Friday, September 26, 2008

Who's really in charge

Glancing at the headlines on my way out of my breakfast place this morning, couldn't help but be grateful for the help my religion gives in not being swamped by worry in challenging times. With public confidence in the U.S. Congress at an all-time low, people are wondering, is anyone piloting the ship? Will it reach land? Is Washington governing or not? For me, it's worth thinking about Someone who definitely is in charge and on top of everything.

The Bible offers this reassurance, "The kingdom is the Lord's: and he is the governor among the nations" (Psalm 22:28).

And Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (p. 286), "Physical causation was put aside from first to last by this original man, Jesus. He knew that the divine Principle, Love, creates and governs all that is real."

The teachings of Christian Science point out the following divine truths that have proved very beneficial to me over the years:

The sole governing force of the universe, including you and me and all God's children, is God Himself, divine Principle.

He maintains His creation in perfect peace and harmony.

There is never actually one moment when His divine law is not operating, not a time when we can be deprived of its power.

Being God's child, we're not helpless before misfortune, insecurity, loss.

God's law is good, supreme, and all-inclusive; he does not share His power with another creator, for there is none.

Our beloved Master, Christ Jesus, certainly furnished convincing proof of God's unerring government. In accordance with divine law, he fed hungry thousands on a few loaves and fishes, stilled a raging sea, healed disease, insanity, and immorality, and even raised the dead--all in opposition to material law, to what seemed to be in control. And to be free from the insecurity, fear, and dread of a mortal outlook, one needs to know, as did Jesus, that he always under God's government.

An understanding of this eternal fact increases our trust in God and banishes fear. So today, this is part of my metaphysical work: to acknowledge God's all-encompassing rule, to know who's really in charge of things.