When Paul was on his way to Damascus to persecute the Christians, a blinding light arrested him, "and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, ... I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. ... And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Consecrated study of these words in the light which Christian Science throws upon them gives rich reward.

The answer that came must have been as startling as was the light which heralded it. Paul learned from it that he must now learn to follow and uphold those whom he had formerly despised and persecuted. Later, in recounting his experience to King Agrippa, he said, "I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision." His attitude of genuine receptivity to the voice of God was followed by instant obedience. This should prompt us to ask ourselves if we are as obedient in letting go of our old theories and views which are not in accord with Christian Science. Perhaps some social habit of drinking or smoking is holding us back or delaying a healing; or there may be some false theological belief to which we are still clinging, and which has to be given up.

People are often afraid to follow the example of Paul because they misunderstand the nature of humility. Humility has nothing to do with servility. It is the antipode of pride, and strikes at the very roots of any sense of humanly personal good. "What hast thou that thou didst not receive?" said Paul.

True humility recognizes the eternal unity between God and man in His image and likeness. By claiming man's unity with God we are enabled to manifest in increasing measure the qualities of God. We express more of health and vigor, for God is Life; of tenderness and compassion, for God is Love; of wisdom and understanding, for God is Mind; of true joy and strength, for God is Spirit; of reality for ourselves and others, for God is Truth.

In her article "The Christian Science Textbook" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, pp. 109–115) Mrs. Eddy presents a clear example of humility. In the concluding paragraph she writes: "I should blush to write of 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures' as I have, were it of human origin, and were I, apart from God, its author. But, as I was only a scribe echoing the harmonies of heaven in divine metaphysics, I cannot be super-modest in my estimate of the Christian Science textbook." She thus gave this book unstinting praise, but she gave God the glory, recognizing her spiritual unity with Him.

A significant fact which is revealed to us from further study of the conversion of Paul is that the vision came to him just where he was, even in the midst of "breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord." We can take courage from Paul's experience and know that to the honest seeker false ideals and methods are uncovered by Truth. We can prove the truth of our Leader's words (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 10): "The good cannot lose their God, their help in times of trouble. If they mistake the divine command, they will recover it, countermand their order, retrace their steps, and reinstate His orders, more assured to press on safely."

Listening in true humility helps us at times to own ourselves in the wrong. How stubborn we sometimes are in our refusal to do this! Pride, obstinacy, and self-love often create a barrier which makes it seem almost impossible to say the simple words, "I am sorry; I was wrong." But what freedom and joy come when the acknowledgment is finally made!

Humanly to outline is also a great deterrent to healing and progress in Christian Science; and it can find no resting place in a humble, listening, and obedient thought. So often we limit God by feeling that the problem must be worked out in a special way of our own planning, when the remedy is to let our human will go, and leave all to Him whom Mrs. Eddy defines in Science and Health (p. 587) as, "The great I am; the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, all-loving, and eternal."

Longfellow beautifully describes this attitude of listening to God:

The writer remembers an instance when the acknowledgment of how little she knew of Christian Science and a humble turning to God for inspiration enabled her to heal a lifelong friend. News had been received that this friend was in a very bad state of health. Actual details were lacking, and the attitude of the friend towards Christian Science was not known; but the writer realized that although she of herself knew not what to say, God would give her the message. Only a simple letter was sent, so young was the student in Christian Science, but the result was beautiful. In the friend's reply the question was asked, "When did you write your letter? Because on Saturday evening I suddenly felt as though an intolerable load had been lifted, and I have felt better ever since." That was the time when the student had turned to God for a message and was another evidence of His care.

Humility is a spiritual quality and must be learned and cultivated by mankind. Moses, when first roused to a desire to free his fellow countrymen, was led astray by impetuosity, and thereafter had to spend many years in retirement and meditation before he grew to that state of meekness which was so powerful that it enabled him to lead a nation out of bondage. We should rejoice that Christian Science has taught us how we, too, can learn to listen for the voice of God. Daily, hourly, in perplexities both great and small, we can send up the earnest prayer, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Listening for the answer, and obeying it, we shall help and heal not only ourselves but those around us. Thus it is that our right thinking and acting will have their part in bringing peace and healing to all the world.