Editorial February 21, 1948 Issue

"I COMMAND THEE ... FOR THY GOOD"

Paul Stark Seeley

Mortals in general are unwilling to do what is for their own good. They are unwilling to let go of a negative, material sense of life and selfhood, even though it enslaves them with debasing sin, afflicts them with a variety of mental and physical distresses, involves them in contention and war, and curses them with death.

Moses tried to have the Israelites see that the commandments of God are not arbitrary restrictions that endanger an individual's right to live a joyous, satisfying life. These commands do not ask him to conform to courses of action that deprive him of things which contribute to real happiness and well-being. Just the opposite. They are the guides that show the one way to the truths which contribute to his happiness, to enduring health, harmony, satisfaction, and peace. Said Moses, "What doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but ... to keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?" (Deut. 10:12, 13.)

Perverseness and an obstinate determination to do what is wrong, and clinging regardless of consequences to the troublemaking material concept of life and selfhood, characterize most of the human race. Perhaps you and I have some of this unworthy tendency still claiming an affinity for us!

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