What Kids Need
Kids Need Motivation
(Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)
The Situation: Children wonder, "What difference does it make?" Some children are discouraged about trying to please God. They have lost interest in spiritual matters and are not motivated to be involved. Instead, they focus on their own interests and let the world guide them.
The Solution: Throughout the Bible, God uses a variety of cause-effect techniques to motivate His people. Some are positive and some are punitive; some are earthly and some are eternal. Sometimes children need to be reminded that every human being will someday meet the Creator face-to-face-and give an account to Him.
What You Can Do: Every child can be motivated-though not every child responds to the same stimulus. Find ways to lift your child's eyes from self to God. Help him or her realize that God is real. Establish an appropriate system of rewards and penalties. Reinforce and motivate attitudes and behaviors that honor God. Show how faith is relevant to life. Encourage; affirm; model; pray.
