“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men. ‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:13-16
What is your life’s purpose? No one can achieve great things without having first deliberately defined them and set out to achieve.
One of the tragedies of today’s society is the sense of entitlement – the fact of having the right to something. The politicians think are entitled to the very best our country has to offer. The children think are entitled to a good life at the cost of their parents for their entire life. University students think they are entitled to all juicy jobs after University.
Everyone thinks they are entitled to something. It is a wrong mentality.
The result is a poor work ethic and lies.
During our school years, you woke up early to go dig to the school farm to work for your school fees! Today, the children just fold their hands and wait for the payslip from their parents. Someone is 18 years, but they still think they are young. It is so troubling.
A long time ago, every school week commenced with an assembly at 7:30 am sharp. Every class day commenced with a rollcall at 8:00 am sharp. It did not matter where one lived. You had to be in the class by 8:00 am. And alert. After walking about five to eight kilometres from home to school, the body would be adequately recharged to start the day on a high.
Today, some children, especially of the middle and high classes, could be losing it. While on holiday, they wake up at 10 am. Find breakfast ready. They head straight to playing games. Then lunch is served. They get hooked on television until they go to bed. Such a holiday routine is destructive. During the school term, the kids wake up early at about 5 am. Bath and head to the car. By 6 pm, they are picked from school. Most of their senses are ‘muted’ as they are in a protected environment their entire life. It is a tough call – how do you train your children to lay their bed, prepare lunch, wash their clothes and go to the market unaccompanied and return home safely?
Preparing the child for the future starts at home.
The children must be trained to work hard. To earn a new shirt. No television entertainment or games before cleaning the compound, washing clothes and preparing break first. It is not easy but possible. And of course, to have goals in life. Any school-going child must be encouraged to gain skills – academic excellence and participate in all physical exercises and clubs so that their talents and special abilities may be identified and nurtured.
As we read in the gospel today, you cannot hide an elephant! A city built on a hill cannot be hidden – it is on the mountain top and therefore visible to all. And no one lights a lamp and hides it under the table. Your child is the lamp. Light them up by giving them the best education and life skills. Teach them how to find their way amid stiff competition in life exams.
Let’s work for what we want and need. No one owes you anything. If you are a leader, you must work for the community.
Wish you a successful Sunday and a great week ahead. Remember, you are not entitled to anything from anyone. You must work and earn it.
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