As a parent I want to teach my children to make right choices. I want them to learn and to know that there are things that are right and there are things that are wrong. Of course this is difficult in a world that teaches that right and wrong are relative and are a matter of personal choice.
Many years ago when I was a youth pastor I came across a great resource in teaching kids/teens to make right choices. It was a book called Right From Wrong
4 steps to teach our children to make right choices
)1. Consider the choice.
In other words, the first step in making a right choice is remembering that it is God who determines what is right or wrong, not the individual, their culture or the opinion of others.
2. Compare our attitudes and actions to God.
The second step in making right choices is to compare a contemplated action or attitude to God, because it is His nature and character that determine what is right or wrong. We can trace right and wrong behaviours through God’s precepts (or commands) to godly principles and, finally, to the person of God Himself.
3. Commit to God’s ways.
When we compare our attitudes and actions to God as God, we admit that His character and nature define right and wrong absolutley. Those attitudes and actions that are like Him are right and those attitudes and actions that are not like Him are wrong. But when we commit to God’s way, it means we turn from our selfish attitudes and actions and submit to Him as Lord of our lives. It means we rely on the power of His Spirit to live out His way in us.
4. Count on God’s protection and provision.
When we humbly admit God’s sovereighnty and sincererly admit to His loving authority, we can begin not only to clearly see the dinstinctions between right and wrong, but we can also count on God’s protection and provision. Living according to God’s way and allowing His Holy Spirit to live through us brings many spiritual blessings, like freedom from guilt, a clear conscience, the joy of sharing Christ, and most importantly, the love and smile of God in our lives.
Additionally, we enjoy many physical, emotional, psychological and relational benefits when we are obedient to God. This doesn’t mean everything will be rosy; in fact, God says that we may suffer for righteousness sake. But God’s commands were nontheless given to protect and provide for His people (Deuteronomy 10:13; Jeremiah 32:39).
What are your thoughts on this?
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This is great!! I am going to find that book. Just read it to my husband and it really will be a great tool for us with our 5 year old! Thanks for sharing
This is a great tool for any age of child. At one point there was workbook in the “Right from Wrong” series for preschoolers. I am not sure if it is still around now though.
Thanks for sharing Brandy!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…Divine delays and detours
There are so many things that can stand in the way of making godly decisions like you said. We need that clarity of conviction and ability to stand in the face of any opposition. Good advice, Kevin. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing Jason!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…What If?
All of these insights fit into the lives of those of us who are not only adults, but OLD adults. I need to trust the Lord and make my decisions based on His truth and not let myself become drawn away b/c of cultural or “comfortable” options. His Spirit gifts in me have to be matured and grown and used, no matter what is happening around me. NOW to teach that to children and youth and gain their willingness to be obedient… couldn’t anything be much better. My personal opinion: we in the West are headed for more and more difficulty in feeding godliness into the generations that are facing so much secularism. It’s tough out there. Saying this based on what I see going on with my g-kids. It’s pretty overwhelming to try to stay pure.
What you shared is very, very true and very necessary.
Joanne Norton recently posted…TITHING……TIME
These truths definitely apply to everyone of all ages.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Joanne!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…A lesson from Charlie Brown about Christmas
We have a lot of things to consider to teach children nowadays. It can be on computer basis and review or even at school. However, those procedures and guides that you’ve shown, It will really help children in progress.
Thanks for sharing Mika!
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I think that a really important aspect of teaching children to make the right choices and to teach them how to do anything is actually teaching by example, they learn from us, the parents, and from older siblings and if we set the right examples it makes making right choices easier
Very true Ella! Our example as parents is very critical in teaching our children.
Thanks for sharing!
Kevin Martineau recently posted…Funny dog and kid video
In this year For me most of children are always playing in computer or in their gadget, instead to read their books.
This is absolutely ridiculous. Let your children think for themselves.