Go ahead, bribe me
January 16, 2012
Bribes don’t always work. I’m sorry, I know that extrinsic motivation is often ineffective. That’s the “educators” way of saying giving prizes or rewards for expected behavior can be counter productive. And I believe this is true. Sometimes.
Kids, and adults for that matter, need to want the knowledge more than they want the reward. At least that’s the way we think it should be. But sometimes the game, the reward is just the little motivator to move a child from spectator to full-fledged participant. Some kids thrive on the game.
Which is why we offer kids small rewards for bringing their Bible to church. Who knew that a cookie could entice someone to good behavior?
I think we will be doing the same thing for Bible memory pretty soon. You know something like memorize the book of Genesis and get a cookie. Think that will work?
Many of us worry about what the world is teaching our children. Many are reasonably concerned about the many less than positive influences that are attempting to assert their authority over the hearts and minds of today’s children. How can we as parents and leaders effectively protect our children from the confusing array of almost true “facts” they are getting from the world? And more importantly, what will stop the onslaught of outright lies, filth, and dangerously deceptive information that is coming at them from every direction?
The biggest weapon, offensively or defensively that is available to anyone is Truth, with a capital T. And that truth is found in The Truth, God’s Word.
I remember Sarah. She had only been coming to church a few weeks. When she found out about our grand prize, (for twenty verses, repeated twice and explained) she said, “Where’s the list?” And she went to work. After just two weeks, two weeks, Sarah popped off seven verses, word-perfect. She did it with a smile, and with delight that comes from accomplishment, and from wanting to please. And from wanting to win. I marveled and rejoiced. All seven verses are words that will guide and direct her path. That will be the Truth she needs when the world whispers lies. Truth, that she can use right now and for the rest of her life. Those verses are still in her mind to this day, when she needs them.
I like it that some kids naturally want to learn God’s Word. I also like it that we have a way to motivate others to hide his Word in their hearts, because someday, they are going to need it, and I really don’t care how it got there, just, that it got there. After all, it is their biggest weapon.
Truth.
Guess what. Kids need your help with this. They would love your help with putting the appropriate passages, in an understandable translation, into their study plans. Maybe some of the verses from Experiencing God. There is nothing better you can do to prepare them for the future.
For the present, too.
