The post below is culled from a writeup titled The Discipline of Devotions

Hard work brings prosperity; playing around brings poverty.  We discipline our children so that they will learn to behave. We discipline ourselves because we recognize the payoff in some unpleasant tasks. Sometimes getting good things accomplished takes discipline.

All good things cost something. Skills are developed through hard work. Christian living comes from disciplined Bible study, prayer, and worship.

Having family devotions takes discipline, too. It is much easier not to bother with family devotions. It takes conscious effort, planning, and work. Sometimes you must get it going when no one feels like it. To get to know God and to worship him together is in a sense costly but there are rich rewards.

A word of caution. Sometimes we parents push too hard. (“It’s good for you.”) That is not the proper use of discipline in family devotions. Pushing does not help children become followers of Christ.

Devotions should be times of delight, but don’t wait for everyone to feel like it before getting started. As much as possible, make family devotions fun and enjoyable. Hopefully your child will learn each time that good things are worth the effort. Being a better Christian, a better follower of Christ, certainly is.

Shalom



Pastor Afolabi Oladele