Thinking Things Through

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     The old saying, "You can't get blood out of a turnip," is true, because there is no blood in a turnip. It is also true that love cannot come from a heart that feels no love; nor can humility or penitence proceed from a life filled with selfishness and pride. To expect words of spiritual wisdom and education to flow from the mouth of one who is not spiritually enlightened is to expect the impossible, yet in many cases, we try figuratively to get blood out of a turnip.

     We become impatient and disgusted with those who are indifferent to their Christian obligations. We may expect too much fire from a little spark, and extinguish what could have been fanned into fervent flame, with proper attention on the part of the oversight of the church. Frequently it is here the fault lies.

     When the hearing of the word (Rom. 10:17) produces obedience to the faith (Rom. 1:5), which is sincere and from

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the heart (Rom. 6:17), a proper foundation for a Christian life has been laid (Heb. 11:1). The building of Christian character is thus begun, but is in no sense completed. The building is constructed step by step. Upon this solid (concrete) foundation a seven (complete number) story building will rise. It will be reinforced, bolted down, nailed, clinched and waterproofed with such materials as virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. Against such a structure, opposition can have no effect. It will continue to stand (1 Pet. 2:5-10).

     Large buildings are not erected by the labor of one man, but through the unified efforts of a group of workmen. So it is in building a Christian life. It is a final result of a combined effort designed to strengthen, encourage and comfort one another. The finished product is fitly framed together and suitable for use by the Master. "Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 18:3) --F. L. Rosebery.