How honesty saved our business

Even in a nation as prosperous as Switzerland, individuals and businesses have to confront the possibility of failure. The issues this author writes about—especially the importance of honesty—apply to any nation, developed or developing. Businesses create jobs and products that help to provide employment and services. But their progress or failure can rest on individual choices.

From my own experience, I can say with confidence that God always helps us, even in what seem to be hopeless situations.

After a brief period of unemployment, my husband decided to start his own company selling containers that collected rainwater. Things began well enough, but some time later there was a lot of financial pressure, and business debts were getting out of hand.

We had only enough money to meet the barest of essentials. The bank was very accommodating and offered us a generous line of credit for the business. But it wasn’t a solution we could accept, because we didn’t want to take on that much debt. We had two children to take care of, and we didn’t know how we could meet all these financial obligations. I prayed with all my heart that God would help us.

The story of Jesus and the fish with money in its mouth came to mind. When Jesus had to pay the temple tax, he had no money, but said to Peter, “Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.”

Jesus knew that God has infinite ways of providing for our human needs, and I felt comforted by this thought.

As I continued to pray, God sent me an “angel,” or spiritual intuition. In her book Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896, Mary Baker Eddy wrote, “The Psalmist saith: ‘He shall give His angels charge over thee.’ God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies” (pp. 306-307). I placed my trust in these spiritual ideas.

Among our possessions was a valuable violin that was no longer being used. For quite some time we had been trying to sell it, but hadn't yet found the right buyer.

Now, in this rather desperate time, the thought came to me that we should get back in touch with a man who had expressed an early interest but had then bowed out. Since I was certain this idea came from God, I wanted to act on it right away. We called him up and asked if he still had any interest in the violin.

He said he would like to look at it once more—and this time he decided to buy it. He was very enthusiastic, and still is, for we have remained in touch ever since.

Thanks to this sale, we were then able to pay off our loan and debts, and we and our business have never been in a similar position since then.

But this was not the only challenge we faced with the business. One of our partners, who was very charming and articulate, felt one could earn more money by cutting corners instead of being careful in every detail. By comparison, my husband had always been honest and upright—these qualities in particular were what I loved about him.

I didn’t want my husband drawn into dishonest business practices. And once again, “angels” came to my rescue in the form of Mrs. Eddy’s definition of angels in Science and Health. She wrote of them as “the inspiration of goodness, purity, and immortality, counteracting all evil, sensuality, and mortality.”

Goodness and purity counteract evil. So my job was to live and express goodness and purity, and also to know that my husband, his business partners, and all people—as God’s image and likeness—love that which is good and pure.

My standpoint was that God, good, is always at work. I didn’t have to stand by helplessly and see things going on that weren’t right. I also read in Science and Health: “God has countless ideas, and they all have one Principle and parentage.” I prayed along these lines and left it up to God as to how He was going to resolve this situation.

Some time later, this business partner had to sell his share in the company. In effect this brought about a parting of the ways. My husband was very happy about this resolution, for it meant he could separate from this partner without any conflict.

Another partner came to take his place, and the company’s affairs went forward honestly and reliably. And since then the former partner has gained more experience in business and is working on a sounder basis for a large company with good success.

Mary Baker Eddy wrote, “Jesus taught but one God, one Spirit, who makes man in the image and likeness of Himself, —of Spirit, not of matter. Man reflects infinite Truth, Life, and Love.”

This spiritual nature belongs to all of us, and it is natural for us to do good because we are made in the likeness of a totally good God. And when we pray in this way—no matter what kind of trouble we face—our prayers not only help ourselves and those near to us, but all mankind.

Explore more healing ideas in the special feature Spiritual solutions to end poverty: what Christian Science has to offer.

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