Conscience Development: Appeals and Rewards

The appeal process helps parents avoid provoking a child to anger (Eph. 6:4) in the process of discipline and instruction in the Lord. There is an appropriate time for a child to make an appeal.

Appeals are never an alternative to obedience, but they do allow a child to present information of which a parent or other authority may not be aware. However, a child must appeal with an attitude of willing obedience, regardless of the authority's decision. Consider the appeal of Daniel (Dan. 1:11-19).

Rewards

Bribes are never appropriate and rewards should be used carefully. Verbal and physical affirmations are wonderful rewards for a child who has taken initiative appropiately. Tangible rewards of something in which a child finds value is also appropriate for this kind of initiative. Verbal and physical affirmations are also appropriate when they have taken the initiative in obedience whether it was a directed or a spontaneous action. God Himself promises rewards for obedience. It is not appropriate to reward proper actions that are accompanied by inappropriate attitudes.

Topic Sections

        Introduction
        Why Have Laws?
        Sin and Culpability
        Personal Responsibility
Appeals and Rewards