When our son Ryan was about five years old, he asked me one day, “Mom, do I stink?” I was surprised by the question, but determined to give a truthful answer, I leaned over and took a whiff. No, he did not stink, and I told him so. Apparently, during an argument with his big sister, he had been told that he did.
Like many mothers, I was privileged to be the most trusted confidante my young children had. It was to me that they revealed the dreams, fears and secret ponderings that they disclosed to no one else. They trusted me to listen and to respond with understanding and love. They also counted on me to be honest. If Ryan had to be told that he did indeed stink, he wanted to hear it from me.
Beyond recognizing and revealing my children’s flaws to them, I also provided a way for them to overcome their imperfections. If my son was in need of a bath, I was the one who would see that he got one.
Morally speaking, this earth is inhabited by many stinky people, but most of them never stop to ask the question that Ryan asked me. They don’t know whom to ask because they have never established an absolute guide for their lives. Instead, they follow their hazy consciences or simply fall in line with the current moral code and live their lives according to its dictates.
Everyone needs a life standard that nothing else can trump: not the current bestselling book, not some smooth-talking guru, not the latest self-serving ism, and not a nebulous, ever-changing conscience that is based on feelings.
Such a standard can be trusted to give honest and authoritative answers to the big questions we all ask: What is my purpose? What is evil? How should I treat the people in my world? What will happen to me after I die?
The perfect standard will go beyond simply answering tough questions and pointing out flaws. It will also provide loving help in making needed changes.
Please identify the standard by which you measure your life. If that standard is reliable, take seriously your commitment to it. Adhere closely to its precepts.
Do you stink? How do you know?
©Debbie Scales December 20, 2015 377 words
The Happy Geranium 
You are so right when it comes to everyone setting a standard for their lives. You can’t start too early;
I am so thankful for the standard you and I have both chosen, Shirley. Merry Christmas!
Well stated, Debbie–thank you as always for these meaningful tidbits to ponder and apply!
Becky,
You and I were both blessed to be born into families where the only true standard was emphasized to us from the day we were born. Our preacher gave a lesson on the Prodigal Son recently. He referred to the passage that reads: When the young man came to his senses . . . Then he made the comment that the sad fact is that many young people today do not have any “senses” to come to because they were not taught right from wrong, the importance of obedience, the necessity of following the right standard, etc. I thought that was an interesting observation.
Wow! Powerful words! Love this article.
Thank you, sister. You would love my writing if it were nothing but senseless drivel, not because you have no taste, but because you love your sister!
Good one Deb,
Yes I read them too.🙂
Sent from my iPhone Kim L. Shores Project Manager Service Glass of Indianapolis
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Kim,
Thanks for the encouragement and thanks for reading my posts regularly!
It is a blessing to be taught the right standard. I feel so sorry for all the little children who are not getting the guidance that they need.
Amen and amen.