Article March 24, 1951 Issue

PREPAREDNESS

FREDERIC E. EARLE

In military warfare to be prepared for surprise attacks is essential. It requires adequate preparation of men, equipment, and supplies, as well as constant alertness. Without adequate preparation and watchfulness a superior force may he overcome and routed by a lesser adversary through a surprise attack.

In mental warfare, as well, it is essential to be always prepared against surprise attacks. Jesus exemplified the perfect mental warrior. He always knew what he was doing and what he was facing. He taught the falsity of all that is evil. He said to the Pharisees (John 8: 44): "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." He was never surprised or caught unawares, even by treachery, for he foresaw coming events clearly and even predicted them to unbelieving and unawakened followers. And yet he made no claim that his wisdom, power, and prophetic vision were exclusive to himself or miraculous.

He attributed his abilities to his unity with God, to his divine son-ship. Plainly he said (John 14:10), "The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." By the Sermon on the Mount and his many explanations and parables he taught the law of God, which governed his thinking and actions.

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