Addicted to good

I’ve always loved shopping. New clothes, new shoes. At one time in my life, though, it seemed like every time I went to the mall, I wanted more stuff—most of which I didn’t need. The constant bombardment of ads and incentives to “spend more” only made the temptation worse. Finally, I realized I’d have to get my shopping addiction under control or my credit card bills would be sky-high!

I’ve relied on Christian Science for healing for over ten years now, and I knew prayer would eliminate this feeling of neediness for material things. It’s one thing to shop for a purpose, quite another to shop as though the actual buying of something, anything, is the purpose. As God’s perfect, spiritual children each of us is only attracted to God, good. No one needs to be a slave to materialism, however well-disguised it may be.

For me, this help came in the form of a kind of spiritual discipline. I distinctly remember deciding that whenever I felt the need to spend, especially if I felt that I needed the item to feel satisfied or good about myself, I would instead turn to statements in the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy that would remind me of my spiritual nature. This would lift me above the craving for material things.

According to the Bible “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” It’s a fact that God consistently bestows these gifts. But the material world would tempt us into thinking that having more matter in the form of material things is going to make us happy. As Mary Baker Eddy wrote: “Material sense lifts its voice with the arrogance of reality and says:

“… I am enthroned in the gorgeousness of matter. But a touch, an accident, the law of God, may at any moment annihilate my peace, for all my fancied joys are fatal.”

This “gorgeousness of matter” may seem very pleasing at times, but it’s not a reliable source of happiness, perfection, or peace because it doesn’t have its source in God. For a truly permanent sense of abundance and joy, the only really reliable source is God’s infinite love, which isn’t prejudiced or sporadic. It is truly ever present.

As I’ve learned more about my relationship with God I’ve discovered that every one of us can find a permanent source of joy that the material world simply can’t provide. And this has freed me from relying on shopping for my happiness.

Two things have been particularly helpful for me on this spiritual journey. First, I consider the good that I already have and express gratitude for how much God has given me. Second, following Jesus’ example, I think more of others’ needs than my own. For example, perhaps donating to a favorite charity instead of buying a trendy, new outfit will offer a more rewarding and permanent sense of satisfaction—one that will never go out of style!

The more I continue to learn about my relationship with God, good, the better I feel. And what I’ve learned is that it’s permanent, and unaffected by the impermanence of material things. So when I’m tempted to shop for something that I don’t need but am tempted to buy, I’m now quicker to sense God is telling me that I already have all the provision I need. I’m already filled up full with His love and care.

Recognizing myself (and everyone) as God’s perfect reflection, I’m able to control myself and engage in more productive activities. Because God is the source of my life, there is never a lack or need, so I can rest in His constant, complete care. As the Bible states, “For in him we live, and move, and have our being.”

I’m not saying I don’t still enjoy an occasional trip to the mall. But as I’ve learned to control my spending, I’ve gained a better understanding of myself and my Maker. God, who is all good, always provides all we really need. I don’t want that addiction to relying on divine Love to ever end!

Joy Bennett lives in Pittsford, New York, United States.

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