2026-10-09
Good morning, Dear Ones,
God’s moral compass is revealed through His word, rooted in His nature, and lived out through love, integrity, and obedience. The Holy Spirit directs me to discuss how this is applied in righteous parenting. Once again, I must repeat that I don’t profess to be an expert on this issue. God’s Spirit is teaching me right along with anyone who reads my weekly devotions. Our God is the source of moral truth. GN 1: 27, “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” We are born with an innate sense of right and wrong. He shapes our character and directs our steps. But that is only if a child is surrounded by parents who respect God’s moral compass. In other words, a child is like a blank slate at birth and can be guided righteously if the adults around him subscribe to God’s teaching and recognize God’s superior position in their lives. If we look at DT 30: 19-20, we see that God has set before us life and death, blessings and curses. He urges us to choose life, to hold fast to Him, to love Him, and to prosper on the land given to us. This is a clear choice that as soon as we are old enough to think for ourselves, we must make.
And what about when we are at a crossroads? God tells us we should lean on His wisdom in deciding which way to go. PR 2:6, “For the Lord gives wisdom: out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” To connect with the Lord, we must have an active, dynamic prayer life. If we learn to love the Lord, prayer will come to us more easily. As I have often repeated, our warm and comfortable place “under His wings” is described in PS 91: 1-2, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God in Whom I trust.’” If a child is taught to pray by the example set by his parents, it will eventually become his habit too. As a child gets older, his parents can teach him the habit of going to God first. The adage: “A family that prays together stays together,” applies. Attending a place of worship with gentle loving direction is certainly a good way to go. A child can learn PR 3: 5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Regarding God’s guidance, He tells us in IS 30: 21, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.”’ People who reject God, have no such help. All too many times, parents find themselves in a dark tunnel when it comes to what to do in parenting in this broken world. We must remember: PS 119: 105, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.”
We are also given significant direction on moral development and character. I wish space was here to relate all the times this has come in handy. DT 6: 5, “You should love the Lord your God, with all your heart, all your soul, and all your might.” This verse forms the foundations of all our moral principles; LV 19: 18, “Do not seek revenge or rear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” This is the first among many times this important directive is repeated in the Scriptures. All of us get angry at times, but do we know the difference between constructive anger and destructive anger? God’s view of love can is found in 1 COR 13: 4-5. “Love if patient, love in kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It doesn’t dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
These words from God not often easy to obey but obey we must, if the world is ever to be a better place! Let me share some examples from my own family. We’ve always had a rule that if you go out, you must let your parents know where you are. If your plans change, you must let them know. If the adults live by this rule, the children will learn to do the same. As soon as a child is old enough, teach him to wear a watch so that he can keep track of curfews. Set curfews that make sense, like if you’re playing with friends, be home in time for dinner. The family eating together at least for dinner matters, and prayers for God’s gift of the food should be offered. Schoolwork should be a priority over play times and age- appropriate chores should be assigned to teach teamwork. Parents should take the time to be sure that their children and teenagers are socializing with good people. When there are too many rules, it creates confusion. So, imitate our Lord and make only a few rules that matter. Teach children how to make decisions and discipline then when there are infractions not out of anger but with love, common sense, and wisdom. Set an example of openness, honesty, and integrity.
PRAYER: O Lord, we lack wisdom and remember, from JN 15: 5, we must remain attached and led by You to thrive and for our children to thrive. We bear in mind MK 10: 14 [Christ’s words], “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” You are the Source of wisdom in all pursuits, including parenting. We are grateful beyond measure and offer You our love and thanksgiving for all You are and all You do, in the holy/mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
NEXT WEEK: The Holy Spirt directs me to write about loving discipline in parenting next week. Discipline can be controversial at times, but God gives us a guide even to that. If we remember the principles offered by our Lord, we can expect a better outcome than forgetting them would give. Above all, bear God’s words, IS 41: 10 in mind: “So do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Thanksgiving and praise be to Him!
Grace be with You Always,
Lynn JS 24: 15
© Lynn Johnson 2026. All Rights Reserved.
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