Article May 18, 1957 Issue

OBEDIENCE IS NATURAL

HELEN A. HOWARD

The wise man said (Prov. 22:6), "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Many parents and educators are prayerfully endeavoring to follow this advice and to implant habits of obedience, self-discipline, gentleness, and kindness in the young people in their charge. Parents and educators realize more and more that they themselves must set the right example if they wish to be heard; otherwise, only confusion and a barrier of misunderstanding result.

Modern inventions, which in many respects make today's living easier and freer than before, also provide distractions, which sometimes seem to make young people "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God" (II Tim. 3:4), craving constant entertainment. Yet depriving them of this entertainment may give rise to rebellion and a sense of frustration where love and peace should prevail.

Mary Baker Eddy states in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 236), "Children should obey their parents; insubordination is an evil, blighting the buddings of self-government." Parents and teachers who instill in young people the distinction between personal gratification and unselfishness are enabling them to build true character and thus to become strong and useful citizens.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

THE IMMEDIACY OF SUPPLY