I wish there was a magic pill we could give our kids that would make them WANT to excel in school or do quality work with their chores. The temptation is bribing them with money or treats. The bottom line is motivation is a heart issue. Colossians 3:23 tells us, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (ESV). When our kids are doing things half-heartedly, it's a teaching moment, for our little kids especially—taking them aside and saying things like, “The Bible says we need to do everything we do as if we’re doing it for God.” Let’s explain that our effort IS our testimony. Not giving our best in any situation reflects our heart. How’s your heart?

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,, Ephesians 6:7