Parenting by the Book
STUDY 116
Text: Proverbs 14
14 September 2003
Dear Parents,
THE FINE ART OF “CONSIDERATION”
One of the things that we must ever seek to teach our children is the art of “consideration”. Most children are not automatically inclined towards being considerate of other people! They think of “play” much of the time. They can play “football” in a crowded area. They can play “catching” without considering the fact that they are in a public area, and that their running around can be disturbing to others. Let us not fail to impress upon our children the need to be “considerate”.
BEING CONSIDERATE TOWARDS THE LESS PRIVILEGED
We must take one more step forward as we seek to teach our children the fine art of “consideration”. Let us ponder this text.
He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker,
But he who honours Him has mercy on the needy.Proverbs 14:31
“He who oppresses the poor”
How easy it is to end up despising the poor! We are firmly reminded that oppressing the poor is equivalent to reproaching the Lord Himself. What a solemn thought this is! How does one end up with “oppression” of the poor? It begins with having little or no consideration of others! Teach children to understand that how they treat others is important to God.
“Mercy on the needy”
It is vital that we teach our children how to have hearts that are compassionate. When children are mindful of others who are “needy” they do well. They will in fact be showing that they are honouring the Lord when they have due consideration of others, especially those who are “needy”.
ALL MATTERS RELATED TO THE LORD
Let us teach our children that ultimately all things are related to the Lord! How we regard others is important to God! He takes things in the most personal way! How we regard others is seen as a reflection of how we regard Him. This is a truly awesome thought!
TRAIN! TRAIN! TRAIN!
Consideration for others, especially for those who are under-privileged does not come about easily. Children will have to be trained to be considerate! Where they are selfish, let us make sure we correct them. On the other hand, when they express consideration for others, let us make sure that they are well-commended!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie