Dr. Esther White |
Modeling To build a work ethic, a parent must prayerfully model it--not only in areas such as vocation and church attendance but also in personal devotional time and diligent parenting. Work ethic learned by a child begins with work ethic modeled by Dad and Mom.
Teaching How do you teach that young man to work hard and long when the hardest and longest manual project around the house might be to mow a small lawn? Parents who want to build into their children a biblical, godly work ethic probably have to be more intentional and creative than their forefathers. You may decide to have a garden simply to give an experience that requires hard manual labor and consistent tending and provides the struggle of failure and thrill of success. Maybe you are cheerfully and lovingly requiring your 4-year-old to help you fold the laundry from beginning to end until she earns the satisfaction of completing a task. Of course, teaching must include an understanding of the motivation--not for me, not for mom, but for the Lord, the true Rewarder.
Is it worth it? You bet! As your little person grows into an adult who lives out Col. 3:23, doing his work “heartily, as to the Lord,” you, too, will reap the reward of your diligent work.