Articles
A Spoiled Child
Nobody likes a spoiled child. He or she usually grows up to be a spoiled adult. He or she thinks they should have whatever they want regardless of the cost and effort involved. A spoiled child sees a different world growing up. They see things as they want things to be and their way is always the best. They carry this attitude throughout their adult life. The Bible teaches that parents need to provide for their children. I Timothy 5:8 tells us, “but if any provide not for his own, especially for his own house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Parents are not to spoil their children but to provide for their needs and teach them life doesn’t always give you what you want, but hard work is necessary to be successful.
In our service to the Lord, we must not get in the realm of being spoiled ourselves. How would your service to the Lord be if we lost the use of our building in possibly a tornado? What if we lost the use of the heat and air conditioning? What if we had no electricity for weeks and weeks? Would your attitude toward worshiping God change? Remember Phillippians 4:19 tells us, “but my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God supplies his guidance through the word, his protection from sin by the blood of Jesus, and encouragement from the brethren.
Let’s appreciate all the physical blessings we have such as a nice comfortable building in which to worship. Remember though, thousands of Christians are worshiping today that have no electricity, no running water, no roof overhead, and are thankful to Jesus and are worshiping Him in spirit and in truth. May we look more at Jesus and his word today and the privilege we have to worship him than the thermostat. May we hear the songs and praises rather than the complaints of the uncomfortable.
Parents, may we all raise our children as Hebrews 13:5 says, “Be content with such things as we have.”
