An article written by my father, the Rev. C. Thomas Paige, as it appeared in the Tri-State Defender on the date shown.
“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation.” — Romans 1:16
A few weeks ago, one of our larger churches had a great dispute. Forces had taken over. Persons were at odds with each other over some minor issues. This picture was the picture of the whole world today. Countless people are at odds over small things that basically have little or no bearing on the overall outcome of life. We are fully aware that in this day, there are reasons for people to be at odds.
In all areas of human behavior today, we find people at odds. In many respects this is a healthy aspect of what is going on. It will be a sad day when all people start thinking the same way on all issues that come up.
But with all of the issues that will arise, there must always be an ever present group of people who have come to grips with the basic moral and spiritual forces at work behind every discussion. Herein lies the real threat to our society: far too many people know the moral and spiritual issues at stake but lack the inner persuasion to go through with what they know is right. As I watched the trend of this church affair, I quivered because, knowing people as I do, I know that far too many would be concerned with what is popular rather than what is right.
At every point of activity in our world today, we are confronted with these forces which are at work. People are concerned about being on the band wagon rather than having an inner satisfaction of what is right. Many people in high places of great moral and spiritual persuasion satisfy themselves with doing what is popular rather than that which is right. The fact that decades ago people were concerned with the right and wrong aspects of every issue casts a great cloud of gloom upon modern behavior patters and evaluations. It goes without saying that, once again, we must come to the point of fortification against those forces that would destroy all that is worthwhile and good.
SAME ATTITUDE
To be identified with that which is worthwhile and wholesome carries a great price. Many people have refrained from such identity because of the price attached thereto. But as one looks at the life and words of Paul, particularly those used for the center of our thinking today, we will see that in spite of the penalty attached to the association with the best available, he was not ashamed. What a different world this would be today if each of us were to assume the same attitude.
The same way in the days of Paul that one associated power with righteousness, it is true today. In spite of the fact that many times, we associate unpopularity with the holding on to that which is contrary to the best in us, we must hurriedly associate reward with the ability on the part of each of us to hold on to that which is good. No longer can one hold to that which has questionable goals and expect to obtain a place of worth by doing that which is popular. Today, as never before, our chief ambition must be an adherence to those things which have lasting values.
Paul said, “I am not ashamed of that which is best because it is the power unto greater and more worthwhile living.” So this must be for each of us.
HERE AND NOW
Today we find ourselves living on the brink of the greatest disaster ever to face mankind. People in responsible positions have failed to live up to all that the office entails. Presidents, mayors, preachers, mothers and fathers have forsaken that which is most meaningful in the long run to accept that which will bring temporary rewards. A few days ago, President Kennedy said, “Our offices must not be used as rivals for power but rather as partners for progress.” Maybe we did not get the full impact of his statement in the sense that the only progress to which we are partners is the progress marked by moral and spiritual growth. Only to the extent that we sell all that we have to offer in terms of our moral and spiritual obligations to all with which we are associated will the realization of our dreams ever be fulfilled.
To this degree we must always keep that which is wholesome and worthwhile before us at all times. This is our duty here and now.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 