PADRE’S MESSAGE

Arawa Guerilla, Issue 8, 1 November 1942, Page 4

PADRE’S MESSAGE

CHRIST, THE LEADER OF MEN Napoleon is often represented as saying: “I know man well, and I know that Christ was not a mere man.” The reason given is striking and convincing. He reminded his hearers of the personal loyalty that so many thousands of his soldiers showed, to him, and then he asks if there is any chance that a few hundred years hence men will be found to think of him as these did; he, Napoleon, will then be a mere figure in history, and he asks them to compare with this the personal devotion of millions of men and women of all nations and races to Christ, eighteen centuries after he had left the world. The sworn fealty to Christ is the strongest power in the world and is a perpetual tribute to the best that is in human nature. No other leader has a power and a wisdom which can be compared with His; no resourcefulness, no intellect, no strength of character, no personal dignity can for a moment be set beside His matchless perfections. To those that know Him, He is the leader indeed who inspires service in spite of persecution, fear, suffering, hunger and thirst, and even death. For there has never been anyone quite like Christ, nor one who has so captured the 'love of the world, and what is more, retains it. No man dare deny the magnetism. Many look helplessly to-day for a leader, be it in war, politics or economics. List the qualities you require in a leader if he is to gain the confidence of his men. You will probably say, courage, efficiency, knowledge, insight,, consideration of those under him and finally love. Do you ever realise that you will find all these qualities in Christ in a superlative and infinite degree? Therein you have the secret of His inspiration and magnetism; the reason why men suffer willingly, make heroic sacrifiaces, dare nobly and find a purpose in life under His banner.) The man who swears allegiance to Christ reaches his true stature, the stature of a Son of God destined for victory. FLT.-LIEUT. AINSWORTH, S.M., Chaplain, R.N.Z.A.F. What the well-dressed officer should wear in summer. Lieutenant McNamara and Captain Neesham set the fashion. in smart, natty, tropical rig. One must clothe the figure to the weather’s rigurp. R.T.U. Finance Co.: —Proprietors: L/Cpl. Penney, P.B.P.’s Cash and O’Loan.