In Luke's account of the Master's last supper with his disciples there is recorded an incident of profound significance to the Christian Scientist. Since Christ Jesus knew that the time had come when he must face the greatest challenge of his career, the burden of that hour would seem to have been enough for him; yet he discerned Simon Peter's need and with Christly compassion addressed him in these words (22: 31, 32): "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Does this not imply that our own effort to be lifted above the sifting processes of mortal beliefs is inescapably linked with the Christian necessity of seeing another's need and reaching out to strengthen him? The light that has illumined our path out of error's darkness will shine on our brother's way with reflected Truth and Love, if we but let it.
It was the Master's mission to reveal the Christly law of man's eternal unity with God. This law of Christ forever holds man's true being in God-ordained perfection and harmony. One's own demonstration of this law, however, must extend outward actively, lovingly, impersonally to include others in the uplifting and healing presence of the Christ, Truth. Jesus illustrated this throughout his ministry. His unvarying, deep concern for his fellow men was prompted not by a personal sense of responsibility and goodness, but by the Christ, God's spiritual ideal.
