Teaching our children to be responsible may seem to be a faraway goal, out of our reach, and totally unrealistic. Yes, they are children, and it will be a long time before they are fully responsible and trustworthy. However, our children are learning every moment! If we, as parents, start with the small things that our children can handle, soon they will be ready for more responsibility in more important areas. Coupled with your instruction and your example is the teaching that your children receive at Character Connection. The teachers there strive to apply biblical truths and true stories from God’s Word to help children understand what taking responsibility involves. Here are a few thoughts on being responsible:
Responsible people do not make excuses or procrastinate—they get busy and get the job done. It’s all right to let your children see that sometimes you may feel like you do not have the necessary skills to complete the tasks you’re given. Perhaps there are certain things that people around you do well, but you feel that you always struggle to meet the minimum requirements. Despite your misgivings, you should carry out your responsibility. Remember that God can give you abilities you never thought you had when you are trying to accomplish something for Him. This is such an important lesson to pass on to our children.
We must also teach our children to take ownership of responsibilities. They need to learn to do their chores and their homework by themselves, to the best of their ability. Responsible children do not pass the buck to others, so do not let them habitually ask brothers or sisters to help. Once in awhile is another thing, but children need to learn to accept responsibility and own their tasks. Responsible children force themselves to get their work done and done well.
Responsible people also expect obstacles to stand in their way. There will likely be hardships which may hinder us from getting to our desired end, but the obstacles are not bigger than we can handle. I Corinthians 10:13 says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” God desires for us to overcome any obstacles that may prevent us from accomplishing His purpose for our lives. Whatever obstacle is in your life today, overcome it with God’s help.
Responsible people finish what they start and accomplish everything they were tasked with doing. Unfortunately, most people in our time are only willing to do the easy parts or the things necessary to get by. They feel like they can neglect finishing because “someone else can do it.” By choosing to leave the job to someone else, they will miss out on the rewards and sense of accomplishment meant for them. Though the rest of the job may not be easy or it may take a couple more minutes than we sometimes want to give, it is part of our responsibility to finish the job.
MEMORY VERSE
“Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;” Ephesians 6:5