"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:52
In other places, I've written extensively about this subject. This gives parents a pattern for helping children. It is their job as children to develop to the best of their ability intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially. It is the parent's job to encourage this growth. Grandma always said, 'You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.' Parents that are unsuccessful in motivating their children my be subscribing to the misinterpretation of spare the rod and spoil the child. Anyone who has ever dealt with sheep knows it takes a gentle hand and quiet voice. The shepherds crook is not used to beat the sheep but to guide them or steer them in the way they should go sort of like a guard rail. Likewise parents that yell and spank will only get temporary submission and not true understanding of correct principles. Therefore, if we want our children to study hard, to eat right, to play outside, to be kind and charitable, to accept Jesus' teachings, we ought to do as the Master and be examples of true believers with them: without guile, patient, gentle, long-suffering, and never exercising unrighteous authority and force.
The idea of developing to the best of our ability does not end with adulthood. "I decry the great waste of time that people put into watching inane television...I believe their lives would be enriched if, instead of sitting on the sofa and watching a game that will be forgotten tomorrow, they would read and think and ponder...You need time to meditate and ponder, to think, to wonder at the great plan of happiness that the Lord has outlined for His children. You need time to read. You need to read the scriptures. You need to read good literature. You need to partake of the great culture which is available to all of us." Gordon B. Hinckley, Church News, 1 November 1997 It is our duty as followers of Jesus Christ to continue to develop our minds, our bodies, our spirits, and our social abilities until the end of our life. We are never so old to be exempt from the commandments.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Reading the scriptures and keeping this journal are my delight. I do not keep an online journal to preach to anyone but myself. I like this format, because I can add pictures and correct my writing easier. If you enjoy reading it, I am happy. If you feel offended, please, realize it is not my intention to offend but to teach myself. No negative comments will not be published.