GUIDDELINES FOR CHILDREN

• RULE # 1
  

  WE ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH.

  "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight." Proverbs 12:22

  "A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin." Proverbs 26:28

  (New Jerusalem) "But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life." Revelation 21:27

• RULE #2
  

  WHAT WE HAVE BELONGS TO GOD AND IS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF AND USED ONLY IN WAYS WHICH HONOR HIM.

  "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own? Luke 16: 10-11

  • We share our things with others and give to everyone who asks of us.
  • When we open something, we close it.
  • When we turn on something, we turn it off.
  • When we take something out, we put it away.
  • We do not make unnecessary work for others.

• RULE #3
  

  WHEN WE HAVE WORK TO DO WE DO IT WITHOUT COMPLAINING.

  "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality." Colossians 3:23-25

• RULE #4

  WE CONSIDER OTHERS AS MORE IMPORTANT THAN OURSELVES.

  "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4

  • We don't hurt anyone with unkind words or deeds. If we do, even accidentally, we say, "I'm sorry."
  • We listen to others and look at them when they speak.
  • We don't disturb others by being too loud.
    When can I be loud? --at a sports event, in a big open field or yard
  • We ask permission to use something belonging to someone else.
  • We greet others with a smile when we meet them.
  • We comfort someone when he is sad or hurt.
  • We rejoice with someone when he is happy.

• RULE #5

  WE SHOW RESPECT FOR OUR PARENTS AND OTHER ADULTS.

  What are the signs of disrespect to your parents and other adults?

  • Knowingly disobeying
  • Making fun of them
    --rolling your eyes or mocking
  • Not speaking when they greet you
  • Making threatening statements, rude or hurtful remarks
  • Yelling for them to come to you when it not an emergency
  • Grumbling about decisions they make
  • Being ungrateful for something they do for you or give you
  • Complaining about what they have given you to eat
  • Talking back

    What is the difference between talking back and just talking?

    Talking back is when your parents tell you something and you answer back with anything other than "yes sir" or "yes ma'am," or possibly (very humbly) asking "May I explain something?"

    If your parents don't invite you to say anything back, then your reply should only be "yes sir" or "yes ma'am."

    Objecting, mocking, correcting, questioning, or giving unasked-for explanations are all signs of disrespect.

  • Speaking in an irreverent way or in anger.
    You should never call an adult a name--even teasing
  • Saying to your parents or an adult, "I'll do it in a minute" or "just wait."
  • Pushing for something after being told "no."
  • Treating a discipline lightly.
  • Not listening when you are being spoken to.

    When your name is called you should always say, "Yes, sir" or "Yes, ma'am" and then listen for instructions.

    Your eyes tell what you are thinking. Make sure you are listening with respect.

  • Entering into a closed room of an adult without knocking or quietly asking
  • Sighing, shrugging the shoulders, or giving a sour look when told to do something
  
  
  
• RULE #6

  WHEN WE DISOBEY OR FORGET ANY OF THE RULES, WE WILLINGLY ACCEPT THE DISCIPLINE AND THE INSTRUCTION THAT THE LORD GIVES.

  "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.... Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:5b-6, 11

  
  
  
  

  An adaptation for our family from a list by Greg and Sono Harris, Christian Life Workshops
  Copyright © 2002 Jim Elliff
  Permission granted to copy in full for non-profit use, including all copyright information.
  Other uses require written permission.