Why serve?
Our culture puts an extravagant amount of energy into
raising kids who will grow up to feel good about themselves. In schools, clubs,
homes, and even at church, adults have made a decided effort to bolster
children’s “self-esteem” –not by actually encouraging kids do something that’s worthwhile, but by simply telling them they are important and valuable.
At the turn of the century, researchers predicted that the
next generation would respond to these efforts of raising self-esteem by being
filled with optimism and civic duty. Unfortunately, recent research shows the
opposite. Kids coming of age today are more self-centered, disrespectful of
authority, and depressed than ever before.
In a very real way, then, the best path toward building selfless,
confident children is to help and encourage them toward a growing and thriving
faith in God. And that includes obedience to what God teaches—not because it
makes kids feel good, although it often does—but because they’re following
God’s instructions to love Him and serve others. That builds a faith they can
count on and carry with them into adulthood—which is the greatest gift any
parent can bestow on their child.
No comments:
Post a Comment