Article January 24, 1953 Issue

Signs of the Times

with contributions from Robert James McCracken, Henry Knox Sherrill, Malcolm B. Kochler, Joseph H. Brooks

Robert James McCracken in an article in the Christian World London, England

Though men and nations crave power and struggle for it, there is something greater and in the long run far more enduring. There is a philosophy of life that builds its trust on deeper things. There have always been great souls unintimidated by worldly power—Nathan confronting David, Luther at the Diet of Worms ... Christ Jesus before Pontius Pilate. Why were they unintimidated? Because they believed that the world's foundations are spiritual and force is powerless to establish falsehood or to thwart the realization of the divine purpose.

This is God's world. The issues of destiny are not settled by the biggest battalions. Something there is deeper and in the long run more enduring than the power men and nations crave. Jesus shows us what it is. For him nobody can be great who is not humble. A real person, he says, is not self-assertive. He does not push or drive or desire to dominate. He believes in the power of love to overcome hate and relies more on gentleness than on force. He is free from pride and arrogance because he recognizes his dependence on a power higher than any earthly power. This is not popular doctrine; it is neither generally accepted nor generally practiced; but in our best moments we know it is true and that if it were generally practiced, the world would be an infinitely happier place.

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