For Example

Let’s talk about an incident this very afternoon. David had out the Animal Encyclopedia. Bethel became interested and came over beside him, whereupon David immediately stood up and closed the book. He did not want her looking at his book. I assured him that I would not let her take over and turn the pages (That would be a legitimate concern) and told him to open the book. He obeyed, but then lay down across the book so neither he nor his sister could see the pages.

I’m a bit torn, since on one hand I want him willingly share. On the other hand, he is not interested in this instance in pleasing mom or sister, and he is not even willing to please himself. He would rather deprive himself of the pleasure of the book. In short, he will not willingly share.

So, I can discipline him for not sharing. Or I can simply inform him that he must share or find another activity (This was what I did, and he chose to go do something else.) I’m still not happy because I want to see him sharing because he loves his sister, and no matter what I do, he still isn’t going to willingly share. I want to know what part the Holy Spirit plays in his heart, why he chooses to do right and what the Holy Spirit is doing when he chooses to do wrong.

Sorry, I have no answers tonight.