Recently the nations of the earth have been classified in public thought as the "haves" and the "have nots," the first being credited with abundant resources and some measure of self-sufficiency, the second being subject to lack and dependence. This difference is supposed to result in economic disturbance, and to be a spur to certain movements which threaten world peace. But it is not so well recognized that there is in human thought generally a similar tendency to classify individuals into "haves" and "have nots," and that this false material thinking underlies all the troubles which beset mankind. From it spring hatred, dishonesty, envy, industrial strife. It is a mortal belief that man's heritage is solely material, and that matter is the measure of his supply.
Should we not consider whether we are accepting this mortal suggestion by classifying ourselves as either "haves" or "have nots"? Do we feel a sense of self-sufficiency based upon our material possessions, or, on the other hand, do we think of ourselves as lacking much or all of the things which seem to be needed for our comfort and well-being? Either position is dangerous from the standpoint of Christian Science, which shows that matter, being unreal, cannot be trusted as the basis of our security or welfare, and that we cannot look to it for satisfaction or happiness. Mary Baker Eddy says (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 232), "Security for the claims of harmonious and eternal being is found only in divine Science." So it must be seen that only through an understanding of real being as spiritual can the proper solution be gained of the problem of supply. Jesus pointed out this fact when he said, "Whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath." To him that hath an understanding of the truth of being is given the realization of ever-present good, of all that is needed for harmony and perfection; for Mind, Spirit, is the only real source and substance.
Belief in matter as substance must give place to the understanding of Mind as the only real substance. No material possession is real, and because it is not real it is subject to the changeableness of mortal belief. What we know of Truth we have. It is ours, and cannot be taken away. Spiritual understanding is the one great possession, the "pearl of great price," the true consciousness, which is permanent, indestructible, eternal. Our Leader says (Science and Health, p. 536), "The divine understanding reigns, is all, and there is no other consciousness."
