Building Self Discipline In The Children’s Department

Do I, under God and the power of the Holy Spirit, inculcate the right attitude in my pupils: attitudes of "I like it here," "This is a happy place," "God loves me," and "My teacher likes me?"

Do I take a personal interest in each child regardless of background, appearance, or abilities, realizing Christ died for all, would have each to be saved, and has a blueprint for each life, which if followed will bring joy and satisfaction, honor to his country, and glory to the Creator.

Does EACH CHID sense that I truly love Him, that I am fair to all, that I have no favorites?

Do I, before God, especially seek to understand and help the disobedient child, the discouraged one, the fearful one, remembering that many come from homes where nobody cares or loves them and that I may be God’s only contact person to reach them for Himself?

Can I honestly say that I love disobedient Johnny as much as well-behaved Mary, remembering that God Who called me to teach them is impartial in His love?

Do I convey to each child the sense of worthwhileness, the feeling that He really matters, the "she-has-confidence-in-me" feeling?

Do I avoid unfair comparisons with other children, bearing in mind differences in maturity and background?

Do I give attention to good behavior, or do I bring a negative atmosphere in the class by much "don’ting" and making an issue of unacceptable behavior?

Do I keep my word, promise or penalty, thereby keeping the child’s confidence in my word?

Do I depend on threats to enforce control, or do I set a positive "It’s-more-fun-to-be-obedient" attitude?

Do my children obey me because of fear of punishment, or because they want to, because obedience is pleasing to God?

Do I give my commands in an "I-expect-you-to-obey-me" attitude, or have I forgotten that it is possible to be both firm and loving at the same time?

Do I, myself, set a good example when exacting self-control for my pupils?

Do I stimulate my pupils to better Christian living, to full consecration, to greater love for God and His Word? Years hence, when they have long forgotten my words, will my life still remind them of the Savior and continue to influence them to greater aspiration for Him?

(This article appeared in the "Summer, 1997" issue of "The Herald.")