"Involving Our Children In Service"

“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:16, NLT)

“When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:24-28, NLT)

“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” (Philippians 2:4, NLT)

Some of my earliest, clearest, and dearest childhood memories involve visits to my great-aunt Anne’s house where my parents and I would help her with light housekeeping tasks. My mom and dad would let me ring the doorbell. After what seemed an eternity, she’d open the door, smiling from ear to ear. She’d kiss me on the cheek and say, “Charlie, my lad! There you are!”

In the midst of this warm display of affection, I would smell burnt toast and strong coffee. Then she’d lead me to her kitchen where she’d set a table for us. On each plate was a piece of buttered toast, much of it scorched black. I washed mine down with milk as Great-Aunt Anne sipped coffee. We talked about our week, looking into each other’s eyes as we did. After we ate, I helped her dust her furniture, vacuum the floor, wash the dishes, and finish other tasks. To this day, the taste of burnt toast and the smell of strong coffee leave me feeling loved and secure. So does the sound of the vacuum.

As a child, I was extremely fortunate to have many grown-ups in my life who began involving me in simple household chores and service activities when I was just old enough to walk. Because they were positive, patient, and loving, my attitude toward helping was usually a positive one.

Some parents may be reluctant to allow young children to help because it creates more work for them. Tasks usually take twice as much time and energy when their little ones are “helping.” Yet by focusing on the here and now rather than the bigger picture, parents are missing countless opportunities to build deeper relationships with their children while teaching them to see the joy that comes from contributing and giving to others.

I encourage you to create a strategic plan to include your children in helping at home. Start by making a list of all the things your children can help with. For young kids, it’s important that these are small tasks they can have fun doing and feel great about. As your children grow older and can contribute more independently, continue to do some tasks together and to model joy and contentment. Work by their side, expressing how thankful you are for the opportunity to spend time with them. Parents often comment that this little strategy has caused their children, even teens, to be much more giving of their time and effort.

Involving our children in service shows our love for them. I often find it helpful to remember that this is one of the many ways that our Father in heaven shows His love for us. From the beginning He—who needs nothing from us—invited us to play a part in His Kingdom: “The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15, NIV).