'Wisdom, economy, and brotherly love'

The world economy had slipped into the worst recession since the 1930s, and the businessman was afraid his own economic situation was swirling out of control. But he knew he could not afford to give in to fear. The basic challenge , he recognized, was not managing his business but rather his thinking. His real need was for a better understanding that God, divine Mind, was fully capable of imparting the wisdom and ability needed to conduct his business affairs effectively.

Turning to the Bible and Mary Baker Eddy's n1 writings, the businessman found inspiration and ample evidence that God alone truly governs man. The life and works of Christ Jesus are the supreme illustration of this fact. At every point the Master proved that, in the words of Mrs. Eddy, ''Truth not error, Love not hate, Spirit not matter, governs man.'' n2

n1 Mrs. Eddy is the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.

n2 Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 420.

The Businessman recognized that he had, indeed, been caught up in the widespread fear of failure, and that it was time to let divine Love, God, govern his affairs and correct whatever seemed to be going wrong. As a Christian Scientist, he found the example set by his Church to have special meaning. For instance, in the Manual of The Mother Church Mrs. Eddy writes, ''God requires wisdom, economy, and brotherly love to characterize all the proceedings of the members of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist.'' n3 The man felt impelled to examine each requirement as it applied to his own affairs.

n3 Church Manual, Art. XXIV, Sect. 5.

Wisdom. He knew that the wisdom he sought was the wisdom of infinite, unerring Mind, which maintains its spiritual creation - including man - under perfect control. This divine wisdom, exercised in human affairs, could remove fear and confusion and bring his business under Mind's direction.

Our friend began asking himself some tough questions. He had been working hard; but had he been praying enough? Was he turning to God to reveal new, more creative, more efficient approaches? Or was the company simply turning out the work in the same old way? The results of this questioning, of adopting a higher, spiritual standpoint, were spectacular.

Economy. The thinking now under way led to practical obedience to the word ''economy'' in the operation of the business. Costs were cut. Quality improved - and so did morale! Payroll reductions were necessary; but those who left the company went on to new work where their talents were more needed. And those who continued with the company received salary merit increases.

Brotherly love. This was a tougher requirement, or so it seemed at the time. How can you find the time to love when you're caught up in an unending marathon for business survival? St. Paul had a good response to that question when he said, ''Though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.'' n4 If we fail to love those whom our business was organized to serve, how can we expect to profit?

n4 I Corinthians 13:3.

The businessman recognized that more brotherly love, more conscious caring for his customers' needs, had to become the first order of his business. Extra effort was made by the entire management team to understand the customer better, appreciate his needs and opportunities, work together to see how the company could help him the most. As business began to improve, the Christian Scientist recognized that this was a quiet, natural demonstration of Mrs. Eddy's observation ''Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need.'' n5

n5 Science and Health, p. 494.

Our actual being, as the very offspring of Love, is under Love's jurisdiction , and we can prove this. Divine Love can remove the burden, open new opportunities, inspire, restore joy, make life worth living to the fullest - in business, and everywhere. DAILY BIBLE VERSE God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. II Corinthians 9:8