Parenting by the Book
STUDY 206
Text: Proverbs 19
5 June 2005
Dear Parents,
MOTIVATION FOR OUR CHILDREN TO SEEK WISDOM
Even adults need to be motivated to do something! It follows that children would need to be motivated to achieve. The question always is, “What would motivate our children?
A NATURAL SENSE OF CONCERN AND LOVE FOR OURSELVES
Sometimes we are afraid of speaking about love for our souls, as if that is narcissistic! It is possible to speak of love for our own souls without being self-centered! Love of self (“soul” in this context) is a natural concern that God has given to every one. The expressions are quite healthy! Let us consider the following:-
1. When we are sick
Do we not seek the best of physicians? But of course! This is how we love ourselves. It is not self-indulgence!
2. A desire for a good long life
This is a most natural desire. To want to end one’s life prematurely is wrong! But the desire to have a long and full life must not be dismissed as a sinful desire!
MOTIVATING CHILDREN FROM DEEP WITHIN THEMSELVES
Let us consider the challenge found in this text! This proverb makes full use of a person’s natural love for self!
He who gets wisdom loves his own soul;
He who keeps understanding will find good.Proverbs 19:8
1. “Loves his own soul”
The challenge is to motivate children from within! Children love themselves. They want the best toys, the best food… they just want the best of everything! The best thing they could desire would be “wisdom.” If children can be taught that wisdom would stand them in good stead, they would be well-motivated indeed!
2. “Will find good”
It is not wrong to desire the “good things” of life! Challenge children to truly desire good things! Tell them that “wisdom” and “understanding” will cause them to inherit the best of things in life!
IS IT WRONG TO MOTIVATE CHILDREN IN THIS MANNER?
Of course not! However, we know for a fact that sometimes children do not know what is best for them! Let us always cover our children in prayer!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie