Read: Psalm 78:1-11

We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the
praises of the Lord. -Psalm 78:4

Each year, Americans spend $24 billion on their children. Much of that is for
essentials but billions go for an endless catalog of "things" – Furbies,
Barbies, Beanies, CDs, TVs.

Is it wrong to spend so much on children? That question doesn’t have an easy
answer. The tougher question is this: Do parents spend money on their children so they
don’t have to spend time with them? One study, reported in The Wall Street Journal,
left that impression. It revealed that the majority of 10 and 11-year-olds have a TV in
their rooms and can watch whatever they want.

The real issue is not the money but the reason for spending it. Do parents want to
entertain, to indulge, and to buy their children’s love? Or do they want to train
their children in godliness? That requires careful instruction from the Bible.

It takes time to "train up a child" (Prov. 22:6). It takes effort to teach
God’s principles (Dt. 4:9). It takes wisdom to be fair (Eph. 6:4); Col. 3:21). It
takes diligence to manage a family well (1 Tim. 3:12).

The truths and principles of the Bible, taught with time, perseverance, effort, wisdom
diligence – that’s what to give our children.

• J. David Branon

As parents we must have this goal;

To teach our children self-control;

With firm and loving discipline

We’ll keep them from the paths of sin. -DJD

THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE TO YOUR CHILDREN IS YOUR TIME.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1999 by Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by
permission.

• Geo –

Edwardsburg, MI