ment and insight, which is self-ob jectification. Finally we find integra tion or self-unification. One psycholo gist has said, “If one cannot escape on the level of the immediate biologi cal impulse, his life is manifestly dwarfed and infantile.” Often our children see us as parents far more concerned about finances and temporal things, than about that which really matters for all eternity. We should learn to see ourselves as others see us. Too often we are not really objective or honest in this evalu ation. For instance, do you cultivate a good sense of humor? This is very important as our children observe us. A dad told me, “I came home one day and was a little ‘owly’ with my wife and family. I was indulging in self- pity. Sitting down I read the news paper grumping and muttering in my own figurative beard. Finally the Lord interrupted, as well He should, and said, “All right, fellow, after all I am still in the heavens. I do still love you. You still have the hope of eternal life. Your wife is a godly woman and you have enough to eat. Why don’t you put away your rattles and climb out of your high chair? Take off your romp ers and dress up like a man. Go out and sweeten up. Give your wife a good kiss.” So he put down the paper and went out to the kitchen to surprize his wife. Immediately she could sense the change and said, “You’re feeling bet ter, aren’t you?” He began to laugh at himself and said, “Lord give me a sense of humor.” Do we see ourselves as we really are? A mature person always has some unifying philosophy of life. He may not be able to express it in so many words, but it is a moving force in his daily existence. Does your home have a spiritual goal? As a Christian you certainly should have. Do you desire to be a mature person in Jesus Christ? Are you seeking first His kingdom and righteousness ? A man told me about a problem he was having. His wife was very self- centered. She hadn’t received too much love as a child. He decided he wanted to take his son away for a little vaca
tion. This was a good idea for com panionship in the early teen years is vital. Mother had a terrible tantrum. When they came home his boy said, “Dad, I don’t think we ever ought to do this again.” The woman foolishly pouted for about six weeks. You can imagine why an older daughter in that home wants to get away. She tells her friends, “My mother is a regular witch : she is watching everything and everybody. She wants her own way. I don’t care if I ever see her again.” This shows lack of spiritual stability and growth. One of the very real problems in our homes is hostility. The key to good mental health is the ability to handle hostile feelings through the strength, wisdom, and power which the Holy Spirit waits to give you. This certainly comes when we are progressing in spiritual growth (II Peter 3:18). Are you concerned about being like the Lord Jesus Christ; let ting Him live His life in and through you? May God grant that it may be so in your life. Singing for the freshmen reception is (he Biela Faculty Quartet. From left to right are Mr. William Leek, Mr. Jack Schwarz, Mr. Edwin Heppner and Dr. Richard McNeely. Dr. McNeely is associate professor of Biblical studies at Biela while the ether three men are all members of the music faculty. Mr. Heppner directs the Biela Chorale which will be giving concerts on a tour to the Midwest this March.
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