Article August 14, 1971 Issue

"Loss is gain"

RAYMOND JACKSON ALLEN

One of the signs of immaturity is unwillingness to subordinate personal interests to larger and higher concerns. This selfish clinging to what personal sense wants is strikingly illustrated at times in the attitudes and actions of children, who sometimes indulge in tantrums when their personal plans are interfered with. If they do not have tantrums, they may sulk or otherwise express disappointment and frustration.

Of course, this sort of thing is not confined to children, although with adults the reaction may not be as overt. Personal interests that appear to be interfered with may be entirely wholesome and worthwhile, but if something more essential to the good of all concerned enters the picture, the spiritual requirement is that personal interests be surrendered.

The way we react to this requirement is a measure of our spiritual maturity. When church or civic duties, for example, seem to conflict with social or recreational activities we have planned, how do we react? Do we always put first things first with a gracious and joyous spirit? Or is the church or civic duty accepted with an inward sigh?

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