One's moral compass is finally a choice of the mind, from learning, religious or philosophical thought, etc. in a situation. It seems to me to build character upon certain adopted virtues so that in situations you respond out of a built habit will enable better spontaneous responses. I think one needs to adopt certain guidelines to practice and follow. Rigidity in excessive moralistic attitude in changing human circumstances has ended up being immoral also.
I find simply saying following "the Word of God" is not a suficient answer, as it is clearly apparent from the range of immoral to moral actions and teachings found there, individuals must still make a choice. Its too vague.
Following "the Word of God" has meant in different places and times supporting slavery, child abuse (Dickensian England for one), encouraging poverty and destitution, the denigration of women, the ostracizing and murder of people with differing sexual preferences, and indeed any who dared appeared to practice freedom of thought, torture and massacres, as well as all the good stuff of love and charity of peacefulness and humanitarian attitudes.
The cardinal virtues are one set of general guidelines that have served humans well and still do.
"The cardinal virtues are a set of four virtues recognized in the writings of Classical Antiquity and, along with the theological virtues, also in Christian tradition. They consist of:
Prudence - able to judge between actions with regard to appropriate actions at a given time
Justice - the perpetual and constant will of rendering to each one his right
Temperance or Restraint - practicing self-control, abstention, and moderation; tempering the appetition
Fortitude or Courage - forbearance, endurance, and ability to confront fear, uncertainty and intimidation
...The term "cardinal" comes from the Latin cardo or hinge; the cardinal virtues are so called because they are hinges upon which the door of the moral life swings."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardinal_virtues (excerpt)