My Life Today

Willing and Obedient, June 9

Highways to Happiness

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land. Isaiah 1:19. ML 164.1

In requiring obedience to the laws of His kingdom, God gives His people health and happiness, peace and joy.^{27Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 454.} ML 164.2

To the great principle of love and loyalty to God, the Father of all, the principle of filial love and obedience is closely related. Contempt for parental authority will soon lead to contempt for the authority of God.^{28Patriarchs and Prophets, 337.} ML 164.3

At a very early age children can comprehend what is plainly and simply told them, and by kind and judicious management can be taught to obey.... The mother should not allow her child to gain an advantage over her in a single instance. And in order to maintain this authority it is not necessary to resort to harsh measures; a firm, steady hand and a kindness which convinces the child of your love will accomplish the purpose.^{29Pacific Health Journal, April 1890 (The Health Reformer, April 1877).} ML 164.4

When children love and repose confidence in their mother, and have become obedient to her, they have been taught the first lessons in becoming Christians. They must be obedient to and love and trust Jesus as they are obedient to and love and trust their parents.^{30Pacific Health Journal, September 1890 (The Health Reformer, August 1877).} ML 164.5

Prompt and continual obedience to wise parental rule will promote the happiness of the children themselves as well as the honor of God and the good of society. Children should learn that in submission to the laws of the household is their perfect liberty. Christians will learn the same lesson—that in their obedience to God's law is their perfect freedom.^{31The Review and Herald, August 30, 1881.} ML 164.6

*****

Children will be happier, far happier, under proper discipline than if left to do as their untrained impulses shall suggest.^{32Manuscript 49, 1901.} ML 164.7