Occasionally we hear the remark: He's a man of substance. This observation is usually based on the misleading belief that worldly goods are substance. But are these really substantial?
Do Christian Scientists, then, believe that money and material possessions are invalid?
Again the answer is no. To exercise normal care in regard to worldly possessions is wise and necessary. God's guidance is available to show us the correct use of whatever assets are at our disposal. To believe, however, that these are in themselves substantial or to lean on them is a mistake. New laws, a change in government, technological advances, or various other circumstances can result in material assets being reduced in value or even becoming purposeless. With the threat of such fluctuations, do they really deserve our trust?
