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January 17, 2013
January 17, 2013
"Giving Rewards"
Scripture Reading:
Revelation 22:12 (HCSB) “Look! I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me to repay each person according to what he has done.
Revelation 22:12 (HCSB) “Look! I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me to repay each person according to what he has done.
Devotional Reading:
When trying to encourage proper behavior, a little positive reinforcement goes much further than nagging or screaming. For instance, genuine compliments for responsible acts (“Jack, thank you so much for putting your bicycle away without being told”) will put a smile on your son’s face and inspire him to try it again. Likewise, a chore chart that lists tasks and rewards for completing them can be extremely effective. Preschool children enjoy winning stickers for their achievements; older kids respond best to money or privileges such as use of the family car. But is it biblical to use rewards to motive your children? We think so. Consider the words of Christ, who instructed us to give to “the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind…. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous”. Jesus, in fact, is keeping track of even our smallest acts of kindness: “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones…he will certainly not lose his reward”. Christ knows exactly how we were made and what motivates us. If He is willing to use the promise of rewards in heaven to encourage the righteous behavior of His followers on earth, we believe parents are wise to do the same with the young “followers” in their families.
Before you say good night to your children, kiss them, love them and encourage them, by telling them how proud you are of them!
Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay
When trying to encourage proper behavior, a little positive reinforcement goes much further than nagging or screaming. For instance, genuine compliments for responsible acts (“Jack, thank you so much for putting your bicycle away without being told”) will put a smile on your son’s face and inspire him to try it again. Likewise, a chore chart that lists tasks and rewards for completing them can be extremely effective. Preschool children enjoy winning stickers for their achievements; older kids respond best to money or privileges such as use of the family car. But is it biblical to use rewards to motive your children? We think so. Consider the words of Christ, who instructed us to give to “the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind…. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous”. Jesus, in fact, is keeping track of even our smallest acts of kindness: “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones…he will certainly not lose his reward”. Christ knows exactly how we were made and what motivates us. If He is willing to use the promise of rewards in heaven to encourage the righteous behavior of His followers on earth, we believe parents are wise to do the same with the young “followers” in their families.
Before you say good night to your children, kiss them, love them and encourage them, by telling them how proud you are of them!
Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay
Galatians 2:20
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