From the standpoint of Christian Science, the whole concept of substance as God, divine Spirit, radically challenges the notion that true wealth can be counted according to material measures. Matter by its very nature, both in specific forms and in its general tendency, is always finite. It has a beginning and an ending. It has boundaries. Certainly, though, an understanding of man's real substance, according to the Science of Christ, would free us from matter's limits and open us to the infinite supply of good from God, the infinite supply of spiritual ideas, which is true wealth. Yet the goal for the spiritually-minded man or woman is never to demonstrate more and more matter but to demonstrate the present availability for everyone of this infinite good, of these infinite ideas. This is the way of spiritual renewal, even of salvation. The man or woman who recognizes the availability of infinite spiritual ideas has access to all that is ever needed.
With infinite ideas we could never lack anything. True riches are always found in ideas, not matter. As Mary Baker Eddy states in Miscellaneous Writings, "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies.
Mis., p. 307. When we are rich in ideas, in understanding, wisdom, spiritual knowledge, then the universe of good is open to us. Heaven is open to us and God's treasure is freely provided. We possess true substance, true wealth.
The revelation of Christian Science lifts thought to accept the great truth that man is in no way material, a limited mortal with limited resources. Man is wholly, completely spiritual. His real substance is always in God, the unbounded divine Mind. As the idea of this unbounded Mind, man must reflect in unrestricted measure all the qualities that Mind, pure Spirit, imparts. The substance of our true being can never be used up, wasted, or lost. That which constitutes, which makes up, our identity is as permanent as God Himself. The ever-expanding good that is ours by reflection is inseparable from our very being.
