Article December 13, 1941 Issue

"Friend, go up higher"

VIRGINIA BURNHAM PHINNEY

In what the world calls a period of uncertainty and devastation, who would belittle the value of humility, that quality of thought which enables one to "go up higher" and find enduring protection in the understanding of God and His universe?

In Luke's Gospel is an example of the Master's teaching in regard to humility. Jesus told his fellow guests at the Pharisee's house that when bidden to a marriage feast one should not choose "the highest room" to sit down in, lest his host desire to place "a more honourable" guest in that position. He told them they should choose, rather, "the lowest room," for then they would be in the position to hear the voice of their host bidding them, "Friend, go up higher."

Does not this help us to see wherein true protection lies? Do not many seek the upper chamber first because they are unwilling to take the intermediate steps which may have to be taken before they can "go up higher"? As we learn to practice humility, we inevitably rise to new heights, gaining wider views of the spiritual universe and realizing more of God's protection.

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