Article October 28, 1922 Issue

Discovering One Another

LUCY HAYS REYNOLDS

How often in speaking of our friends we may say: We know them well; we have been acquainted ever since childhood. Looking deeper, however, do we really know them as well as we think we do? Their human natures and personalities, yes, perhaps; but what of their inner life, — the true individuality, which even their words and deeds may not always portray? Giving little heed to the spiritual selfhood, we are inclined to "size up" one another from the standpoint of personality, and then believe we are good readers of character! Yet, human bearing, idiosyncracies, and dispositions fail to express the real, spiritual life of the individual.

The "butterfly" girl, we say, "has nothing to her;" and, yet, in a crucial moment she sometimes displays a strength and wisdom that surprises us all. Looking beneath the seemingly cold or harsh exterior of a blunt personality, is there not often found a sweet inner life? If we had analyzed merely the human nature of the Apostle Peter, and had seen only his impetuosity and other personal characteristics, would we have discovered that quality in him which Jesus called "blessed," because of its recognition of the Christ? Human personality, frail and transitory, — how different it is from the divine nature, which accompanies spiritual individuality! Should we be content, then, with a superficial sense of one another? Is it safe to judge according to mannerisms, types, and temperaments? If we regard our brother from the surface only, we may not really see him at all; indeed, however intimately acquainted we may be with our friends, if all we know about them is their personality, then we know them not.

The meek Nazarene came and went among mortals, who regarded him as a carpenter only, and derided him when he declared himself to be the Son of God. To the Pharisees he said, "Ye neither know me, nor my Father." Even those who had been looking for the coming of the Messiah knew him not, and passed his person by. The doctors in the temple saw only a child of twelve before them, and consequently could not account for his wonderful sayings. To Philip he yearningly exclaimed, "Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?"

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