Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. 1 Chron. 16:29.

Much that makes up life today has nearly annihilated respect for the beautiful. We need daily companionship with Christ, His quiet sensitivity toward the beautiful, His reverent poise. If we are to overcome the flippant rowdiness and the impetuosity of man's hectic existence, we must learn to worship God in the beauty of holiness. It has been observed that men who serve and work in great cathedrals develop a poise, a grace, and a majesty consistent with the beauty of the place where they work.

Our faith is not advanced by some cheap form of religious entertainment. To live our lives in company with the beauty of His character, and in the poise that stays upon God through all the pressures of life, that is to be our witness. Not all Christians are scholars or artists, but beauty of character and life are within reach of all of us.

A professed religionist may be esteemed for his brilliance even if he is rude and ungracious. But it is very doubtful if anyone desires his type of religion. Beauty of mind and manner are the most visible aspects of the Christian. We like to dress well, to look attractive. To be well-tailored is at least a sign of a person's good taste. It indicates a measure of social refinement. The beauty of one's religion is more than any kind of external appearance, however. It is more than good manners. It includes a sensitive taste for the virtuous and the beautiful. It involves kindness, thoughtfulness, unselfishness, and sincerity.

There is at times a false piety that repells. The words men speak may sound right but the spirit may he wrong. It is possible to communicate one's religion in the spirit of the enemy. Something is wrong with a professed Christian who is fond of discord and whose manner of life promotes it. The beauty of holiness passes into our being a certain quality of person. This requires that we be just and true, gentle and courteous, unselfish and loving. The beauty of holiness is not a voice, but it affects the voice. It is not manner, but it dignifies the manner. It is not conduct, but it beautifies the conduct.