Editorial April 23, 1966 Issue

Discipline Is Essential to Freedom

William Milford Correll

Many things are done in the name of freedom which result in just the opposite effect. Reckless driving may result in arrest and confinement. Abrogation of moral law may result in depriving one of liberties and may destroy the harmony of home and family. Indulgence in alcohol often results in slavery and the limitation of one's effectiveness and ability. This is not a new phenomenon, for in the allegory of Adam and Eve the so-called liberty to listen to the serpent deprived them of joy and harmony.

Some of the demands for freedom heard among the youth of today require a hard and long look—a thorough examination. Freedom from what and for what? The interpretation of freedom rests upon one's point of view. There are undoubtedly many traditional human viewpoints that might well be challenged and overturned in the name of progress. But God's law has a timeless nature, and regardless of the age or circumstance one can never obtain freedom by disobeying the divine mandates.

One of the great themes of the Bible is that obedience to God's law brings harmony and freedom, while disobedience inevitably results in limitation and suffering. If he learns this lesson early, one may also learn the positive nature of discipline and the great blessings that come from it. God is the creative Principle, the divine intelligence, that creates the universe and man and maintains His creation through divine law. His creation is spiritual, perfect, and harmonious. The ultimate of freedom and joy in our lives comes when we realize our coordination with this perfect government. Naturally this attainment requires discipline of thought and life.

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