The nature and essence of reality has always engaged the attention of artists, scientists, and theologians. It’s a topic that should engage everyone, in fact, since our ability to distinguish between the real and the unreal has an important impact on our lives.
The Scriptures reveal how an understanding of our relationship to God enables us to perceive that which is real and true. They provide a substantial record of individuals – such as Moses, Elijah, and Elisha – who discovered spiritual reality, which affirms the nearness of God, divine Spirit. Christ Jesus especially understood God as supreme Spirit and man, including each of us, as His complete and spiritual expression.
This week’s Christian Science Bible Lesson on “Reality” explores the nature of spiritual reality. This citation from a letter by the Apostle Paul appears early in the Lesson: “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (I Corinthians 2:12).
As we’re open to receiving the gifts of Spirit, a scriptural name for God, we discern the nature of true being, or spiritual reality. As we receive this abundant provision of spiritual truth – that is, as we are receptive to the fact that Spirit is the reality – we experience evidence of that reality in unexpected supply, harmonious friendships, right employment, strength and vitality in our daily activities, and more.
The Bible recounts how openness to God restored harmony during a conflict over land between the herdsmen of Abram, later named Abraham, and those of his nephew Lot. The dispute seemed to concern access to good-quality pasture. Yet Abram, who regularly listened for Spirit’s messages, was willing to let Lot have first choice of the land. He said to Lot, “Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren” (Genesis 13:8).
The dispute resolved quickly as Lot chose to take his cattle to the well-watered plain of Jordan. Abram remained in Canaan and received a promise from God that all the land he was able to see would belong to him and his descendants. Human strife gave place to spiritual harmony.
In “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science, writes, “All that really exists is the divine Mind and its idea, and in this Mind the entire being is found harmonious and eternal” (p. 151).
Some years ago, there arose a dispute between my younger brother and me, on account of the sale of a motorcycle. There was a misunderstanding regarding the terms of monthly repayments and this led to a disagreement.
Rather than focus on the particular details of the issue at hand, I prayed to discern spiritual reality – the reality that God is our Father and Mother and maintains harmony in His spiritual creation. This prayer required a willingness on my part not to outline a particular outcome. I sought to gain a deeper understanding of my relationship to God, the source of all goodness and peace.
I reasoned that harmony is a permanent quality of spiritual reality. The ideas of Mind, God, relate to each other in an orderly and purposeful manner. In the realm of Mind, all is harmonious; discord is unreal. Further prayer, followed by discussions between my brother and me, brought to light a practical solution that was acceptable to both of us. The disagreement ended. My brother and I continue to enjoy a happy and respectful relationship.
Our discernment of the truth about God and His creation does not make us aloof and uncaring. On the contrary, it enables us to respond more effectively to the needs of others in practical ways. Equipped with an understanding of spiritual reality, we can contribute to increased harmony, peace, and unity in our families and in our community.
If you’re new to the weekly Bible Lessons from the Christian Science Quarterly and corresponding study materials, you can view a free sample of a previous week’s Bible Lesson here. Subscribers to the weekly Lesson can log in here.
