Challenge fraud with the power of divine Principle

Fraud saddens and disheartens, eroding trust like no other deeds. It is can show up as corporate or government corruption, or even as personal manipulation, gossip, white lies, or infidelity in marriage. Sometimes it looks as if fraudulent activities are everywhere. But, believe it or not, the power is at hand to help and even heal fraudulent actions which appear rampant. Each of us is empowered to heal fraudulant behavior. 

There were at least five times when I felt very beat up by reported fraudulent activities in the news. Each time I found myself carrying a tremendous amount of baggage and anger about what I heard, and a couple time I became physically ill as a result.

Eventually, I realized I had a choice. I could be angry, sad, discouraged, etc, or I could pray and forgive. I also decided to look at things from a different angle: I started with gratitude for the omnipotence and omni-presence of divine Love and Truth. I acknowledged that Love and Truth are the only source of true power, and are capable of rescuing people from the depths of sin, greed, fraud, and corruption. I also chose to honor the fact that man, God’s creation, is and always was, the reflection of divine Love. Choosing this different tack healed me.

We approach God, or Life, in proportion to our spirituality, our fidelity to Truth and Love; and in that ratio we know all human need and are able to discern the thought of the sick and the sinning for the purpose of healing them. Error of any kind cannot hide from the law of God. 
—Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p.95

In the Bible there was a very corrupt and very rich tax collector, Zacchaeus. Jesus went to his house and ate with him. Afterward Zacchaeus made a U-turn in his thought and actions; he declared he would repay fourfold those from whom he stole, and then he also chose to give half of his wealth to the poor.

Whoa! Why did Zacchaeus take such a radical turn? What healed him? It was the Christ! The Christ is what gave Jesus the ability to see what others could not — goodness and humanity — qualities which are eternal, even if they appear dim in certain individuals. When Jesus ate and spoke withZacchaeus, Jesus didn’t hate him, or feel angry toward him. Jesus forgave him. Jesus saw and claimed the innocence and purity which was Zacchaeus’ true being, even his God-derived identity as God’s image and likeness.

This is the power of the Christ. It empowers us to take a stand against, and to strongly disagree with, the sense of personal evil, even devilish behavior, in others. The Christ  also empowers us to acknowledge in others the inherent goodness, a permanent part of God’s children. Even if the reflected light looks minuscule and dim, or even appears non-existent, with the light of divine Love we are empowered to see and claim that the light of Love is reflected by all, and we can help by cherishing and honoring that light’s eternal presence and purity.

However, I must digress. This does not mean we allow ourselves to become doormats in abusive relationships. We don’t sit idly by and let wickedness take its course. But even so, no matter what steps are taken to find refuge and leave the abuse behind, that doesn’t mean buying into victimhood, or that continuing to harbor anger and hatred toward corrupted, human flaws is part of the deal. Acting decisively with prayer and taking a stand with Truth, divine Principle, is not being a passive doormat, nor does it lead toward revenge in any way; prayer is communing with the most powerful and effective force available to man, the omnipotence and omni-presence of divine Mind. This power allows us to forgive, and move forward wisely and without fear, and Love gives us the redeeming feeling of peace, harmony, and safety.

If you see corruption of any kind you have the opportunity to think and pray rather than reacting. You have the power to turn to divine Principle, Love, who governs all. Love gives right directions and leads only toward an improved awareness of safety, goodness, and harmony. Love gives strength to act rightly, to take a stand, or get out of the way and possibly take refuge. In either instance, Love forces us to move forward. And if we stand with divine Principle, Love, we can expect to see Love correct and even transform those who perpetrate hatred and evil.

The design of Love is to reform the sinner. 
— Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health, p.35