The Bad News: "Kids who don't have solid ethics not only make poor citizens, they also can't stay strong in the face of alcohol and drugs and are less able to have healthy relationships," states Elizabeth Larsen the author of an article titled "Ethical Fitness".

The Good News: Ethical development can be actively encouraged. "Parents who raise moral kids don't do so by accident," says Michelle Borba, author of Building Moral Intelligence. "They prioritize it. They stick to their guns.  And they use every opportunity to teach."

Let's take a look at those three comments and capitalize on the good news:

• According to Borba, "They [parents] prioritize ethical development."
  • If ethical development or moral principles are important to you, then you must take the time to define those principles.
  • As a family, spend time thinking about your family values and then put them in writing as a matter of record.
  • Let Philippians 4:8 beyour guide. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things."
• "They stick to their guns."
  • The principles you have defined then become the basic core of the family and are to be encouraged and applauded.
  • Applications may change, but your principles will not.
• "They use every opportunity to teach."
  • Mom and Dad, give your kids examples of when you have had to make ethical decisions that might not have been easy. Or maybe when you failed to make the right choice. Be certain your personal examples are age-appropriate.
  • Look for teachable moments and maximize them. Recently Mark McGwire, former St. Louis baseball slugger, admitted to using steroids when he broke baseball's home run record in 1998. This is an excellent example. You can discuss the ideas of:

• ...not sugar-coating an indiscretion with positive spin words (i.e. "performance-enhancing drugs" in the case of McGuire).
• ...the truth finally coming to the forefront. McGuire's poor choice to use drugs was compounded by his failure to tell the truth.

• We have the best teaching guide, the Bible. 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.