Join us for the best summer yet!

Pray for the World. See God’s Just and Righteous Government for All!
Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on

Truth
for January 27, 2019

Prepared by Kathy Fitzer
kathyfitzer@gmail.com

As I studied this Lesson I was struck by how applicable it is to the issues facing citizens and their governments in so many places across the globe. Certainly an understanding of Truth can (and must) be applied to one’s personal experience. Safety, harmony, freedom, and healing should be expected in our everyday lives. But, this week’s Lesson challenged me to think on a bigger and broader scale, and to devote more attention to praying for all mankind in order to lift up the race. Together we can demonstrate the truth of this statement: “One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfils the Scripture, ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself;’ annihilates pagan and Christian idolatry, — whatever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political, and religious codes; equalizes the sexes; annuls the curse on man, and leaves nothing that can sin, suffer, be punished or destroyed.” (S13)

Golden Text: [at W's PS#1 see and hear Ken Cooper's poem "Ever Truth's River" ]
What great imagery …. justice and righteousness moving forward unobstructed, tumbling over rocks and debris with no danger of being used up, interrupted, or coming to an end. It was helpful to me to get a better sense of what justice and righteousness really are. The KJV uses the word judgment for justice. It comes from the Hebrew word, mishpat, and there were two definitions that stood out to me … divine law and order. Divine law and order roll on like a river — no matter how much what we see on TV, read in the news, or seem to experience in our own lives testify to the contrary. And, what about righteousness? It comes from the Hebrew, tsdaqah, and can be thought of as rightness, virtue, prosperity, and truthfulness. Truth (truthfulness) must triumph over every lie, tendency to lie, and fake news.

We must realize, though, that the context of this verse also indicates a personal responsibility for each of us to practice these qualities of justice and righteousness moment by moment of every day — to have them flow out of us (be expressed by us) as freely as water flows in a stream. Imagine divine Love saying to you, “Here’s what I want: Let justice (order, fair-mindedness, evenhandedness, impartiality, honesty, morality.) thunder down like a waterfall; let righteousness (virtue, truthfulness, goodness, virtue, uprightness, ethical, principled, and law-abiding activity, morality, and honesty) flow like a mighty river that never runs dry.” (GT, The Voice) What a difference we could make in our world if we thought more about how to respond to this demand of God — and recognize that His law truly is governing all — rather than allowing ourselves to be mesmerized by all the seeming evil and lack of truthfulness in our world. As every raindrop replenishes our rivers, every right thought and action replenishes the rivers of virtue and truth. And, so, let’s take a lesson from the following and trust that our every thought and action does make a difference: “What if the little rain should say, ‘So small a drop as I Can ne'er refresh a drooping earth, I'll tarry in the sky.’” (Pul. 4:3) We can’t hold back!

Responsive Reading: [W's PS#2 ]
It seems to me that we have been hearing the message, “sing unto the Lord a new song” a lot lately (in our Lessons). This theme of newness is repeated in the Responsive Reading this week. (Ps. 96) A study Bible I enjoy said this about the first part of the Responsive Reading (Ps. 85): “In the glorious world of renewal and salvation, all the qualities of God’s care — love, truth, righteousness, and peace — come together and transform the created order into something new.” I love the reference to the nations and the whole world in Ps. 67. Consider this translation of verse 4, “Let the whole world sing for joy, because you govern the nations with justice and guide the people of the whole world.” (NLT) In these times of political turmoil across our world, how wonderful to know that God’s righteousness (God’s law of Truth) does govern all! Our job is to bear witness to, and trust, God’s government and sing a song that “celebrates the Lord’s universal kingship.” (NLT Study Bible) New, from the Hebrew word, chadash, can also mean “fresh.” Our sense of God and his government should never become rote or stale. There is always something new to glimpse about God …. and thus to glimpse about the reality of God’s creation and Truth’s government.

Section 1: Seeing God’s nature as the foundation of the government of Truth

To me, citation #2 explains why we must understand God and His government if we are to have a positive impact on our world by replacing the false picture (the belief of a volatile material universe) with the true (the fact that the spiritual universe, governed by spiritual law is the only universe, ready to be seen here and now). The reasoning is totally logical, “If God, the All-in-all, be the creator of the spiritual universe, including man, then everything entitled to a classification as truth, or Science, must be comprised in a knowledge or understanding of God, for there can be nothing beyond illimitable divinity.” (S2) So, if we are to perceive reality, we must understand God and His government. As we search the Bible part of this section we can discover the qualities that constitute God’s creation. I find it helpful to look at other translations to expand my understanding. Some defining qualities that I found include: the importance of honesty (or truth); God’s strength; righteousness and justice; unfailing love, truth, compassion, mercy, patience, faithfulness, unmoving stability, fairness, uprightness, and that which does no wrong. (B1-3, 5) No doubt you will see other things, or more things because the possibilities of understanding are infinite! I was touched by the Psalmist’s desire to understand God so that he could better obey His instructions (“keep thy law”). And his desire to be obedient, knowing that such obedience leads to freedom. (B4) Surely we can have that same kind of commitment to understanding Truth — and thus be able to see through the confusion and lies continually being put out there by mortal mind. “Truth brings the elements of liberty.” (S7)

Section 2: Sing a new song as Truth neutralizes inequality

Again we have the instruction to “sing unto the Lord a new song”. (B6) I decided it was time to get a better understanding of this “new song” idea. This is some of what I found. It is a call to “bless and praise the name of the Lord, by singing a new, that is, an excellent song, the product of new affections, clothed with new expressions.” (Benson from biblehub.com) “The word new here implies that there was some fresh occasion for celebrating the praises of God; that some event had occurred, or that some truth relating to the divine character had now been made known, which could not well be expressed in any psalm or hymn then in use.” (Barnes, from biblehub.com) We can constantly discover new things — or gain new views — about God. Why wouldn’t our expressions of gratitude and our excitement about the new developments be expressed in fresh ways! We want to be careful never to get stagnant in our prayers and discoveries — or in our gratitude.

In this section a new development is the granting of Zelophehad’s inheritance to his daughters. (B9) The argument was successfully made that this was the right thing to do since there were no sons. This was BIG at the time — and must have been very exciting. We’ve come a long way since then in reducing the inequality between races and sexes. But we all know that we have a long way to go! With each step we need to sing a new song of gratitude. That certainly doesn’t mean we are content with less than total equality. The question is how to achieve that. Trying to fix things simply through the establishment of human laws will never be enough. The Bible often repeats this message in different ways: “the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” (B10) Christian Science establishes this divine Law of Truth and Love to be the only law, and teaches that we can change circumstances as we steadfastly hold to these facts of being. We should never underestimate the positive effect we can help to bring about as we steadfastly hold thought in line with Truth. There are many strong statements of absolute Truth in this section (for example, S9, 11, 13, 14) When faced with suggestions of inequality of any sort (whether it affects us personally or not) it is our privilege (and responsibility) to deeply consider, as well as gain new insights and convictions regarding, the truth of such statements. And then we can sing a new song as we see evidence of error being overturned and destroyed by Truth.

Section 3: Truth is supreme and uncovers and destroys error

We have moment-by-moment choices to make as we listen to the news. We can get angry, discouraged, and frustrated. We can complacently ignore the challenges and throw up our hands. Or we can celebrate the good while taking a stand — refusing to be impressed or give in to feelings of helplessness and fear. We can replace every lie of error with Truth and see Christianly Scientific prayer and treatment as an effective change agent. The Bible citations in this section lay out a rather dismal scenario, illustrating to me that erroneous mortal mind has very little imagination … it just repeats the same false tale over and over. The Bible citations start with Elihu affirming that God governs and that He couldn’t govern if he hated justice. (B1, NLT) Then we get into the foibles and depravity of human government that is often not fair. honest nor upright. (B12) I’d like to be clear here that I know that there are many, many well-intentioned, upstanding, honest, loving, just people active in government and politics. I’d like to think that most are working from the highest of motives. The problem is not with the individuals, but with starting from the basis of human rather than divine government.

There is disagreement as to how to interpret the verses from Ecclesiastes. Some believe that it suggests that corruption runs throughout government, and bureaucracy and red tape contribute to the problems. Another interpretation would translate the verse this way: “For one official watches over another, and higher officials are over them. The land benefits from a king who cultivates the field.” (B13, NLT Study Bible) If we consider the king to be God — divine Principle, Truth, and Love — this interpretation gives hope. Finally, the last Bible citation speaks of God as righteous, His government and regulations as fair, his justice as eternal, and His instruction true. (B15)

So many strong statements in Science and Health give us the ammunition to reverse the false report (of a human government subject to corruption and inequality) with the truth. Yes, there are many conflicting forces apparently at work in our world, but there is really only one side — the side of Truth — and “mortal error will vanish in a moral chemicalization.”. (S19) Two statements from our textbook help clarify this idea of chemicalization (a term not generally in use when Mrs. Eddy first used it): "mental chemicalization follows the explanation of Truth, and a higher basis is thus won" (p. 453); "The effect of this Science is to stir the human mind to a change of base" (p. 162) We have this statement in this section: “Christian Science brings to light Truth and its supremacy, universal harmony, the entireness of God, good, and the nothingness of evil.” (S15) How important it is, then, to embrace the fact that God, Truth, governs justly and to confidently embrace the idea that as we hold to Truth, we can expect to see the human experience change. No matter how big a lie appears to be, it is still a lie!

Section 4: Truth — as demonstrated by Jesus — brings freedom [W's PS#3A, #3B, #4]

Jesus came to fully express God’s grace, truth, and justice. (B16&17) He healed every form of limitation — whether calling itself sin, sickness, disease, or death. And he beautifully called out and rebuked the hypocrisy that would try to stop his healing work. (B18) Setting such an example would be great under any circumstance. But, Jesus didn’t stop there. He taught his followers that he hadn’t received some special gift not available to others. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him (and thus, to us), if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (B19) Mrs. Eddy is specific as to Jesus’ purpose in healing … “Christ, Truth was demonstrated through Jesus to prove the power of Spirit over the flesh, — to show that Truth is made manifest by its effects upon the human mind and body, healing sickness and destroying sin.” (S22) If that was Jesus’ purpose, it needs to be our purpose in demonstrating Christ, Truth, as well. Every time we follow Jesus’ example and prove that we can’t be bound by the illusion of material sense — that our free limbs can’t be entangled, our capacities crippled, our body enfeebled or the “tablet” of our being defaced, we are demonstrating the omnipotent reign of the higher Truth. (S24) In so doing, we are continuing in Jesus’ Word. We are destroying all false law by seeing it as nothing but an illusion — no matter how convincing — and by acknowledging the supremacy of Truth. In so doing we are not only affecting our personal situation, but we are replacing error with Truth at all levels and destroying every lie. What a joy it is to be part of the solution. God has given us the understanding (through Christ Jesus and Christian Science) to see the victory of Truth over error at all levels! Nothing can stop dedicated, scientific prayer and a consistent bearing witness to Truth!

Section 5: Feeling persecuted? Find the blessing! [W's PS#5]

This section begins with the 8th (and final) beatitude. (B20) Here are two translations of that verse: (1) “Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for [a]doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever]. (Amp.) (2) God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right. They belong to the kingdom of heaven. (CEV) It’s one thing to be pursued, abused or harassed (persecuted) for doing something truly wrong. But, Jesus was persecuted for being a living example of the Truth of Being. We might experience what feels like persecution for such things as taking what we feel is a moral stand about something, for expressing our heartfelt views about political or social issues, for rejecting standard health laws, for admitting to being of a certain faith or for believing in God at all, for befriending someone whom others have spurned … for taking an unpopular stand about any number of things. We can take comfort in Jesus’ message that the kingdom of heaven — harmony — IS ours, right now! And we can be encouraged by Jesus’ experience. He appeared totally undisturbed as he stood before Pilate, who claimed to have Jesus’ life in his hands. Jesus understood that he wasn’t subject to anything but God’s law because his dwelling place was in the kingdom of God. And he understood that his sole purpose was to “bear witness unto the truth.” (B23)

Truth (verity) is irrefutable — impossible to disprove — and has its source in divine Principle. That is very different than personal views which can be challenged and can change with experience. Jesus went on to prove through his resurrection and ascension that the blessings he received far outweighed the persecution he endured. And not only was he blessed, but his example shed light on what constitutes Truth for all mankind. (S27) The other aspect of what feels like persecution is having physical (or mental) health challenges. But, again, we can proceed confidently, leaning on our understanding of Truth, and knowing that the demonstration of Truth assuredly results in healing and freedom. (S28&29) If we stay focused on the persecution (in whatever form it takes) we will likely be blinded to the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven forever here and now that is ours to claim. Love leads us to find Truth. As we are grateful for the promises and fulfillment that Jesus’ example revealed to us, we will see the blessings that must outweigh the seeming persecution. Staying focused on the blessings, we can always rejoice, remain hopeful, and give thanks in advance.

Section 6: Pray for all mankind and bear witness to the divine government

As was mentioned earlier, we have the opportunity and the responsibility as Christian Scientist to pray for all mankind and for the righteous government of our world. As the Bible instructs, “So, first and foremost, I urge God’s people to pray. They should make their requests, petitions, and thanksgivings on behalf of all humanity. Teach them to pray for kings (or anyone in high places for that matter) so that we can lead quiet, peaceful lives—reverent, godly, and holy— all of which is good and acceptable before the eyes of God our Savior who desires for everyone to be saved and know the truth.” (B25, The Voice) The key, it seems to me, is to reject the false belief that we live in a world populated by mortals struggling to unite and govern themselves from a limited, mortal perspective. But, as we read in Psalms, “the kingdom is the Lord’s and he is the governor among the nations.” (B26) We are actually all children of one Father, governed by the divine Principle, Truth.

Our job, then, as citizens of the world (of the Kingdom of Spirit) is to “accept the ‘glorious liberty of the children of God,’ and be free! (S32) To me, our prayer is to replace the false view of many conflicting and struggling minds with the truth that all mankind naturally responds to the government of one Mind. We can’t afford to be complacent, nor can we fall into the trap of wringing our hands in concern and feeling overwhelmed. We must stand firm in the understanding that nothing is too hard for God. We read, “Truth is an alterative (that which gradually induces a change and restores healthy functions) in the entire system, and can make it ‘every whit whole.’” (S31) As we patiently, persistently, and conscientiously bear witness to that fact, we can expect to see God’s government reflected in an ever-more just and righteous human government — for all!


[W's PS: A VERY WRONG auto-spell "correction" of alterative to alterNative has been fixed!
(See a definition of alterative and a correct quote
of citation S31 in the next to last sentence in Section 6 above.)

In the Met submitted well in advance by Kathy to me, Auto Spell Check added an "n" to a word it did not recognize –"alterative" — changing it into alternative!
This totally reversed the meaning!

FYI: "Allness" is another word and concept that mortal mind never recognizes–and that Auto-Spell Check always tries to "fix".
It always automatically tries to change ALLNESS into ILLNESS!
But we will refuse to fall for that MISTAKE as an alternative either!]


A humble and hearty thank you to all you good friends who have already given to our recently advertised needs—as well as to those of you who still want to make a big difference in CedarS vital work and outreach blessing in 2019!

While many of you helped us meet our "Maintenance Musts" Match goal of raising OVER $25,000 by December 31 but we still have another match to meet! You can still double your donation though by helping CedarS earn our "Adopt the Herd" $75,000 Match for the horses and riding program. (still ~$51,538 to go by Sept. 30, 2019.)

So, if you have been blessed by receiving this inspiration weekly and haven't given lately, or are blessed to be able to give more, we still have many needs, big and small, that you can help meet by clicking on https://www.cedarscamps.org/give/.

Current and planned gifts are a huge proof of your ongoing LOVE made visible and are greatly appreciated!! They not only defray the costs of running this service but also provide greatly needed camperships and essential program and operations support.

Please sign up to give whatever you can on a much-needed MONTHLY basis to support CedarS life-changing work! [You can start at any amount and adjust monthly as you wish at: www.cedarscamps.org/giving ] All of your gifts add up to big blessings in the lives of today's Sunday School students (tomorrow's joyous workers in our Christ-centered church!

With heartfelt gratitude and love,
Warren, Gay, Holly & your CedarS Family

You can also reach a member of the Founding family nearly anytime by
PHONE, now at 636-394-6162.

or MAIL to our Winter-Spring office address (below) your tax-deductible support to our 501-C-3 organization.

(Our not-for-profit, Federal Identification Number is #44-0663883):

The CedarS Camps Office
1314 Parkview Valley Drive
Ballwin, MO 63011

THANKS TO YOU PRECIOUS DONORS FOR YOUR ONGOING, GENEROUS and NEEDED SUPPORT OF CedarS IMPORTANT WORK!

CedarS weekly Metaphysical Newsletter is provided at no charge to the 1,200 campers and staff blessed each summer at CedarS, as well as to CedarS alumni, families and friends who have requested it. The Met application ideas above are provided primarily to help CedarS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and daily demonstrate the great value of studying and applying the Christian Science Bible lessons throughout the year, not just at camp! YOU CAN ALSO SIGN UP for weekly emails from past CedarS staff of possible ways to share Bible Lesson applications with older, as well as younger, Sunday School classes by clicking the "Subscribe Now" button (lower left) at http://www.cedarscamps.org/meta

American Camp Association

MAIN OFFICE
(November - May)
410 Sovereign Court #8
Ballwin, MO 63011
(636) 394-6162

CAMP OFFICE
(Memorial Day Weekend - October)
19772 Sugar Dr.
Lebanon, MO 65536
(417) 532-6699

Support our mission!

CedarS Camps

Back
to top