Editorial March 23, 1935 Issue

Abundance through Dependence

Violet Ker Seymer

When the prodigal son said, "Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me," he was stirred by the desire for independence, for release from parental control. Elated with being the custodian of his own capital, "not many days after" he impulsively "gathered all together" and set forth, glorying in his freedom of action. Being enamored with a personally possessive sense, the young man for the time being deliberately cut himself off from the continuity of the heritage ensured to him as a beloved son.

A personal sense of possession is largely accountable for the human experience of lack. For instance, many individuals regard their life, their health, their faculties, as a personal possession to be used, and possibly used up, for selfish ends and according to mortal whims. Some pride themselves upon being endowed with a splendid physique, outstanding capacities, unusually fine brain and brawn; and upon them they place all their reliance.

Not a few believe themselves possessed, as did the Pharisee, of a righteousness of their own for which they are in no way indebted to Deity. In other words, theirs is not reflected righteousness, but self-righteousness.

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