Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 22
November 5, 1970
NUMBER 26, PAGE 9

Starting At The Bottom

Carol R. Lumpkin

From the Fall River (Mass.) Herald I lift this article. "One of the most refreshing scenes in this land of majestic mountains is the sight of hundreds of unchained bicycles parked overnight and week-ends around train and bus stations. No one ever hears of any of these unguarded bikes being stolen, for Switzerland is a country of no juvenile delinquency and very little adult crime.

The Swiss are probably the world's most honest people. They maintain a high morality at a time when every other nation faces the challenge of increasing crime.

How do they do it? Swiss mothers and fathers retain a loving authority over their children. Youngsters learn to show respect to their parents. Each child is expected to extend courtesy to all grownups, no exception is granted.

The schools put into practice the theory that the class room should impart more than academic knowledge. Teachers try to instill in their students the idea that society's interests are important and that respect for others and for the law is good.

The Swiss family has a strong sense of solidarity. In the home or on the farm the Swiss youngsters are expected to accept his share of toil. The children soon learn that life is no easy assignment and that everybody must do his bit. This pulling together makes the Swiss family almost impenetrable to outside lures like the movies, the saloon, the automobile.

Out of this respect for parental authority have come the children's good manners, honesty and an attitude of respect for other people's rights.

We don't have a problem of juvenile delinquency, said a dairy farmer to me. He was watching his wife administer a spanking to their five-year-old son. 'You see,' he said, `We teach our children by starting at the bottom.'

This article teaches parental authority and points up an almost forgotten need today. Parents, who bring children into this world have the God given charge to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord — Eph. 6:4. The child who grows up to disobey and disrespect parents many times are among those who think nothing about disobeying the laws of the land. Such children become problems in public school, etc.

Not only must parents discharge their duty to their children, but the boy or girl must respect parents by being subject to them. There is still yet a most important matter which is respect for authority in religion. People every where need to learn that Jesus Christ has all authority — Matt. 28:18. God placed all things under Jesus — Eph. 1:21.

Since Jesus Christ has all authority in religion, we must subject ourselves to Him in all things. This must be done in obeying the gospel of Christ in becoming a Christian, in our worship, in our daily living, and in the work, we the church engages in. This is why we cannot overly stress the need for divine authority in matters pertaining to life and godliness. 2 Peter 1:3. Book, chapter, and verse must sustain our faith and practice.

Starting at the bottom with children the foundation is laid for boys and girls to grow up to honor and respect authority in all levels. If Jesus Christ, through his word, does not authorize what you believe and practice then you must change. We shall be judged by the words of Jesus. John 12:48. We must respect and submit to the authority of Jesus.

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