Reflecting on the Ten Commandments Law and Setting Examples for the Next Generation
In 2025, I read about a federal judge who temporarily blocked a Texas law that would have required the Ten Commandments to be displayed in certain school districts. The story stood out to me—not only because of the legal battle it sparked, but also because of the deeper questions it raises about our values, our education system, and most importantly, how we choose to guide and raise our children.
Let’s break down what’s actually going on, why people are talking about it, and what might matter even more than what gets posted on a school wall.
What’s the Ten Commandments Law?
First, the Ten Commandments are a set of religious principles and commandments, originally found in the Bible, that outline basic rules for living. Things like “don’t steal,” “don’t lie,” “respect your parents,” and so on. For centuries, these commandments have shaped the moral foundation for countless individuals and communities. (Exodus 20:1–17, Deuteronomy 5:6–21)
The Texas law in question aimed to require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The idea was that kids would see these rules every day and, hopefully, learn to live by them. Supporters say the commandments reflect universal values and could promote good behavior. Critics, on the other hand, worry about the separation of church and state. They argue that schools are public institutions and should not promote one particular religion over others.
Why Did a Judge Step In?
A federal judge decided to put this law on hold at the time, meaning schools didn’t have to put up the Ten Commandments just yet. This is usually done when there’s concern that the law might violate the Constitution—specifically, the part that says government shouldn’t prefer one religion over another. The courts want to look at the arguments more closely before letting the law go into effect.
For many people, this sparks a debate over what should be taught in schools and how best to encourage our children to be kind, honest, and responsible. In 2026, a federal appeals court upheld Texas’s classroom Ten Commandments display law, intensifying the national debate over religious expression, public education, and the constitutional boundaries between church and state. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton called the ruling a “major victory,” saying, “The Ten Commandments have had a profound impact on our nation, and it’s important that students learn from them every single day.
Bigger Than a Poster: Living the Lessons
Here’s where I think we need to step back and see the bigger picture. Whether the Ten Commandments are posted in schools or not, what truly shapes a child’s character isn’t just what they read—it’s what they see, day in and day out.
It’s easy to focus on rules written on a wall. But imagine the impact if, as adults, we actually lived by the values behind those commandments. Kids notice much more than we think. They watch how we treat other people, how we handle tough situations, whether we own up to our mistakes, and how we deal with disagreement. In short: they learn by watching us.
Think of the commandment “do not lie.” If a child hears a parent say one thing but sees them do another, which lesson do you think will stick? Or “honor your father and mother”—that’s not just for kids. It’s for parents, too. If we show respect for our own parents, our children will be more likely to follow suit.
Setting an Example: The Everyday Impact
Let’s look at some real-life examples. Suppose a parent returns extra change to a cashier who accidentally gave too much. That simple act of honesty teaches more than a million lectures on why stealing is wrong. Or maybe a teacher admits when they made a mistake in front of the class. That shows humility and encourages students to do the same.
It’s not about being perfect. No one is. But striving to live up to these kinds of values—whether they come from the Ten Commandments or from another source—sets a powerful example.
· Honesty: Owning up to mistakes, telling the truth, even when it’s hard.
· Respect: Treating everyone with kindness, including people who are different from us.
· Responsibility: Following through on promises and obligations.
· Compassion: Helping those in need, forgiving others, and showing empathy.
When children see adults practicing these values—not just talking about them—they’re more likely to internalize them and act the same way.
Why Laws Aren’t Enough
Laws can guide us, but they can’t do the hard work of raising good people. For real change, the lessons need to come alive in our actions. If adults are dishonest, disrespectful, or cruel, no amount of posters or rules will undo the damage. On the flip side, when adults consistently show integrity and kindness, those lessons stick, sometimes for a lifetime.
Remember, most children spend more time observing their parents, teachers, and coaches than they do reading signs or hearing speeches. If we want our kids to become trustworthy, fair, and respectful, they need to see those qualities in us first.
The Role of Schools and Homes
Schools play an important role in providing knowledge, social skills, and exposure to different ideas. But the foundation for character is built at home and in the community. When schools and families work together, children get the message loud and clear.
Even if the Ten Commandments aren’t displayed in classrooms, the underlying values can still be taught in lots of ways—through real-life stories, community service, teamwork, and everyday choices. Schools can encourage discussions about honesty, respect, and responsibility in ways that don’t require a religious framework.
What We Can Do Right Now
With all the talk about laws, court cases, and politics, it’s easy to feel powerless. But the truth is, each of us can make a difference—starting today. Here are a few simple things we can do:
· Model good behavior. Let children see us living the values we wish for them.
· Talk openly. When we make mistakes, explain what happened and how we’re trying to fix it.
· Encourage questions. Let kids ask about right and wrong, and discuss answers together.
· Celebrate kindness. When we see children (or adults) acting out good values, give them recognition.
· Be consistent. The more often children see values in action, the stronger the lesson.
A Final Thought
Whether a law requires the Ten Commandments to be posted in schools or not, the most important lessons are the ones we live every day. Children are always watching, and our choices matter. When we show honesty, kindness, respect, and courage, we give our children something far more lasting than any set of rules—they learn how to build strong, caring communities.
So instead of worrying about what’s on the walls of our schools, let’s also focus on what’s in the hearts of our homes. Let’s be the examples our children need. After all, living the lessons is the best way to teach them. Are we living out these commandments instead of just voicing them as political rhetoric. When we truly live out the Ten Commandments, children learn from our example and are more likely to follow those values in their own lives.
Minister A Francine Green, May 2026