The Need for Standards

We are in some measure acted upon by others and by outside influences, but also, in large measure, we are shaping ourselves. And in all our choosing and selecting and deciding, there is need for standards, for some sure sense of values, by which we may shape ourselves.

There are some who would emphasize that moral standards must give way to new situations and circumstances. But if there are no fixed or basic standards, we shall surely reap unhappiness with loose living and lost lives. This was the pattern of some civilizations of the past that collapsed because of compromising standards, and of much that was immoral. This is one of the greatest lessons of life for everyone to learn: that consequences follow causes no matter who presumes to say it is not so. We have to tie to time-honored principles of honor and honesty, of chastity and morality if we would keep civilization and ourselves safe, and if we would realize the highest possibilities of our own lives.

No one should succumb to the siren call that he is his own God, his own determiner of right and wrong. If this were so there would be anarchy, and no man’s person or possessions would be safe. It there is to be peace⎯personal peace and public peace, and a world worth living in⎯there must be standards of honor, honesty, morality, no matter who, because of a disposition to indulgence, would set any commandment or moral standard aside.

Said Thomas a Kempis: “A passionate man turneth even good into evil…Manfully…conquer those things which are most grievous and…withdraw [thyself] from…sin.”

This we would say to youth and to all who love life: Set high standards, keep the commandments, and look to your everlasting lives, no matter who would tell you that the basic moral standards are no longer in force and effect. “Begin to be now what you will be hereafter.”