Our financies: Can we rely on God's direction?

In the pressure to beat inflation and maintain a reasonable standard of living, more and more people are being forced to reconsider investments, savings plans and household budgets.

It's certainly wise to conserve and be alert to needs. But these questions inevitably arise: Is our well-being dependent on sheer ingenuity? Must we become experts in the world of finance, shrewdly plotting our moves according to the ups and downs of the economy?

Few would argue with the wisdom of planning ahead. But where is God in all this? Are we products of circumstance or human ingenuity, or are we His children? The Psalmist sang, "Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." n1

n1 Psalms 100:3;

The central issue isn't so much how expert we are in financial matters. Of far greater importance is our perception of God and man. Who are we really, and what governs us? Are we helpless mortals, bound to a limited brain and separate from God's wisdom? Are we doomed to everlasting catching up?

God does nor ignore our legitimate needs in His love for us. He governs us in allm aspects of our lives. We need to trust this Fact. Our eyes and ears tell us we live in a complex, precarious world; that uncontrollable, conflicting factors determine the state of our own well-being.

But we have one God, and if we acknowledge our deep dependence on Him, including our character as His eternal expression we'll see we're not really governed by inflation but by devine law. God is our provider and guide. As we turn to Him in prayer, we'll prove this. We'll act not through fear but through devine direction.

"In him we live, and move, and have our being,' ** Paul said. Our actions can be motivated by a perception of that truth. Then we'll be in accord with divine law, and we'll stop merely manipulating circumstances. Instead, we'll gain a clearer view of the divine order of things, in which every identity in God's universe is intelligently and amply provided for.

** Acts 17:28.

Speaking of life's necessities, Christ Jesus said" "Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all those things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." [*]

[*] Matthew 6:32, 33.

Jesus' words indicate that satisfying living isn't so much dependent on financial expertise as on a willingness to live under God's law. As we do this, not only will our own needs be cared for but we'll help open others' eyes to the practicality of God's government.

Jesus' teachings enable us to prove God's uninterrupted provision for man. As they are understood in the light of Christian Science, they correct our standpoint, showing us that we're not actually mortals grappling with external conditions but perpetual, immortal residents in divine Love's affluent kingdom.

Praying from this standpoint, realizing our true nature and God's care for us , we'll know better what to do. Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes: "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies. Never ask for to-morrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment." [*][*]

[*][*] Miscellaneous Writings,m p. 307.

Genuine affluence is never a product of human maneuvering. It's the natural outcome of opening our eyes to Love's exhaustless resources and guidance.

DAILY BIBLE VERSE For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Revelation 7:17