A certain artist decided to try to produce a large panoramic painting which he hoped would be a master piece. Each day, to the huge canvas which had been stretched across the length of his studio, he would add a new color, a new dimension, a new thought. To the casual observer the endeavor in its first stages seemed dull and meaningless. One day a friend came to call. He was imme diately asked, “Well, how do you like my masterpiece?” To the visitor’s .untrained eye there was little to commend itself. He frankly comment ed, “You certainly would want me to be honest with you. And in that case, I’d have to tell you that it looks awful.” At first the artist was puz zled, then offended; finally he under stood and laughed. He explained, “I forget that all you can see is what I have already put on the canvas, but when I look at it, I envision what it will look like when it's all complete in every respect. You can’t imagine what’s in my mind.” As we look at each other, the same may be true. We might raise our “spiritual eyebrows” in judging to ask, “Is he a Christian ? He doesn’t look like it to me!” But, you see, we look at one another before we are complete, before our physical bodies have been redeemed. God looks at us as we are when we are finished. This is what Paul meant when he declared of the Lord, “He which hath begun a good work in you will per form it (or perfect it) until the day of Jesus Christ.” There are a great many changes which will take place when Christ comes again, but none are greater than those transpiring in our own individual lives. And at this point, I don’t mean so much physical changes, although, of course, that’s embodied here, but rather a change in character. Think what it’ll be like. No longer will we get out of sorts when we’re tired. No longer will we “blow our stack” when others have
been mean or harsh with us. No longer will we gossip or find fault with those whom we dislike. Criti cism and cynicism will be a thing of the past. No, the character, as well as the physical part of the Chris tian, will be completely redeemed at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Think of th is: at the first coming of Christ, He was made like unto us, but at His second coming we are going to be made like God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be. “But we are assured that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is.” “I shall know Him, as redeemed by His side I shall stand; I shall know Him, I shall know Him, by the print of the nails in His hands.” Mouthwashes may sweeten the breath, but only Christ can sweeten a sour dis position. Experience may not be worth what it costs, but we can’t seem to get it for any less. Nothing is more exhausting than searching for easy ways to make a living.
Dr. Louis T. Talbot, center, chancellor of Blola Schools and Colleges, recently attended a dinner In honor ot Mr. Al Sanders, left, vice-president of Public Relations. Pictured on the right Is Mr. Paul Schwepker, vice-president and treasurer for Biola.
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