Magic Bullet?

Often we’re looking for that one thing that will solve the problem or fix the issue or make things better.  And just as often, it seems out of reach.  “If only” becomes our mantra.

There is a story in the Bible that Jesus tells of a rich man and a beggar.  They both die.  The rich man goes to hell, but sees the beggar in Abraham’s lap, afar off.   The rich man pleads to Abraham that he send the beggar down to assuage his thirst. But Abraham says no, because crossing over is impossible.  Then the rich man suggests that Abraham send the beggar to visit his brothers who may also find themselves in hell in the not too distant future if they don’t change their ways.  Abraham again says no, because they have Moses and the prophets to remind them of what is right.  The rich man makes one last plea: but if someone from the dead came to remind them, surely they would repent! Abraham says no a last time.  If they won’t believe Moses and the prophets, why would they believe a dead man?  (Luke 16:19-31)

The rich man was looking for a magic bullet.  But the answer, the solution, was there all along.  Moses and the prophets had already made clear what kind of life a man should live in order to find himself in Abraham’s lap.  And the rich man had constant access to that resource, just like the beggar did.

How are we, like the rich man, overlooking the answer we already have?  Is it really just out of reach? Do we really not have enough information or time or hope or inspiration or strength or intelligence or whatever we believe is lacking? Are we simply out of luck?

Jesus told the Pharisees, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”  (Luke 17:19)  In other words, everything that you need is right at hand.  God has already provided it and you don’t have to look any farther than your own consciousness.

The kingdom of God is not a place but a receptivity to God’s message of constant good.  It can’t be taken from us, nor we taken out of it.  It’s built into us as the image and likeness of Spirit.  And if we ever forget that, Moses and the prophets, and especially the teachings of Christ Jesus will bring to remembrance all that we need to move forward successfully.  A quiet yearning to hear God’s voice always brings results.

Just as Jesus knew that the kingdom of God within him indicated his oneness with his heavenly Father, and thereby healed every possible condition, we too can heal as assuredly by recognizing our own oneness with that same divine Parent.  Getting clearer and clearer about that puts spiritual healing in reach, and in plenty of time.

It’s not a magic bullet. It’s an ever present, ever ready, and ever at hand infinitely available and loving power, meeting every need, every time.  Let’s make use of what we have right here.  The resources of God, which anyone can find explained in the Bible, are enough.  Throughout the centuries, people have turned to the Bible time and time again to find comfort, hope, safety, and health.  And even without a Bible to guide you, the kingdom of God within you is still actively at work providing information and inspiration.  And you can hear it and know it and prove it reliably and consistently.  Right here, right now.

Why wait?  What you need is right at hand.  You can do what you need to do safely and effectively.  Guaranteed.

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.  If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.