His undeviating love, which supplies every need.

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