Our kids say this all the time when it comes to homework, don’t they? The question is, do they need our help, or do they want us to DO it for them? I remember a number of years ago my son was working on a school project that was a make-or-break assignment for him. Looking back at it, we wanted him to succeed so badly that my wife actually did ALL of it for him. What’s the Bible say about it? Colossians 3:23 tells us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (ESV). Or, Proverbs 14:23: “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty” (ESV). What’s the lesson? It’s okay for your son or daughter to fail. It’s during those moments that they tend to learn the most. Just remember to be there to help pick up the pieces.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

Suggested Reading: Colossians 3:23, Proverbs 14:23