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Editorial

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 5, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 49.

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Editorial

By Editor

The True Viewpoint

Our viewpoint determines in a large measure our conclusions in the consideration we give to every question. There is always danger that our judgment will be biased by preconceived opinions, or molded by personal prejudice.
The psalmist recognizes this when, in addressing the Lord, he says: "With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt show thyself upright; with the pure thou wilt show thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt show thyself froward." There is no frowardness in God's dealings with the human family, but the froward man, viewing God from his own froward viewpoint, believes he sees frowardness in the Most High.
We find in a large measure that for which we seek. In our fellows we may see something to admire or to condemn. Even in the work of God among men we may see the evil or the good, as we look at the human or divine element in operation, and may become depressed and discouraged by the one, or inspired and cheered by the other.
To the infidel critic the Bible is full of evil. The mistakes of Moses appear the prominent facts recorded in the Sacred Record. The Christian viewpoint looks beyond the mistakes of judgment by this man of God, and recognizes the patient, plodding disciple, the brave and fearless leader, the wise and sagacious statesman, the meek and humble teacher, who in spite of natural besetments, such as we all have to cope with in our own experiences, was fighting the good fight of faith, and with whom God was pleased to talk face to face, as a man talketh with his friend.
In the consideration of Bible doctrine there is danger that our viewpoint will determine the weight and value of evidence. It is one thing to study to build up, but quite another thing to study to tear down. In these days of changing emphasis, particularly in the presentation of Bible truth, we need to keep sober-minded. Satan will ever seek to switch us off from the great main track. He will seek to lead us to view questions out of the natural perspective, as things apart from their great setting in the system of truth as a whole; to emphasize details to the neglect of principles. He will seek to lead us to mistake impression and impulse for the teachings of the Spirit.
Our great need to-day is for more earnest, faithful Bible study. We need to keep our minds open and receptive to evidence, to the leadings of the great Spirit of truth. Let us walk humbly, speak moderately, think calmly, act conservatively, but study deeply and faithfully, and seek God for guidance at every step. If we do this, we shall not lose our bearings, nor be left to walk in darkness.