Are you a have or a have not?
Hopefully, a have!
You have God. You have the wisdom of divine Mind. You have the comfort of divine Love. You have the power of Truth. You have spiritual individuality. You have eternal life. You have all of worth and value built into your being as a child of God. You have everything!
But it’s important to identify yourself this way. As a have, not as a have not.
Too many people believe they live in a material world and are the product of a lacking economy, adverse social circumstances, an ailing body, or a dysfunctional family. They complain, whine and feel sorry for themselves. They wear the label, sometimes proudly, “I am a have not.” But this is not necessary.
God never created a have not. Only haves…
We all have God for support and care. We all have spiritual truth to understand and demonstrate. We all have the infinite resources of divine Love to enjoy. There is no social, political or economic circumstance that can separate us from God and turn us into a have not. We all have God! And that is enough. There is nothing greater.
So, don’t be a have not. It’s a self-inflicted wound that can be quickly cured.
God didn’t create you a have not. God created you a have.
Celebrate all you have coming from God and discover no limits on your happiness and health.
That’s a keeper! Thanks Evan.
I particularly liked this line:
> They wear the label, sometimes proudly, “I am a have not.”
I know some people that seem to actually enjoy having pity parties…just can’t wait to tell others how miserable their past was or about their current challenges.
I sometimes wonder if this type of behavior is a result of the news media always broadcasting mostly negative news. I wonder if the news media has conditioned (influenced) people to believe that communicating negativity is either a) just what we’re supposed to do (normal) or b) what other people want to hear (i.e. communicating negativity makes us more interesting somehow)?
Anyway, thanks Evan for counteracting these types of influences via your awesome blog!
Right on Evan, wonderful message
Thanks so much 🙂
Good one! This reminded me to start writing in my gratitude journal again each day. To capture all the blessings that God sends my way. I’m a have, for sure! Have abundance, goodness, joy, love, peace, power, strength, a dear family, etc. etc! As Jesus said: “It is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” I love to think about what that means. Imagine, a whole kingdom of God’s blessings!
Short, to the point, and deeply important!! Thank you, as always, Evan!
Love and appreciate you!!
Thanks for the uplifting message!
Gracias Evan, hoy este mensaje fue muy oportuno para mi y mi familia por algunas circunstancias que parecen estar tratando de ocultar nuestra verdadera identidad! Un abrazo desde Argentina.
Perfect! 🙂
I can’t complain. Understanding that God only supplies, I can’t be a have not but only a have. I sometimes just yell in glee for thankfulness of this attitude, which I had so many years back. My only prayer for the world is to understand that GOD IS OF PURER EYES THAN TO BEHOLD EVIL.
Can you imagine someone who didn’t have anything for dinner last night, the shut off notice on the electric sitting next to him, looking out at the snow, stopping here to read this, hoping for an answer? Think for a moment about this person then go back and read all that’s been written here. To me it’s a little chilly. For this reader it might be helpful for him to know that all real substance is Spirit, Mind, God. Because God IS all substance and God IS ever-present, all substance, supply is present too. That his holding to this idea, holding fast to it, accepting it, he will see it expressed in the way he needs it. I doubt anyone is proudly wearing the label a have not, nor do I think we need to criticize anyone calling out for help when they share their problems. Isn’t it our responsibility as Christian Scientists to see that person perfectly. Isn’t that how we heal? We heal our view of them. In our own thought. I do appreciate real heartfelt, loving help. Sometimes we can look or be critical of those in need when it’s critical thinking in our own thought that needs to be addressed.
Hi Trina,
Your points are well taken. There are many different points of view one can read these comments and blog posting from and get different takeaways. That’s why everyone sharing what they see helps round out the discussion. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Trina,
I didn’t read Evan’s blog or the other comments as indicating we don’t need to be sympathetic and helpful to others in need. But in re-reading them now, I can see how one might have taken them that way. However, I really don’t think that’s how they were intended. But thanks for sharing your perspective as I think it can be easy as a Christian Scientist to just say “tut tut…that problem isn’t real” when in fact true Christian Science involves really working to handle problems rather than just ignoring them…including being charitable and loving to others who are suffering. So thanks again for your perspective!
Powerful! I love the “absoluteness” of the first paragraph! Nothing else is needed. Thanks Evan.
Thank you, Evan !
Just loved this 😀
Loved the subject about what is God telling me today. I read the lesson answering that question in each section. The same thing today is telling me that I am surrounded by God’s goodness , abundance of health, happiness, fulfillment, purpose. I should open my eyes and count the many blessings that surround me. I am very grateful for everything in my life knowing that it all comes from God. God is always present. He knows what I need and He always has my back! Someone might view me and my life and see me lacking this or that but God has made me feel as though I have it all.
What a great conversation and what food for thought. Grace, thanks for reminding me how helpful a gratitude journal can be. I have a book where I write prayerful thoughts before I go to sleep, but your reminder has given me the idea to write thoughts of gratitude when I wake up. What a way to eliminate worrying thoughts before they have time to take root! Thanks, Grace; thanks, Evan; thanks to all!!
Very inspirational! Thank-you!