And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:12 (NKJV) For several years now, we have been told by psychologists, educators, and others that we should praise children.  “It is good for their self esteem”, we have been told.  “It motivates children”, we have also been told.  It is true that praise, given when it is truly earned, can be beneficial.  However, when too much praise is given, or when praise is given undeservedly, it can also … [Read more...]

“…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:25 (NKJV) Will there ever be a better time to have family devotions?  The Bible tells us not to forsake getting together and it is not always possible to go to church.  When it is possible, of course, we should attend church.  Church, however, can never substitute for family devotions.  There is much value in setting a … [Read more...]

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold. – Proverbs 22:1 (NKJV) We seldom think about children having a reputation, but they certainly do!  I clearly remember teachers talking about children during the years I taught in public school.  “I heard you got ____ this year!  Good luck!  He is really hard to handle!”  “________was always late for class!  Those parents always complained about the teacher.  They didn’t seem to do much to … [Read more...]

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  Acts 20:35 At Christmas time each year, thoughts turn to what we can give children to make them happy.  Actually, one of the best things we can give a child is the understanding of the joy of giving.  Children are often only recipients of gifts, but they need to learn that it is more blessed to give than to receive; otherwise, they will grow up thinking only of themselves. I learned the lesson of letting someone give, no matter how meager … [Read more...]

“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!  For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.” – Psalm 75:1 (NKJV) It is very important to teach children to say “thank you”.  It is even more important to teach them to mean it when it is said.  How can we do that? One way is to help a child understand the effort put in to achieving a task that benefits the child.  Study of nature also helps a child appreciate what God has done. When a child is raised by a “helicopter … [Read more...]

“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4 Although many years have passed since our children were young, in my mind I can still see and hear them run into the house excitedly yelling, “Where’s Dad?” At times they were excited to share something with him that they could count on him liking.  At other times, they would come into the house with head down and in a low tone of voice say, “Where’s … [Read more...]

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Philippians 2:3 Saying “please” reflects an attitude of humility. Yes, it is easy to get in the habit of just saying it without ever thinking about why we are doing so. Even if it is done habitually, it still has value in influencing us subconsciously to make us aware that we are beholding to others for needs and wants. Children should be taught early in life to … [Read more...]