Aren't these flowers pretty? One of the little boys in our church brought them to me. They came from his mommy's garden. I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with the children of our church, and I'm glad this little boy's mommy is teaching him how to honor others.
There was a time not so very long ago when families were much more in tune with the needs of those around them. Unfortunately, we've seen this sensitivity slip away for the most part. This is particularly evident with young people in our society. Can we blame their selfishness on the media, technology, the church, or even the public school system? I don't think so. The heart of the matter lies in the home.
Where do children learn that their needs are not paramount? Where do they learn to place the desires of others before their own? Humility begins in the heart and in the home.
I have four young children. I would like to say that they all get along harmoniously and never squabble or scream at one another or are never unkind, but I wouldn't be telling the truth. Because of the fall of man, they were all born with a sin nature. In their flesh they desire to please themselves above all others. This selfishness is sin. It is the job of my husband and me, using the Bible as our guide, to instill in our children a genuine love for the needs of others and a desire to serve. I cannot remove pride from my children's hearts, nor can I force them to love others above themselves. These are things that will come as they develop their own personal relationships with the Lord Jesus Christ. I can, however, demonstrate a giving heart and teach them what the Bible says about honoring others.
Why should we be kind to others? Because of the great love and kindness God has shown to us.
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32 KJV
How do we show honor? We put the needs and wants of others before our own needs and wants.
"Be ye kindly affectioned to one another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another..." Romans 12:10 KJV
"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." Luke 6:31 KJV
Jesus Christ is our greatest example of love, compassion, and humility. His sacrifice on the cross of Calvary should be our motivation for showing love and honor to others.
"Let nothing be done through stife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:3-8 KJV
I cannot expect my children to show love and honor to others if I am not demonstrating these things myself. It is my prayer that the Lord would convict me regarding my own selfishness and give me a heart of compassion for others.
"And of some have compassion, making a difference..." Jude 22 KJVLabels: My Thoughts
