Article January 1, 1972 ISSUE

Signs of the Times

Arnold J. Walker

Faith for Daily Living

The Reverend Arnold J. Walker of Central Methodist Church in Faith for Daily Living Durban, Natal, South Africa

The new year is a reminder that fresh opportunities await us, every day, at every turn of life's road. Let our prayer ... be, that we may be able to grasp every opportunity to do good; may we never be insensitive to the needs of other people, and may we always possess a vital and living faith so that life will be the richer for those with whom we mix in our daily lives.

What can I wish you that would express my heart's desire for you?

Peace? Yes, yet not the peace that makes you withdraw from the world, for it is only in the turmoil of life that you can cultivate poise and a balanced approach to life.

Happiness? I would wish you the realization that happiness is a by-product of a busy and constructive life. So I wish you a business that will create happiness for you.

Contentment? This is one of life's quiet and beautiful treasures, and I pray that it may be yours. But with it, may you possess the knowledge of the trials and difficulties [of] other people ... so that your contentment may have a concern for those less fortunate than yourself.

There are many other treasures I desire for you, but the greatest of all is that during the coming year you will experience, as far as you are capable, the Abiding Presence of the Living Christ; for possessing Him, you possess the greatest treasure of all....

The truth is, you make your own opportunities; you make yourself what you are, for the spirit within you is creatively stronger than any outside force or influence.

To you is given the great responsibility of developing your spirit. ... It is at this point of developing your spirit, to bring it to fulfilment, that the Christian Faith becomes relevant in daily living. ... Whatever may be the ramifications of the Christian Faith, it is primarily a personal experience of Christ in your life. The New Testament is very clear on this truth. ...

The fact is that the Spirit of God can, and does, operate through the spirit of man. Can you appreciate what this means to you in practical terms? Look at it in the light of the coming year. It means that you, through the spirit, can face the future with confidence. You can face future constructively and with great calm.

Nothing can come to you ... but that you will rise victoriously, and be in control of the situation, through the Power of the Indwelling Spirit of Christ.

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