on the playground, at an event
in the auditorium, or in the hallway, rules are to be taken seriously. For example, when the
Teacher is talking, the student
must show respect by listening.
Sometimes, I had to explain to
a student that I understood they
wanted to explain their point,
but, they needed to listen and
follow my directions, calm down,
and then, in a respectful manner,
they would be given the opportunity to express their concerns.
This method was successful and
brought calm to the situation.
Another great rule I held on to
dearly was to follow directions
the first time when told. You’ll
be amazed at how smart kids
are. They understand the rules. I
was not in the habit of repeating
myself over and over again. This
only creates a bigger problem.
The students will take advantage of the situation and lose
total respect for their Teacher.
And above all, there is absolutely no talking back to the
Teacher. As is, Substitute Teachers are seen as a sick joke. They
really don’t receive the respect
that’s due them. For this reason,
it was imperative that I come in
the class and command respect
from students with an enthusiastic attitude. Children need to
be taught to acknowledge and
not respond in an argumentative manner when they are given
instruction from an adult.
3). Honor the church
Now; this is a sacred place of
worship and where the Lord is to
be glorified. Although, the home
is the first place to establish a
relationship with the Lord, this is
not always the case. So, within
children’s church and youth ministry, the children must be taught
these principles.
When an
Usher, or Pastor, asks a child to
do something, they must understand that they are to obey. For
example, if an Usher or Sunday
School Teacher/Minister informs
your children there is no chewing gum inside the sanctuary,
that includes every area of the
sanctuary, you need to teach
your children to respectfully
comply immediately.
Children should be taught that
there is a certain decorum
expected in certain situations
and venues. For instance, when
they’re at a restaurant, or a special event they may be expected
to remove their hat when entering a building, or say “please and
thank you” when being served,
or given a compliment.
Here are some scriptures to
explain the importance of authority in biblical context.
Matthew 19:19: HONOR YOUR
FATHER AND MOTHER; and
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS
YOURSELF” [that is, unselfishly
seek the best or higher good for
others]. (AMP).
Giving reverence to one’s parents is one of the greatest
honors a child gives to God and
to their parents. Whether you
agree with them or not is beside
the point. Contrary to what you
have convinced yourself, they
know what’s best for you. They
have your best interest at heart.
Thus, give them respect and
the rewards are beautiful. Also,
respect those within your community. This doesn’t mean to
be someone you are not just
to impress others. Set a shining example within the neigh-
borhood whereby you and your
family are held in the highest
esteem. In a word, others will
desire to copy that godly Christ
like life they see in you all.
Psalms 141:3: Set a guard, O
LORD, over my mouth; Keep
watch over the door of my lips [to
keep me from speaking thoughtlessly].
Society has no regard as to what
pours out of their mouth. Profanity is the norm and hurling out
thoughtless words and insults to
get your point across is the pattern, too many live by. We are to
teach our children to think before
they speak. When you speak, be
sure to edify and build up rather
than using your mouth to harm
others. Be sensitive of the needs
of others.
Proverbs 28:21 Playing favorites is always a bad thing; you
can do great harm in seemingly
harmless ways. (MSG).
It is so unwise to pick and choose
who you will or will not respect.
Whether a person deserves
your respect or not is immaterial.
Respect people of all walks as
you would want to be respected.
1 Peter 2:17 Make the Master
proud of you by being good citizens.
Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God’s
emissaries for keeping order. It
is God’s will that by doing good,
you might cure the ignorance
of the fools who think you’re
a danger to society. Exercise
your freedom by serving God,
not by breaking the rules. Treat
everyone you meet with dig-