I am because Thou art. This is the keynote of Christ Jesus’ life and teaching. As he said: “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do:” Some believe that this was Jesus declaring himself to be God, but I like the following explanation much more: “Jesus of Nazareth taught and demonstrated man's oneness with the Father, and for this we owe him endless homage."
"His mission was both individual and collective. He did life's work aright not only in justice to himself, but in mercy to mortals,— to show them how to do theirs, but not to do it for them nor to relieve them of a single responsibility.” (p.18, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy)
Is not this the goal of the Christian, to be one with the Father? Contrary to common belief, it is not a process of getting to be a better person in the eyes of mortals, but instead to relinquish all sense of identity apart from God, Spirit.
When we say, “I am” and exclude “because Thou art”, we sin. We claim to be something when we leave God out. We engage in the death trap called mortality, where death is certain. Jesus showed us the antidote and promised, “If ye believe in me, ye shall have everlasting life.” - not to believe in his person, but this Principle of total inseparability, dependency upon God which he embodied.
Instead of thinking of my life, a mortal state, I acknowledge that God is the only Life, and I am His expression, immortal.
Instead of thinking I am intelligent (or not), I acknowledge that God is the one and only Mind, and I am His expression.
Instead of thinking of my body in the flesh, I acknowledge that I am the temple of the living God, Spirit, incorruptible.
Giving up the pride of life, that we possess life, intelligence, and identity in and of ourselves, is the ultimate meekness expressed by Jesus - the straight and narrow way. It allows the Christ to enter in.
But woe be to the one who would retain his pride of life as a glorified mortal while claiming Sonship with the Father, “for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there.”
If this path seems too difficult, you may be sure it is the very pride of life which is crying out “Leave me alone.” Is it conceivable that Jesus would lead us to a dead end?
St Paul declares: “So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”
What a promise? Or is it rather a fulfillment of our primal purpose? “So God created man in his own image.” Gen.1:27