Article October 18, 1982 Issue

Living within the law

NELMAH M. BEAM

Laws, for the most part, are made to protect the welfare of mankind. But they fail in their purpose when they are disobeyed. It may seem to some to be a small but justifiable offense to exceed the speed limit on the highway—by just a little bit—or to ignore a traffic light while crossing a street. But isn't this still a form of disobedience that might erode our acceptance of law in other instances?

Lawlessness is detrimental to a strong and healthy society, and it is indeed essential for us to be law-abiding citizens. First and foremost are the moral laws of God, the Ten Commandments See Ex. 20: 1-17 . given to Moses, which require our obedience.

Human laws are changeable, but God's laws cannot be amended nor can they be ignored if we would live happy, peaceful, and useful lives. These spiritual rules, having their source in divine Principle, reveal God's onliness. When we obey them, they nullify the belief in more than one governing power and man as self-created and self-willed. Mrs. Eddy states in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, "Reflecting God's government, man is self-governed." Science and Health, p. 125.

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