Children Quote by E. Stanley Jones
““Obviously God must guide us in a way that will develop spontaneity in us. The development of character, rather than direction in this, that, and the other matter, must be the primary purpose of the Father. He will guide us, but he won’t override us. That fact should make us use with caution the method of sitting down with a pencil and blank sheet of paper to write down the instructions dictated by God for the day. Suppose a parent would dictate to the child minutely everything he is to do during the day. The child would be stunted under that regime. The parent must guide in such a manner, and to the degree, that autonomous character, capable of making right decisions for itself, is produced. God does the same.””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: Unknown, likely religious teaching
God guides without controlling, encouraging autonomous character development through careful, non‑overbearing direction.
In simple terms: God guides, not dictates; foster autonomy.
Key Takeaway
Balance guidance with independence.
Themes
spirituality
autonomy
guidance
character development
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
sermon
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- spiritual practice
- education
Key Concepts
theology
free will
parenting metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- How to know when guidance is too much?
- What practices nurture autonomous character?
A Different Perspective
Too much guidance can stifle growth.
![“God has already shown us the way [to parent]. He parents, not according to an external list of rules, but according to his nature. Because he is a God of abounding love, he showers love and tenderness upon his children. Because he is a God of clarity and fairness, he provides definitive…” quote by Leslie Leyland Fields](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08e/leslie-leyland-fields-65345_children_god-has-already-shown-us-the-way-to-pare_2892824.jpg)
