WHY I AM AN OPTIMIST.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 24, Issue 8, 1 August 1934, Page 7

WHY I AM AN OPTIMIST.

(By PETER.)

How can one be an optimist when faced with unemployment and depression? Why should one be otherwise if one believes m Christ and a loving Father? Most certainly the world is m a state of dire distress. Unemployment and

Want are rife m our bwii country, but I cannot see thai the Father madfe it &6. Rather floes it seem to be the iogical outcome of man's greed arid selfishness m the past. Here then is great reason for optimism, for God has most certainly not forsaken us even if we forsook Him m the past. This is evidenced ail over the world also. We hear on all sides of over-production and over-supply. The Father is simply pouring blessings down on us m the shape of the fruits of the earth and material supplies. Yet, m spite of this, how often do we hear: "Of course, I'd be alright if only the price of butterfat would go up," or "If wool would go up," or "If Only I had a hundred, two hundred or a thousand pounds m cash." One hears such, statements again and again. Money, money! We have made a golden idol of it. It is all powerful, but we, you and I, made it so. We have been warned not to! Week after

week, year after year, we have been reminded "thou shalt have none other Gods but Me," and on our bended knees we have besought Him to "incline our hearts to keep this law." Take heart then if we or our fathers set up this Golden Idol. We of this generation can throw it down, for "He is long suffering and of great mercy to forgive us our sins." Remembering the story of the Prodigal Son, let us get down on our knees and say, "Father, we have sinned grievously and are no longer worthy to be called thy children." The answer to that confession, if made from the heart is the same now as then. If you want proof, try it! Others have proved and are proving this great truth, but, remember, you must be absolutely sincere, for He can read the innermost thoughts of men. [We publish the above from, a correspondent who takes a deep interest m current affairs, and whose earnestness for reform is typical of the spirit 6t ft great multitude. — Ed. W.C.G.]