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Question Box Outward Polish vs. Inward Grace
ANSWER: The qualities of meekness, gentleness, patience belonged to the first man when he was created in the image and likeness of God. They are, therefore, human qualities that may be cultivated to a certain extent by any human being and should be striven for by all. But, as a result of the fall, selfishness and general meanness depraved the appetites and ways of all mankind to so great an extent that, as the scriptures say, "there is none righteous, no not one," "from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot" all are imperfect. Hence natural man not would have these glorious traits of character largely and fully developed, though there certainly is a difference between the development of some and that of others. We see that some worldly people have assumed something of the various graces of the spirit. In their business methods they attempt to be gentle, and properly so. It is considered a part of the proper conduct of colleges to instruct the young in politeness, in what to say and what not to say; in how to say things and how not to say things; and all of this brings an outward smoothness to these persons in their general deportment. In such cases, however, the smoothness is cultivated because of the idea that this constitutes "good breeding." Thus it may be a mere veneer, not really affecting the sentiments of the heart. The person may be outwardly calm and smooth and pleasant, and yet at heart feel sour and envious and mean. Those who are merely outward observers might not be able to ascertain whether that man or woman were actuated by the proper spirit or not. They might not be able to know whether these changes were the "fruits of the spirit" or fruits of good education, but anyone knowing well the private life of such persons would be sure to ascertain the facts. These persons, while preserving a smooth outward demeanor, would occasionally show that it was merely a veneer, and to that extent, hypocrisy. Perhaps a measure of hypocrisy in that sense would be advisable for some people; it might be better for them to put on a little veneer if they cannot have the genuine article; better that they should appear smooth rather than appear rough; it would at least help the world along a little for them to be as smooth as they are able in their general dealings. The merchant who, after pulling down large stocks of goods and telling the customer that it is no trouble at all to show goods, that he is just pleased at having the opportunity to do so, and that there is no obligation whatever in the matter, and showing the very essence of politeness, but who, after the lady is gone out of the store, stamps his foot and complains, announces to all his company that his politeness is merely assumed as a necessity in the business. With the Christian these graces are developed from within. Whatever he may have been naturally, smooth or rough, the new creature cultivates and approves these graces in the heart, and they reach all the way from the heart to the surface. It is the new mind that is regulating the new creature, and the new creature, instead of having smoothness on the outside, has it running clear through the grain from the very core. This developing new creature may not at all times have as smooth an outward exterior as some of the old creatures who have the veneer of grace and good breeding. They may have worse natural dispositions; they may be naturally less patient, or less sympathetic. They may be moved by such honesty as would lead them to avoid saying anything but what they feel, anything different from their honest sentiments, which may be the wrong thing. These, of course, should learn to govern the outward man until all their sentiments have come into full accord with the spirit of the Lord so that they may become more and more kind and loving and helpful to others and "show forth the praises of him who has called them out of darkness into his marvelous light." C. T. Russell (Q49) |