Moses ' mission and career as leader of the children of Israel began when he answered God's call with his words "Here am I" (Ex. 3:4). Although he at first doubted his worthiness, his readiness to obey God allowed him, and the world, to receive the Ten Commandments.

How much of a call do we need from God to answer "Here am I"? In one sense, isn't God speaking to each one of us constantly, in that which indicates His goodness and beauty and love? Can't we attribute the genuine good that we experience to God and say, as Moses said, "Here am I"? This means acknowledging God's ever-presence and showing our readiness to accept His direction and purpose for our lives.

I recall a moment some years ago when I had been on a beach with my daughter and we were walking to the car after a spectacular day of warmth and happiness. I felt so clearly God's presence. I've found that at times of such divine inspiration, for me to acknowledge God's grace and recommit to serve Him enhances my capacity for further spiritual growth. Gratitude opens our eyes. Let's attribute our very being to God and know that no matter what vicissitudes and unpleasantness we may face, God's law and goodness are intact, never changing, and available.

In the life of Christ Jesus, the Way-Shower, we see illustrated what man truly is as God's reflection, as well as man's everlasting oneness with God. "The divine nature was best expressed in Christ Jesus, who threw upon mortals the truer reflection of God and lifted their lives higher than their poor thought-models would allow,—thoughts which presented man as fallen, sick, sinning, and dying," writes Mary Baker Eddy in Science and Health (p. 259). There is no other way by which we can fully comprehend our eternal perfection as God's image than by becoming a faithful follower of Christ Jesus.

Each of us, even if in an unspoken yearning, desires a clear purpose in life, desires to find the exact course and reason for being, one that defines who he or she is and what he or she should be doing. What if we acknowledged whatever good we see in our life as evidence of God's presence, of His speaking to us? What if we responded to it with the same fervor as Moses did, saying "Here am I"? Then listened and resolutely followed the spiritual light we received? What lives we'd lead! What purpose would unfold! What contributions to the healing of a troubled world we would make! And that, it seems to me, is an essential part of the Christian Science message.

Science and Health states, "The divine Principle of the First Commandment bases the Science of being, by which man demonstrates health, holiness, and life eternal" (p. 340). And, referring to God as Spirit, as did Jesus, this book also shows that the First Commandment implies that we should identify ourselves and others as completely spiritual (see p. 467). This has forced me to ask myself, "Do I look to a mortal selfhood for my identity and make that a god?" God revealed to Moses that we should have no other god but Him. Our identity comes from God; it reflects Spirit, and is not what the material senses would insist it is. Nothing material, limited, or imperfect is included in our true selfhood. If I'm really listening and saying, "Here am I," with obedient resolve, I'm acknowledging that my very life, substance, intelligence, are God-derived, with no material consideration whatsoever. There is no limit to man's nature as God's reflection.

The depth of meaning in the First Commandment could take a lifetime of following to fathom it, and should. As students of Christian Science and indeed of other religions have discovered, a realm of loveliness begins to unfold as one embarks on this exploration of spiritual infinitude and oneness. Lives become joyfully subservient to God, as His purpose for us becomes clear. Our work becomes more defined and meaningful and better performed. And the insight into one God and His expression, man, heals.

There can be no greater purpose on earth than to follow God in the way Christ Jesus showed us. He said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matt. 5:48). Each of us shares this purpose. If we truly follow Jesus, who represented Christ, Truth, we must acknowledge the truth of his words and adhere to his teaching.

Is there anyone who has expressed more of a readiness to serve than Jesus? May we all have the same Mind that was in Christ Jesus and do the works he said we would do. And may we say, with Moses, "Here am I." In this way too we will lead lives of goodness—of joy, and triumph, and healing.