Editorial February 26, 1916 Issue

Knowledge and Expression

John B. Willis

The teaching of Christian Science vigorously demands that union of spiritual knowledge and its ideal expression which is portrayed in the thirteenth chapter of I Corinthians. This has been called "a poet's apotheosis of redemptive love," and it might as fittingly be named good form in Christian living, outlining as it does the proper attitude of Christian thought and the becoming order of Christian conduct. It discloses the possible heroisms of humility; it teaches the technique of Christlikeness, and it forever fixes the canons of spiritual excellence.

Paul always kept his eye upon the spiritual goal of life rather than upon the incidental experiences connected with the struggle to reach it, and was distinctly free from bondage to non-essentials. At the same time he was insistent that the good deed should be done with "the fine stroke and gesture" of nobleness; that every brick in the building should be laid not only with regard for the strength and durability of the structure, but with regard for its perfection of beauty. Thus while rugged and strong in his devotion to the truth, he was poet-like in his consideration for the consistency and propriety of the form in which the Christian spirit was to be objectified. Schooled in the knowledge of his day, he delighted in finished products of thought and speech, and this bias shaped his concept of what befits Christian manliness in word, in bearing, and in deed.

This blend of ruggedness and refinement made him unusual; it also made him exemplary. His epistles are models of logical argument, expressed with such a richness of illustration and tactfulness of address that one follows him with no less of pleasure than of profit. He did not forget that it is possible to reflect the beauty of the Lord as well as His wisdom and power, so that the doing of the right shall grow more delightful to the doer and the more winsome to those who see it done. The Christian man is not at liberty to be careless or uncouth in any word or work.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial
"Look unto me"
February 26, 1916
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit