Article February 7, 1914 Issue

Redeeming the Human

KRISTINE SCHIÖTT

No one can be blind to the sadness and sore bitterness evidenced on every hand as the result of unfaithfulness, lack of stability in the relations of men with each other; and undoubtedly those involved in such experiences and those who look upon them are one in their desire to have them healed. In every paradise of human relationship it is personal sense which is the serpent. To build upon personal considerations, unmindful of whether or no they are in line with the highest standard of right, leaves us with no surety of our own faithfulness and no Principle by which to demonstrate it.

The hermit's life does not bring about the kingdom of heaven, the unity of God's children. Moreover, living nor mally we all have some connection or relationship with our fellow beings, and we all want to see these relationships more harmonious, more free from friction, less subject to the assaults of personal sense ; but we can never realize this desire until we see that it is impossible to be faithful to mere flesh and blood, that faithfulness is more than the attitude of one person to another,—it is each person's right attitude to God and His Christ, to the ideal, the right idea of all human relationships. If in our daily living we are meeting the demands of God, there is not a legitimate human demand upon us which is not also incidentally met.

In no human relationships are unity and faithfulness more desired and desirable, and unfaithfulness more desperately sad, than in those of the home. We all want a perfect home, but the personnel of a household is much less of a factor in determining one's opportunity to demonstrate the right idea of a home, and to enjoy its happiness, than we are wont to think. It is no sin to desire all the joy and peace, comfort and happiness possible in a home.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

What is True Sympathy?