Is There Any Possible Benefit in Spoiling a Child?

A primary parental task is teaching children to say, “Thank you,” and to be sincerely thankful. This is a worthwhile goal because children tend to be self-centered. Sincere gratitude is learned where there are appropriate boundaries overlayed with kindness and gentleness as you model for them an attitude of gratitude for what God provides.

Parents mistakenly believe children feel worthwhile if they have everything they want. Providing for children in abundance will not make them appreciate you but may produce ingratitude that comes from over-indulging them and making extreme attempts to please them. Who is your role-model for parenting?

Most parents know what’s good and healthy for children and do their best to model for them values that will help them as adults. Jesus said in John 13:15, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” It’s not too late so begin displaying appreciation and thanksgiving to God for his goodness.                        

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Parents,…raise your children properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.

~Ephesians 6:4 Contemporary English Version

 

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love and his kindness go on forever.

~1 Chronicles 16:34 The Living Bible

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Happiness Equates to Contentment

Recently I asked a man on the elevator how he was doing. "I am blessed because God has given me this day," came his reply. That made me realize how thankful we should be for all God provides. We enjoy our work and loved ones and all who bring blessings and joy.

During World War II Anne Frank wrote in her diary: "Whoever is happy will make others happy. He who has faith and courage will never perish in misery." It’s amazing that this young girl, who later died in a concentration camp, possessed such wisdom. She was content with the little she possessed in her hiding place.

Anne Frank was thankful for trivial things like writing in her diary. We can be at peace when we’re thankful for what God continues to provide. Ecclesiastes 5:19 reminds us, "When God gives a man possessions and enables him to enjoy them, he should be thankful, for they are gifts from God." So rejoice and be thankful for God’s goodness and kindness.                        

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Give thanks to the Lord because he is good; his love is eternal.

~1 Chronicles 16:34 Good News Bible

 

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Make it a habit to give thanks for everything, for this is God’s will for you through Christ Jesus.

~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

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God, Giver of Confidence

 It takes confidence to be courageous, for confidence encompasses more than intelligence, social skills or physical strength. When Joshua succeeded Moses as leader of the Hebrew people, he inherited a task that would require patience and wisdom far beyond what he could humanly produce.

God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous, to obey all of the commandments he gave to Moses. God promised to constantly be with him, which became Joshua’s source of confidence and courage for completing the task God gave him. Unlike Joshua, Samson's confidence derived from his own physical strength. 

Samson did not necessarily display courage when facing an enemy.  It was more like reckless abandonment. Courage analyzes a situation whereas reckless abandonment discounts caution. Listen to St. Paul’s formula for coping with life’s challenges and uncertainty. "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be people of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." Happy Thanksgiving week to you.  

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Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9 Good News Bible

 

O, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his lovingkindness is everlasting.

~1 Chronicles 16:34 New American Standard Bible

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Thankful Through It All

Happiness should always be surrounded by an attitude of thanksgiving. Good things happen and I am blessed. So is thanksgiving dependent only on good, positive experiences? If thanksgiving is totally dependent on the absence of negative or bad attitudes, then my gratitude will evaporate if anything troublesome happens. 

However, God makes it possible to be thankful in every situation. It’s important to remember we have a powerful, loving, approachable Lord who longs to comfort and assure us at all times. While the pain of loss can conceal our happiness, a Christian’s joy is based on God’s enduring love. 

William Blake, the English poet, gave us this assurance:

To Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love,

All pray in their distress:

And to these virtues of delight

Return their thankfulness.

For Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love,

Is God, our Father dear.

Blake continues: "For Mercy has a human heart; Pity, a human face; and Love, the human form divine" portrayed in the person of Christ Jesus. So we thank God for all he has done.

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Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Because of his great mercy he gave us new life by raising Jesus Christ from death. This fills us with a living hope, and so we look forward to possessing the rich blessings that God keeps for his people.

~1 Peter 1:3-4 Good News Bible

Oh, give thanks to the Lord for he is good;

His love and his kindness go on forever.

~1 Chronicles 16:34 The Living Bible