Moral Values

What are moral values? 

Moral values are the standards of good and evil, which govern an individual’s behavior and choices. Individual’s morals may derive from society and government, religion, or self. When moral values derive from society and government they, of necessity, may change as the laws and morals of the society change. An example of the impact of changing laws on moral values may be seen in the case of marriage vs. “living together.” 

In past generations, it was rare to see couples who lived together without the benefit of a legal matrimonial ceremony. In recent years, couples that set up household without marriage are nearly as plentiful as traditional married couples. But, not only are such couples more plentiful, they are also more accepted by other individuals in our society. In earlier society, the laws and morals simply came from the Roman system of law, which was largely based on the Ten Commandments. As society moved into the modern era, that earlier system of laws became more and more eroded. 

Moral values also derive from within one’s own self. This is clearly demonstrated in the behavior of older infants and young toddlers. If a child has been forbidden to touch or take a certain object early on, they know enough to slowly look over their shoulder to see if they are being observed before touching said object. There is no need for this behavior to be taught; it is instinctive. Once, however, any form of discipline is applied to modify the child’s behavior, the child now gains the capacity within himself to distinguish his right behavior from his wrong behavior. Now, the child can make correct choices based on his own knowledge. The choices that are made by an individual from childhood to adulthood are between forbidden and acceptable, kind or cruel, generous or selfish. A person may, under any given set of circumstances, decide to do what is forbidden. If this individual possesses moral values, going against them usually produces guilt. 

Religion is another source of moral values. Most religions have built-in lists of do’s and don’ts, a set of codes by which its adherents should live. Individuals who are followers of a particular religion will generally make a show of following that religion’s behavioral code. It is interesting to note that these codes may widely vary; a person whose religion provides for polygamy will experience no guilt at having more than one spouse while adherents to other religions feel they must remain monogamous. 

Christianity goes beyond all other religions in that it is more than just a system of do’s and don’ts; it is a relationship with the living God through His Son, Jesus Christ. A Christian’s set of moral values go beyond society’s mores and selfish instincts. Christians ideally behave correctly because they love God and want to please Him. This is at once a high calling and a low position. It is a high calling because God has required that all who love Him should keep His commandments; therefore it is an act of obedience. John 14:15 says, "If you love me, you will obey what I command.” It is a low position because we must totally deny our own will to do what pleases the Lord. Christ Jesus as He lived His life on earth is our supreme example; if we pattern our behavior after Him then our lives are most valuable. John 15:10 says, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.”

The Importance of Reading

         Number of young generation dominates in Indonesia. They give big effect for our country. Most of them do not -like reading. In their opinion, reading is very boring. It just wastes their time, they prefer doing other exciting thing. But, they must realize that reading is important to transform knowledge. By reading they will understand what they do not see by themselves.

          Reading is important to transform knowledge, because the knowledge is required to improve the quality of human life. The world has changed become globalization. Those people with little knowledge will be left behind, and Indonesian is become under develop country, many crime, many unemployed, many poor people, many dirty place. So, most people in all modern countries have to realize the importance of reading and they have good reading habits.

        

           To grow understanding in a young generation’s mind is not an easy job. It needs hard work from all components of nation, especially the government. They should give some public facilities like down town library, park for reading, and advertise “how to importance of reading in mass media: TV, radio, magazine, newspaper, bulletin, internet, and other. It can also be conducted by the teacher, parents, and all people who care. So they can enjoy reading which give them valuable knowledge and inspiration.

            In short, reading habit should be initiated so those young generations have knowledge and they are not left behind. Although it is not easy to do but has to be forced to save the young generation from stupidity.