God created us with a desire to want to live for something each season of our lives, there is usually something that drives and motivates us, to be better whether as a kid or an adult. For a child, it may be the need to be loved or appreciated in one season, or a desire for the best grades in another season. None of this is bad in itself, I mean if God created us like this then it’s for a good cause.
The problem is, that our kids can fall into the trap of wanting to live for themselves, others, and things so early in life that they pursue the accolades, validation, acceptance, and all that comes with it without even knowing. They are tempted to stay in the “it’s all about me zone” all the time. As parents, we are there to help re-direct their focus every time it drifts away from God, we can help them see that living for God is an act of worship and they need to constantly find a balance.
As parents, we are there to help re-direct their focus every time it drifts away from God, we can help them see that living for God is an act of worship and they need to constantly find a balance.
If a child desires to have good grades (which is awesome and expected), the wrong focus shows they want those grades at all cost, why? Because they want to be at the top and be celebrated and loved by everyone. Behind that is pride. The right focus lens is helping them see how God is at work in them by giving them the wisdom, strength, and discipline needed to get those good grades. Constantly reminding them to acknowledge God the giver of wisdom and encouraging them that their identity is not in their grade but who God has made them helps to shift their focus away from themselves and keeps them humble.
The same can be applied to a lot of other areas, friendships, competitions, wanting to become popular for the wrong reasons, etc. Ultimately, our children should live out their desires to be anything and anyone for the sole purpose of showing others, Jesus! Living for themselves shouldn’t be an end in itself, living for God even from a young age brings glory to God who made us for His good works.
Living for themselves shouldn’t be an end in itself, living for God even from a young age brings glory to God who made us for His good works!
This month, we want to lead kids to pray about living for God in all areas of their life, to shift the focus from themselves, their needs, and their achievements to the one who made them for His glory and His good works. It’s not all about them or others, it’s about having healthy and godly desires that motivate them to please and honor God, it’s all about living for God every day!
Abi
This is a daily message for us all, both young and old. Thanks for sharing Treasure.
Funke Awojide
Thank you so much Sisto.
Modupe
Every word here is “a word in due season”! Reading it a second time so it sinks in better! Thanks Treasurely!
Funke Awojide
Thank you so much Sisto Dupe.