Have We Spoiled Them?

 “So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less?”  – 2 Corinthians 12:15

Often is the case that the parent gives everything; time, money, and wisdom to his or her children, only to have that child disrespect and dishonor them.  We see it time and time again, where children seem to have a feeling of entitlement because they have been sheltered and provided for their whole life.  What do we gain by giving everything we have to our children if we are only creating an adult who expects others to give to them unjustly?

I can assure you, having raised 2 and still raising 3 children in our home, it can easily be said that we spoil our children.  As I think back over the years, I ask myself why I give and continue to give to my children.  I think the answer comes down to love.  Wait a minute.  That then implies that love can be bought, and certainly everyone knows that it cannot.  For the gifts will one day be abandoned and left to rust or decay.  Some might say that love is an emotional bond between individuals that is not valued in possessions and gifts but rather in actions, or perhaps it’s in the words shared between two people.

Certainly, if someone does something nice for another or compliments them, there is a feeling of worth associated to the kindness.  I do nice things for people I don’t even know, and I’m sure you do as well.  Does this imply that you love them or that you care for them?  The scriptures tell us that even the evildoers will do good things, but will not be accepted into heaven (Matthew 7:22-23).  Good works are just that good and kind and generous, but in and of themselves do not fully demonstrate the love of the Father.

Just as a parent will give a child financial means, clothing, shelter, food, knowledge, wisdom, and skills throughout their upbringing, only to have the child walk away unappreciative and feeling entitled, it is often that way with God.  Right where you sit at this very moment, look around you and take in all that has been provided to you.  Perhaps you are in your home and protected from the elements.  If you’re reading this, chances are you have electricity, a computer, and an internet connection.  You likely had a pillow under your head last night.  You probably have clothes on your back and food in your pantry.  You may not be rich in possessions, but you are provided for because you have been given talents and opportunities to create an income.  The Lord above gave you everything you have, not in that He purchased these things for you, but in that He created you and, in doing so, created your ability to think, work, and sustain your life, and through His word has taught you right from wrong.

Yet, each day we awake, get dressed, and eat breakfast; all the while taking for granted that God the Father provided these things for us.  If you are wealthy and of substantial means, it is not because of anything you have done.  It is only because you have used the skills, knowledge, and talents that God the Father gave to you.  He has given us everything we have, including the ultimate gift of eternal life.  How many of His children recognize everything He has done for them, yet still turn their back and refuse to accept His love and grace.  Billions, yes billions.  If you take a look around you today, recognize everything He has given to you and realize that indeed you are truly blessed.  His love for you is immutable and never changing; it cannot be more or less than it is at this very moment.  You are loved by the Creator of the universe.