Beyond survivalism
To counter survivalism and its attendant fears, choose your own ground from which to reason, not that of survivalistic logic. Survivalists fear a massive breakdown in world political and economic order, resulting in genocidal clashes between opposing races, nations, and social classes. Within this mode of thought one finds such tendencies as hoarding of resources, distrust of financial institutions, and extreme fear of other racial, ethnic, and religious groups.
Looking from a higher, more permanent basis than what the prophets of doom say, however, we can help gain control of and eliminate destructive and dangerous fears both for ourselves and for society. God, not chaos, has ultimate authority over man. God, the divine Mind, created man in His spiritual image and cares for him in every way. God's qualities of order, peace, intelligent action, emanate from Him and govern the spiritual universe. If there is one enduring fact upon which we can base our thinking, it is that God is Love and that His love for man is unwavering.
Reasoning from this basis cuts the ground from under the aggressive arguments of survivalism. Mary Baker Eddy, n1 the author of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,m writes in this book, "Belief in a material basis, from which may be deduced all rationality, is slowly yielding to the idea of a metaphysical basis, looking away from matter to Mind as the cause of every effect." n2
n1 Mrs. Eddy is the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science
n2 Science and Health,m p. 268
Elisha, the Old Testament prophet, evidently understood what it means to look away from matter to God as the true cause. He and his servant woke one morning to find their city surrounded by hostile Syrian horsemen, bent on taking Elisha prisoner.
Today's survivalist might have said, "See there, Elisha, your time has come!" Evidently Elisha's servant agreed, at least for a moment, for he cried "Alas, my master! how shall we do?"
But Elisha chose his own ground for drawing a conclusion: "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." The prophet then prayed that his servant's eyes be opened. "And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." n3
n3 II Kings 6:15-17.
Isn't it a question of evidence? Survivalism draws its evidence only from what the eyes and ears tell us. To this way of thinking, the only resources are those that are being depleted; the only governments, those that are failing; the only prosperity, that which comes at the expense of someone else. Naturally there is fear when these thoughts dominate.
But they don't have to. Elisha's servant saw clear evidence of God's presence. And today, the evidence of God's presence and power is convincing for those whose eyes are truly open. Through faith grounded in the understanding of God's immortal law for man, for instance, one can find that divine Love meets our needs in finances, relationships, and health. We can prove the effectiveness of the deific power for good for ourselves, our family, even our community.
Are we hiding from some obvious world problems when we say that God is truly Love? Not at all! There is no denying that we have challenges as world citizens in keeping things moving forward.
But solutions are difficult to come by while thought is buried in unpromising evidence. Real solutions are on the side of God and the activity of His power and love. These solutions show themselves in the lives of people who reflect Godderived qualities. God blesses our integrity, our hope, our patience, our willingness to live under the divine plan -- a plan that includes not just us but all mankind.
It is in the knowledge and proof of God's power in our own lives that we find the hope that destroys fear. Such knowledge and proof are evidence of God's place as the supreme holder of power in this world. And they effectively counter survivalism. DAILY BIBLE VERSE There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear. I John 4:18
