Infinite Resources

TODAY, as the world's population increases, many feel deep concern about the finite nature of the world's resources. In particular the need for energy resources is of considerable concern because of the ever-growing demands on those apparently limited resources.

Christian Science brings a new dimension to the search for needed resources by showing us the unlimited resources that are already available to us. Resources and power that are material are by nature limited. But God provides His creation with infinite resources that are wholly spiritual in nature. As we understand more fully that spiritual power, the omnipotence of God, is limitless and can never be exhausted through use, we find new ways to trust God's power in every aspect of our lives. This shows us that our need for power and resources is within our consciousness instead of being an external demand.

In her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, The Founder of the Christian Science Church, Mary Baker Eddy, assures us that spiritual resources amply supply our needs. Speaking of God as Soul, she writes: ``Soul has infinite resources with which to bless mankind, and happiness would be more readily attained and would be more secure in our keeping, if sought in Soul." The power of Soul, God, is only dimly echoed by the power reserves of all the world's petroleum, natural gas, coal, and other resources. The power and resources of Soul are immediately available to us as we are willing to claim their practical utility in our lives.

An illustration of how God provides for those who trust Him can be found in the Old Testament, in II Kings. There the Bible records that the prophet Elisha assisted a widow whose sons were to be placed in bondage to pay her debts. Her sole possession at that time was a pot of oil. Because she trusted Elisha's godliness, she was willing to obey his instructions. She borrowed numerous empty containers from her neighbors and then poured oil from her pot into all the vessels that she had borrowed. The oil ke pt pouring out until all the containers were full! She then sold the oil, paid her creditors, and had enough surplus to provide for the needs of her family.

In a similar way in today's world, as we work to discover what God has already provided, we will find that our need for various resources is met in ways that are practical. Expecting that God will provide needed solutions by no means condones wastefulness or irresponsibility, however. Wise stewardship is essential! But as the sun floods the earth with heat and light, so the warmth and radiance of Soul can be seen as ever present and providing infinite resources. Unlike the sun, however, Soul's radiance i s present for everyone both day and night. We have Biblical assurance of this ever-presence and provision in Paul's letter to the Philippians, where he wrote: ``My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Much of the world's unhappiness lies in the false belief that there is not enough good--not enough resources--for all of us to have what we need. Since the resources of Soul are freely and abundantly available to all, however, there need be no strife among people and nations for their control and use. What is needed is the inspired thought--or prayer--that cuts through limitation and helps us find each day's solutions to mankind's energy needs. Prayer may lead us to new ways to conserve existing resource s, to more equitable ways of meeting the needs of all our fellowmen, to new resources we haven't even dreamed of yet. But one thing is certain: prayer that builds on spiritual resources won't leave us empty-handed!

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