We can set a goal for ourselves—to really know God—and the results can be far-reaching. The more the understanding of divine metaphysics permeates our lives, the more others will be drawn to whatever Godlike qualities we manifest. Christ Jesus said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." ^{John 12:32.}

Could we not all aim for a sense of Truth like the Way-shower's and know that as we mentally soar above the gravitation of materiality we too will draw others to that rising thought? Even those who make a conscious effort to pull away from Truth cannot forever struggle against the basic, God-derived goodness in their nature.

Aiming to follow Christ Jesus in being "lifted up" means having a high goal indeed: to keep one's thought at a spiritual level, above the downward pull of mortality, worldliness, sensualism, and the idolatry of matter. This calls for alertly watching one's motives and environment; carefully analyzing one's thoughts and actions; and embodying a true sense of love and all that entails. What it demands, above all, is thinking, acting, and understanding from the basis of man's true, spiritual being. This lifts our thought above mere human comprehension into the realm of spiritual reality—and then we are ready to help others attain this goal.

Sometimes the achievement of a desired healing of one kind or another may tempt one to rest on the resulting comfort and satisfaction. In this regard it may be pertinent to consider part of a radio address given by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes on the occasion of his ninetieth birthday. He said: "The riders in a race do not stop short when they reach the goal. There is a little finishing canter before coming to a standstill. There is time to hear the kind voice of friends and to say to one's self: 'The work is done.' But just as one says that, the answer comes: 'The race is over, but the work never is done while the power to work remains.'" ^{Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., in radio address, March 8, 1931 .} In that same sense, proving Truth in healing should provide a vigorous incentive to demonstrate still more of the divine Principle.

Misunderstanding, criticism, and persecution have often been the fate of those who lead the way to a higher understanding of God. Jesus' early followers had no easy path; but because they clung to their faith, we reap the reward of their fidelity. In my own case, not having been brought up with Christian Science, I had acquired a complete misconception of its true value and teaching. When the moment came when I was ready to open my thought, I felt somewhat as the Apostle Paul must have felt when he was struck by a blinding light on the road to Damascus.

It happened at a Christian Science service one day. A citation was read (and I can't recall whether it was from the Bible or Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy). Whatever it was, I responded as though I had been hit by something tremendous. When I recovered, I knew that from that moment on I would never be the same. I had had a momentary glimpse of my real spiritual selfhood, and this glimpse revolutionized my entire life. An extraordinary transformation took place in my character; for the first time I became willing to listen to the "still small voice." Since that holy experience many years ago, the occasions have been precious and rare when I have felt that degree of at-one-ment with divine Mind, but demonstrable unity with this Mind is a continuing goal I cherish and work to attain.

Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, tells us, "We should strive to reach the Horeb height where God is revealed; and the corner-stone of all spiritual building is purity." ^{Science and Health, p. 241.} And later, "Christian Science demonstrates that none but the pure in heart can see God, as the gospel teaches." ^{Ibid., p. 337.} What does this purity imply? Can we reach the Horeb height through human effort alone, through our five physical senses? Obviously not. Since the Divine Being is Spirit, our approach to His presence must be spiritual, which means progressively eliminating beliefs in materiality that would obstruct our vision. We must sweep matter and mortality out of consciousness in order to glimpse the Horeb light. The first verse of a familiar hymn gives a clue on how to accomplish this:

Claiming our perfect selfhood as God's reflection is the surest way to see His glory and ever-presence, the surest way to establish our at-one-ment with Him. This is the path that leads to attaining the Horeb height—surely the most priceless of all goals.

Be perfect, be of good comfort,
be of one mind, live in peace;
and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

II Corinthians 13:11