Article January 10, 1942 Issue

Signs of the Times

with contributions from A Correspondent, Samuel A. Wright, W. R. Sproule, Herbert Barnes

[A Correspondent, in The Times, London, England]

Present-day circumstances have quickened, to a degree beyond precedent, perception of the truth that even the humblest opportunity of service is a privilege to be welcomed, not a demand to be met in a spirit of condescension. The lesson gains yet further value when we observe our Lord's unique success in blending what too often have seemed the contrasting ideals of service and self-development. How, it has been asked, are the duties of self-cultivation and self-abnegation to be combined? If a man spends himself, his thought, time, and abilities in caring for others, how is he to care for his own inner life? ... But the conflict between the individual and the social claims disappears in his [Jesus'] teaching. He does not say that in social service a man will, as it were, lose his own life, yet the loss will seem worth while. What he does imply is that in so losing his life a man will find it. ... The purely self-centered life not only will be sterile in its relation with others, but will be doomed to internal decay. The life which gives itself will discover that it has gained for itself by spending for others.... If he would render full service to the community, a man must use all means to purify his own character; if he desires strength and growth for his own character, he will be eager to wash the feet of his brethren.

[Rev. Samuel A. Wright, as quoted in the Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona]

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