March 31, 1942-June 6, 1959
This paper was prepared by Karen Ruth Johnson, fulfilling a school assignment at San Marino High School, San Marino, California. It is of special interest that it was completed on Thursday night, June 4, and presented to her teacher on Friday, June 5. On Saturday, June 6, Karen’s earthly life ceased as the result of a head-on automobile collision. Karen’s high school diploma was awarded posthumously at the graduation exercises of her class on Wednesday, June 17. Her brief life was a bright testimony to the reality of life in Christ.
Karen departed early in life “to be with Christ; which is far better,” we know from Philippians 1:2323For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (Philippians 1:23). Who can tell, this side of the glory, the bliss that is hers now of being with Jesus, that blessed Saviour, whom she loved, who once died for her. She could say, “the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:2020I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20).
Karen’s parting testimony is given here in the hope that it might encourage other young people to come out for Christ and to boldly confess Him as their Saviour and Lord. It is written of Abel of old that “he being dead yet speaketh.” Hebrews 11:44By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. (Hebrews 11:4).
MY Philosophy of Life by Karen Ruth Johnson My philosophy of life is based on the Holy Bible and the God who wrote it. I know that He has a plan for my life and through daily prayer and reading of His Word I will be able to see it. As far as my life work or life partner I am leaving it in His hands....
I feel that this philosophy is very practical and can be applied to everyday life. Every decision can be taken to the Lord in prayer and the peace that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour is something many cannot understand. Many search for a purpose and reason for life. I know that I am on this earth to have fellowship with God and to win others to the saving knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ. I know that after death I will go to be with Him forever.
Jesus Christ teaches love and respect for everyone....In God’s sight no one person is worth any more than another.
Knowing and loving Jesus Christ personally makes me want to please Him and accomplish things for His glory. Paul says in the New Testament, “Whatsoever ye do, do it all to the glory of God,” and “For Me, to live is Christ, to die is gain.”
This philosophy contains all of the seven points given in your lecture of April 20th. As I stated in the beginning:
(l) It is very practical to have someone to turn to for any decision or problem, small or large.
(2) What could be more optimistic than knowing that God has a purpose and plan for one’s life....To know I have accepted Jesus Christ’s gift of Salvation and have eternal life is a most wonderful thing and brings peace to my heart. God has the best for us and if we let Him He will improve our lives and solve our problems.
(3) God in His Holy Word teaches us to have love and burden for every person as Jesus Christ Himself.
(4) One of my main purposes in life is to share this experience I have had with Christ and to show the peace and happiness that it brings.
(5) This is an important goal in itself, but more completely, my aim in life is to accomplish what the Lord has for me to do, which is certainly the most worthwhile goal in life.
(6) The more I know Him the more happiness I find and the busier I am. He has things for me that the world could never offer and I learn to appreciate more and more how fortunate I am.
(7) God’s standards are higher than anything attainable and present a great challenge and make me realize how futile it would be for me to do the best I could, because I, being human, could never reach God’s standards, and therefore never be worthy of entering heaven. God has given me contact with the best; in His world, in my born again friends, and in my fellowship with Jesus Christ. It is well known that the highest beauty, truth, justice, and goodness are found in God’s Word.
This is my philosophy, and yet it is not mine. But I am God’s, and whatever I have is His. I have faith that He is the only answer and I do love Him so.
ML-07/08/1979