Spiritual Uplift ALBERT F. GILMORE, CSB          In the testimonies given at the Wednesday evening meetings in Christian Science churches and in those appearing in the Christian Science periodicals, gratitude is often expressed for the “spiritual uplift” even more than for the physical healing which has been experienced through the study and application of Mrs. Eddy’s teachings. The expression, it seems, has been so often used as to have become somewhat stereotyped, and is no doubt often voiced without a full realization of its meaning. The testifier is fully aware of a change, perhaps a great change, in his mentality, resulting from the touch of the healing Christ, and he calls it “spiritual uplift.”          The question arises, especially with the newcomer to Science, Just what, precisely, does this mean? What is spiritual uplift? It is the exalted sense resulting from gaining some measure of the Mind of Christ—the state of thought which comes from transforming consciousness, perhaps only slightly, from a material to a spiritual basis. It is the changing of our thinking from material belief to spiritual fact, thereby exalting, uplifting, consciousness. The wondrous possibilities of this spiritual uplift are well illustrated by words of Peter as recorded in the book of Acts. When the apostles had been imprisoned and were brought before the council of the Sanhedrin, in reply to the accusation that, contrary to orders, the disciples had spread the doctrines of the Master, Peter replying said, “Him [Jesus] hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” And he further declared that the disciples had witnessed these things and moreover that the Holy Ghost had been given “to them that obey him.” Here was practical proof in marvelous terms of the great exaltation, of the unprecedented spiritual uplift, which had come to Christ Jesus himself and also to his disciples who were receptive to the Christ, Truth, and the Holy Ghost, sent of God. How great heights of spiritual attainment may be gained by all through uplifting thought, through laying hold of spiritual truth, of the great facts of being, of God’s infinite presence and power!          The Christian martyrs who were enabled to face death with serenity and equanimity are shining examples of exalted thinking. On page 388 of “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” Mrs. Eddy says of them, “Through the uplifting and consecrating power of divine Truth, they obtained a victory over the corporeal senses, a victory which Science alone can explain.” Everyone who benefits from the healing touch of the Christ in some measure shares this experience.          Moreover, having gained some glimpse of the fact that spiritual existence is man’s true state,—that is, having beheld the Christ and having through its ministration experienced healing from physical discord, or other inharmony—the beneficiary becomes conscious of an exalted state, wherein material existence has lost something of its claim to reality.          Truth is the goal which all mortals seek. Having found it and having proved it to be true, men prize it above all else. Therefore the assertion is often made by testifiers to the effect that while grateful for physical healing their deepest gratitude is for the spiritual uplift which has been experienced. An important fact connected with this experience which is called “spiritual uplift” is that it does not exalt human personality. Rather does it lessen egotism, or the human sense of personality. Christ Jesus’ teachings are explicit. “Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased,” he asserted; “and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Not by enlarging upon human personality, its importance and capabilities, but rather by eliminating it because of its false character, is spiritual uplift gained. Every healing through understanding the true nature of man, with its accompanying spiritual exaltation for which gratitude is expressed, has resulted from overcoming in some measure the human sense of personality. Exaltation is seen then to attend upon true humility.          What is the source of the uplifting power? Mrs. Eddy directly replies to this query on page 505 of Science and Health. “Spirit imparts the understanding,” she declares, “which uplifts consciousness and leads into all truth.” Exalted thought signifies that Christ, Truth, has been at work in human consciousness, blessing and healing in its visitations. How glorified is this experience! Each one who expresses gratitude for healing and spiritual uplift is paying tribute to God for a manifestation of His infinite love for man. What wonder, then, that words of thanksgiving well up to the lips from a heart exalted, uplifted, through the most holy of all experiences which come to mortals, the entertainment of an angel visitant, a spiritual idea!   "Spiritual Uplift" by Albert F. Gilmore, CSB Christian Science Sentinel, September 3, 1927

 

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