Devotion for Kids

Is it OK to beg for things from your parents?

"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."
James 4 : 3

It is OK to ask your parents for things, but not to beg. For example, you ask for a special treat, birthday presents or permission to go to a friend's house. You should ask politely and explain your reasons. But if your parents say no, you should accept their answer with a good attitude. Don't beg. That is, don't ask over and over to try to get them to give you something they can't afford or something they know wouldn't be good for you.

The key is to respect your parents. They gave the answer they thought was best for you. If you wear them down, you may get what you want and then regret it later. God gave you parents to protect you and to provide for you. If you talk them into going against their first answer, you step outside that protection. Respect and obey your parents. You will be safer and, in the long run, happier.

ACTIVITY
Decide today that you will not beg twice for things for the next 3 days. Write out on an index card: "Don't beg". Put the card on your bedroom mirror. After 3 days, you'll probably find it easier to stop begging than you thought!

Betsy Elliot