Árdís - 01.01.1964, Page 25

Ársrit Bandalags lúterskra kvenna
23
complete, until by slow degrees the Perfect Image is attained. Then
he compresses the formula into a sentence: Reflect the character
of Christ and you will become like Christ.
Paul’s formula for perfection was based upon his own personal
experience, his encounter with Christ on the Damascus road, an
encounter which transformed him. The “impressed forces” did their
vital work. He became like Him whom he habitually loved, that
is to say, he became a Christian. The first disciples of Christ became
Christians in a less spectacular way. A few raw, unspiritual, unin-
spiring men were admitted to the inner circle of His friendship.
The change began at once, and slowly they became more like Jesus.
They were different men, and one day found themselves like their
Master, going about and doing good.
Drummond shows how Christ influenced his contemporaries
in the following quotation:
“There is something almost melting in the way His contem-
poraries, and John especially, speak of the Influence of Christ.
John lived himself in daily wonder at Him; he was overpowered,
overawed, entranced, transfigured. To his mind it was impossible
for anyone to come under this influence and ever be the same
again. ‘Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not,’ he said, It was in-
conceivable that he could sin, as inconceivable as that ice should
live in a burning sun, or darkness coexist with noon. If anyone did
sin, it was to John the simple proof that he could never have met
Christ. ‘Whosoever sinneth,’ he exclaims, ‘hath not seen Him.
neither known Him.’ Sin was abashed in this Presence. Its roots
withered. Its sway and victory were forever at an end.”
The author then goes on to show how modern men today can
make Christ, the absent Christ, their most constant companion.
This relationship can be established through Friendship, which is
a spiritual thing, independent of Matter, Space or Time. Our com-
panionship with Him, like all true companionship, is a spiritual
communion. It was after He was risen that He influenced even the
disciples most. Hence in reflecting the character of Christ it is no
real obstacle that we have never been in visible contact with Him.
Christ Himself proposed the relation of Friendship when he said:
“If ye abide in Me and My words abide in you.” He also revealed
the test of Friendship when He said: “He that keepeth My com-