Genesis: Remember, Dad Rewards Good Behavior
“After this the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:
‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield,
your very great reward.’”
Genesis 15:1
Our two boys presented my wife and me with unique challenges that we had not faced with our three older daughters. One of these challenges was their non-stop energy. The girls were active enough and at times rambunctious. The boys, on the other hand, always seem to have ‘energy to burn’. Curbing their inappropriate behavior was an even greater challenge. Often I warned them of punishment for bad conduct and I have had to follow through more times than care to think about. Perhaps more successful, however, has been to promise them something positive for good behavior. One night as we left, my parting word for the two ‘little rascals’ was, “Remember boys, dad rewards good behavior.”
Our heavenly Father also rewards good behavior. When Abraham of old demonstrated faith and obedience to God, he was assured that such behavior would not go unrewarded. Abraham took God at His word and lived to understand that God does, indeed reward good behavior. I’ve learned, over the years, that while the punishment for wrong behavior is usually prompt, the reward for good behavior is often delayed. Still, our Father always rewards good behavior.
© 2004 Donald D. Reigstad