Author Dr. Julianna Slattery lists the 7 Pillars as the following seven character traits composing the acronym “PURPOSE”:
Productivity — Uncompromising Integrity — Restrained Speech — Positive Relationships — Openness to Feedback — Self-Control — Eye to the Future
She writes, “These seven themes can help give purpose to our influence as we strive to raise our children with wisdom.”
We will look at the first two pillars, “Productivity” and “Uncompromising Integrity,” with practical teaching applications. For teaching work ethic and responsibility with finances, there are: chores, earning and managing money, not making privileges a given, and finding opportunities to serve. For teaching integrity, we we see ideas for redefining success, never tolerating dishonesty, and carrying a good name.
Questions for Reflection:
- How do you teach your children the value of productivity?
- Are there privileges that your children have begun to expect as rights? How might reframing these privileges help teach productivity?
- How can you appropriately define success for your children?
- Why is a ‘good name’ important? How did the character of your family name affect you growing up? How can you teach your children the value of building and maintaining a good name?
Digging for Wisdom:
- Read Matthew 6:19-21, 24 and Mark 10:17-25. What warnings do these verses give about wealth? How are these warnings relevant to teaching productivity?
- Read I Corinthians 15:58, II Thessalonians 3:10-13 and Matthew 25. How do we teach children about the importance of working hard and stewardship without teaching them to love money?
- Read Joshua 1:6-9, Proverbs 16:3, Revelation 3:17-21, and Luke 16:1-12. How does God define success? How is His definition different than the world’s?
- Read Proverbs 6:16-19, 11:1, and 12:22. Why is punishing even little pockets of dishonesty so important to teaching integrity?
We will meet this Thursday, October 18, from 9.30 – 11.30am at 2/F Island ECC. Refreshments and childcare provided.