[242 words]
Teach your children not to love the world (1 John 2:15), but to love God and the things He loves (Matthew 22:36–40). Teach them to love…
Learning. It is a blessing to have a de- sire to know (Proverbs 23:23; 1 Peter 2:2). It is better to get wisdom than to get gold (Proverbs 4:5–8; 16:16; Psalm 111:10; Ecclesiastes 7:11).
Work (Genesis 3:19; Ephesians 4:28; Proverbs 13:15). Life is not all play.
Liberty (Galatians 5:1; John 8:32). We have freedom to do right and freedom from sin’s guilt. Teach them not to infringe on liberty of others (Matthew 7:12).
The law (1 Peter 2:13–15; Romans 13:1–8). Be law abiding even when others are not and when in need of money.
Life. Love to live and see good days (1 Peter 3:8–11; Psalm 1:1–6).
God. Loving God also means to love Christ, the Bible, and the church (Matthew 22:37; 1 John 5:3–5; John 14:21). We cannot love sin if we love God (Amos 5:15; Romans 12:8–9).
The brethren (1 Peter 1:22; 2:17).
Others. Love neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:36–40). Since we would not lie, steal, slander, take vengeance on, or persecute ourselves, we should not do these things to others.
Learning what to love pays dividends throughout life.
Gus Nichols
(1892-1975)