World thought generally views needed resources as being wholly material. But Christian Science brings a new dimension to this subject. It shows that resources are spiritual and that God is the universal source of all good. This good can never be withdrawn or curtailed. The material picture claims that natural resources are being exhausted, but divine Mind declares that the truly natural resources of intelligence, wisdom, truth, love, and all good can never be used up. These are spiritual and unlimited, having their source in God.
Intelligence is a quality of God, which man reflects, and if we claim God's intelligence as ours to express there should be no apprehension as to our ability to wisely administer the resources God provides. There are so many accounts of the mastery of difficult circumstances through intelligence that one is led to view even the challenge of depleting natural resources as an opportunity for correction. "Let the people praise thee, O God," sang the Psalmist, "let the people praise thee. "let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us."Ps. 67:5, 6
The preservation and balanced use of natural resources is a substantial challenge. In coming to grips with it, mankind needs to seek God's help. If we consider James's admonition that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much," James 5:16 we might conclude that perhaps one of our most primitive—most natural—resources on which to draw is prayer.
