The "All-Out" Christian By M ildred H . Corbett P ERHAPS there is no place where the phrase “ all-out” is better understood or more generally practiced than on the college or university campus. The majority of students live on or near the campus, in college-owned or managed houses, and all activities are centered in or around college interests and places. It is not so with the young person who goes into business direct from high school. He spends seven or eight hours a day at his occupation and then returns to his home and its interests, seeking social contacts among friends who may have widely different occu pational interests. Thus the daily task may be simply a way of earning a living and not a way of life. When former classmates from high school return to their home towns during vacation times, it may be difficult to find a common meeting ground of interest with those who are now in busi nesses or trades. High school athletes look forward with great eagerness— sometimes mixed with fear that they will not make good—to the college athletic season. Some who were stars in a small high school may be disappointed in the places given them among many stars. But those who are accepted are “ all-out” for the game. Exercises, meals and hours of sleep are subject to the rules laid down by the coach. Indeed, sad to say, some are even forced to study because they will be barred from the team if they flunk their courses. One who is specializing in piano or organ will be careful of his hands, so that nothing will mar their proficiency. He is willing to go to any inconvenience that he may reach his goal. Young people who aspire to high places scholastically will not let other things interfere with their studies. They are “ all-out” to attain their ambition, or rather the object of it. Class offices and other positions of honor are given to those who are willing to put everything they have into the task, willing to state their opinions and work for them, able to labor with and for others. But how many young people on the average campus are “ all-out” Christians? How many Christians are outstanding in their witness to Christ? How many young people, out standing in other ways, are giving true testimony of their faith in Christ and living lives that are examples of sincere Christian consecration? We wish it were not true—but we fear it is—that there are many college and university students who will confess upon pressure that they have received Christ as Saviour and occasionally go to church, but who have a secret fear that this confession will harm their chances of campus success or popularity. They are willing to be “ all-out” for everything except the most important thing in their lives—their eternal salvation. They are willing to please everyone but the One who made their salvation possible! Oh, what a travesty upon Christianity, as such! Does anyone ask the question as to what is an “ all-out” Christian? This kind of a Christian is formed not from pressure without but from pressure within. Such character comes not simply from attending church services or even evangelistic meetings, nor does it come from an almost- forgotten confession of Christ and a daily neglect of Him. It comes from daily reading of and meditation upon God’s Word, and daily and oft-repeated communion with Him in prayer. This heart-training will develop a radiant person ality from which all will know that Christ is the center. Glad acknowledgment of Him and quiet witnessing for Him, should be the further result of such daily living. Christian-on-the-campus, is your life Christ-centered and are you all-out for Him, or do lesser interests fill your horizon? If Christ is not first in your life, you are dis satisfied with your Christian life and living and you are a fruitless evidence of an under-nourished soul. “ Choose you this day whom ye will serve.”
grapefruit field is now a barber in Anaheim, California. There is a disagreement on thé part of the workers as to whether or not those who are truly bom again get out of the migrant class. Missionary Gospel Fellowship states, “ Our own missionaries testify that when both a husband and wife find Christ as Saviour, they inevitably leave the migrant camps and settle down in an adjacent town.” That may be true to a large extent but many Christians do remain in the camps because it is a physical and financial impossibility to get out. Mr. Sims accepted the Lord as his Saviour when he was fifty. He saw his son-in-law whom he had bailed “ out of hoosegow after hoosegow” living for Christ and decided, “ If he can do it, I can do it.” Now, at fifty-seven, the father of eleven children, with the youngest two years old, there seems to be no work for Mr. Sims but following the crops. There is, however, a noticeable difference between his home and many of the others. The floor is swept. Mrs. Sims carefully folds the clothes after she washes them though she has to pile them in the comer. They live in a one-room shack but Mr. Sims, out of packing cases, built an extra bedroom for some of the older children. They attend the gospel services regularly and encourage the hearts of the missionaries. Whether they leave the camps or not, these are people who are waiting for some one to care for their souls for Christ. Despite all the Federal government may hope to do to eradi cate the squalid conditions, it is doubtful if they ever can be removed entirely as long as there are crops to be picked. While the Government is working out a solution, another) generation is bom into poverty, living in shacks, wearing clothes fit for the rag heap, and receiving the lowest standard of education in the United States. If they ever find Christ it will be due to the loving efforts and prayers and sacrificial giving of those who know Him.
"Is Not This the Carpenter?"
Mildred Allen Jeffery
Is not this the carpenter W ho studied much at close of day? W h o memorized the scriptures w ell A nd climbed up mountain trails to pray? W h o know s the strength of tool and wood A nd builds according to their worth? W h o know s m en 's hearts and shapes anew Their lives through spiritual rebirth? Is not this the carpenter W h o , before the life of m an began . Laid the foundation of the earth And m easured heaven with the span? Is He not w ise? Is H e not good? And is He not G od 's Son D ivine? * * * * * H e'll hold the nations firm and shape Their destinies to H is design !
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