way he should go: and when he is old, he will not
depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)
Lesson 7: More Important Than
Silver and Gold
There is no question, the Olympics
is a spectacular event. Even those who are
When a parent recognizes their child
not big sports enthusiasts can find someone
has a gift or talent, it is imperative that they
competing in the Olympics to inspire them
act. God did not place the gift in their child
or make them feel proud of the home team.
because he had nothing better to do. He gave And the thrill of winning “the gold” is surely a
them the gift so that they could
dream come true for those who
be a blessing to His Kingdom.
stand center stage when their
It is up to the parent to nurture
national anthem is played. Yet,
the child with love, motivalike everything else material,
tion, and unwavering support
the medals and the moment
for them to become who God
will fade or be forgotten over
intended them to be. Simone
time. It is for a season. The only
Malone and her family were
thing that will last is what one
reportedly homeless at one
does for Christ. Whether it is
point. Yet, their faith and her
to say a kind word to somehard work paid off because
one who needs encouraging or
her parents never stopped
point a finger towards heaven
investing their love and supas Simone Manuel did when
port even if it was all they had
she won—inspiring others.
at the time. Parents who fail
Everyone may not remember
to realize the importance of
which swim meet she won, but
focusing on their children more
what they will likely remember
than themselves are essentially
is her humility and readiness to
telling God they don’t need the
Simone Manuel
give God glory for her victories
blessings he had planned for
as a reminder to us all. Lay not up for yourselves
their family. It is a false sense of security and
treasures upon earth, where moth and rust
self-worth that leads to ruin for the parent
doth corrupt, and where thieves break through
and child. If more parents embraced God’s
and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in
plan, there would be far more success stories. heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corFor I know the plans I have for you,” declares the rupt, and where thieves do not break through nor
LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm
steal: For where your treasure is, there will your
you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jereheart be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
miah 29:11)
18 HimPower September 2016
Photo via Flickr/U.S. Army/CC BY
Lesson 6: Invest Now or Pay Later