Scripture: Proverbs 22:1
Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold.
Observation: It is more important to do what is right than to do what will bring money.
Application: This is something that I really want my children to understand. Sure, money brings some security, but if you let it be your focus, it will take that security away, too. True security can only come from trusting our Savior.
And doing the right things with a pure heart will get you much more than money ever can.
At school my children have the option of participating in a reading program where they earn prizes after reading books and taking quizzes on them.
Last August my son aspired to earn the highest prize, but he did not achieve it. He didn’t even come close.
Last week I was talking about the program with him and plotting how he could prepare over the summer.
“I don’t like to read,” he said.
“What?!” I said. “I hear that you get distracted in school sometimes because you are reading books in your desk! I think you love to read.”
“Well, I do,” he explained. “I just like to read because I like to read, not because of a contest.”
My heart could not have been happier at that moment. I was so proud of his decision-making and motives.
And I don’t care if he ever earns a “prize” for his reading… he is already gaining the biggest prize for that contest.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for loving me and giving me more than what I need.
Thank you for your encouragement today to do what is right, not what brings supposed earthly gain.
And thank you for the wonderful attitude of my son. That conversation brought so much joy. Please guide us both so that we might have many more like those in the years to come.
Leave a Reply