For Ladies


An "A" For The Day


Nancy Ann Farley


In Revelation 2:10 our Lord says, “Be faithful … and I will give you the crown of life.” What an incentive to do right!


My husband teaches Bible classes in several area care centers. As he teaches, he sometimes asks questions and uses open-ended scriptures for them to finish. When someone gives a good answer, he will say, “Right! You get an A for the day!” The person smiles. If his class is one that is really alert, the next questions will bring answers from all directions. They want those A’s! Their faces brighten. Just a simple “A for the day” motivates them to stay alert. One day when Albert was not as enthusiastic as usual, one of the men in the class said, “Albert, are you giving out A’s today?”


As wives, mothers, teachers, friends, etc., we need to learn to give incentives to children and adults to encourage and help them to continue following Jesus.


When one of our friends is sad or depressed, perhaps we can help by reminding that person of what Jesus said in Matthew 11:28: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Trusting in Jesus and obeying His commands will give us rest. That is an incentive!


When we are tempted to sin, let us remember the great incentive God has given us for continuing in the Christian life. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13


The apostle Paul admonished us to comfort one another with the promise that the faithful will always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18


A few words of praise often encourage our children in Bible class to work harder on their Bible lessons. Sometimes children need something tangible for incentives. We can use certificates for perfect or faithful attendance. Often just a small, inexpensive item will encourage children. We can use stickers for good behavior and good participation. For a sizable assignment of memory work, a new Bible with the presentation page completed, telling what the student did to obtain the Bible is nice. (The NKJV is easier for children to read.)


Jesus has promised the crown of life to those who remain faithful. An A for eternity! –Rt 5 Box 1468, Salem, WV 26426.


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