“May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this.”
Kids need routines. They will become more confident, secure and happy when expectations are clear and roles are defined. Inclusive to our set rules are my necessary response. It delights them to hear a ‘good job’ complete with a hug. It not only merits them for a work well done, it also motivates them to earn more mileages. Even without being prompted, they sometimes call me in, ‘Mom, look, we returned the toys in the box!’ Knowing I have to raise God-pleasers, I usually remind them God is most happy to see them complying. And I have to remind myself to reflect He is their Rewarder too.
When David was told that it was the men of Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul, he sent for them and commended them. He prays for God to bless them for it. For who could best bless but our faithful Rewarder? And so David sent them home to wait for showers from heaven. Is that what happened? No. David said, ‘God will show kindness to you.. and I also’. It does not excuse him that God is already giving. It is exactly BECAUSE He is the Rewarder that moves him to work alongside that nature.This man after God’s own heart need not wait or delay an act of kindness. He knew His God and in light of His gracious character, David chose generosity too.
The Bible is filled with promises of His great reward. As our Creator, it was He who fashioned us to be inclined and motivated by rewards. It was His idea for us to delight in hearing ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’ As kingdom-builders, we are stewards to His house rules and should know better how His routine works. Let our kids know God is pleased with their merits. Make our people enjoy those mileages. It is His pleasure to give good and perfect gifts. Let us not keep what He intends to give away :>
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