Help for Greece and the eurozone

A Christian Science perspective.

June 14, 2012

After an election that was unable to form a government, Greece is now heading toward another attempt June 17. Some fear that the outcome of the election will lead Greece to depart from the euro, which could shake economies in Europe and beyond. Others doubt the country’s ability to make the deep reforms that many believe are necessary if it is to remain with the euro and achieve financial stability. Another and most drastic choice is to default on the billions it has borrowed. In this case, recovery could take decades.

In praying about these questions, I’ve found it helpful to insist that there is an inspired solution that will intelligently meet all human needs. One spiritual fact that has comforted me is the Bible’s message that sometimes the answer isn’t one that human reason points out. For example, when the Israelites were fleeing from the Egyptians, who would have listed the parting of the Red Sea as a possible option for escape? When Gideon set off with 300 men against the thousands in the Midianite army, who would have predicted victory for him? And who would have thought a child born to a mother who lived in a backwater town named Nazareth would become the Savior of the world?

These and other examples in the Bible support my prayers for a positive outcome for Greece and the eurozone’s other troubled economies. This doesn’t mean there won’t be consequences to deal with, but it does offer hope that people’s prayers can reveal an inspired and practical answer.

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For me, the source of such inspiration is the Bible and “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” by Mary Baker Eddy. Mrs. Eddy conceived of God as infinite all-knowing Mind and able to reveal inspired solutions. She wrote, “It is the prerogative of the ever-present, divine Mind, and of thought which is in rapport with this Mind, to know the past, the present, and the future.” She goes on to say that understanding Mind’s nature enables us “to be divinely inspired ... to reach the range of fetterless Mind” (p. 84). To me this frees us from feeling locked into matter-based logic as we seek solutions. Instead, we can look to infinite good and the abundant spiritual resources Mind is forever pouring out on its much loved creation.

Just as God guided the Israelites to freedom from slavery, it’s possible for the Greek people and their government to be freed from the “fetters” that would keep them fixated on what are perceived as “the only” solutions. Mind can reveal a path through these troubles to an intelligent and compassionate answer.

Prayers from all caring hearts are welcomed! Each one of us can insist on the spiritual fact that God doesn’t abandon His children, and that thought can be opened to the good that God is already supplying for Greece and the eurozone.

Christ Jesus made this promise to his followers, and by extension to all of us who follow in these days. He said, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:18).

Jesus was speaking of his Christly nature, the spiritual identity that was uniquely his to express as an example to encourage all of us. His life revealed the Christ-idea, which inspires, identifies the path to good, and brings us safely through whatever dangers may lie in our way.

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This same Christ can lead the people of the eurozone out of their troubles, guiding them to a safe passage, where the losses and danger will be minimal or perhaps even nonexistent. Unfettered by human fears and limitations, Christ, the spirit of truth that Jesus gave his life to prove, can point out the way to freedom.

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