Morning Musing Over Coffee - Teaching Kids the Value of Work

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Yesterday in Sunday School we were discussing 2 Thessalonians 3:3-15.

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." We hear that some among you are ide. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not assoicate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 

There was so much to discuss in this passage and we will be talking about it more in class in the coming weeks, but some of the discussion yesterday was on this -

"If a man will not work, he shall not eat."

- and how it applies to us as parents teaching our children the value of work.

It may seem harsh, and yet there are so many difficulties can be avoided if our children are to work and take pride in the accomplishment of a job well done, that has benefits for others as well as themselves.

It is hard some days when the kids complain about their work and act as if they are being mistreated because they are required to help with the workload for the good of the family. And yet, at the end of the day, it is such a good feeling for them to know that they made a positive contribution that is of benefit both to themselves and to their family and all who come to our home.

 And an added benefit is that having positive and useful things to occupy their hands and minds, helps to keep them away from other, less constructive (and sometimes outright distructive) activities.

So, as we are beginning a new day and a new week, I will continue to try to help my children (and sometimes myself) the value of a job well done.