If, Then…
Cause and effect is something we work on quite a bit in elementary English and Language Arts. What may seem rather obvious to those of us who are older can sometimes trip up young readers. Because of the different construction options for these scenarios, they need to be reminded to always think about what happened first: the cause.
For instance, “I studied hard and got good grades so I graduated” has the same meaning and cause as “I graduated because I studied hard and got good grades.” Even though they are said in reverse order, a careful reader understands which must happen first.
Why do we know that in our ELA block, but fail to apply it to God’s word? Consider the following passage from Proverbs:
“My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:1-5 NKJV)
If I want knowledge of God, it is there if I will first seek it. I have to understand the value so that I make the effort. Again, in James 1:5, we read: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Matthew 6:33 still reads “Seek first the kingdom of God…”
I feel like even my 3rd and 4th graders could decipher which part of this equation happens first. May we have the heart of a child and understand that God and all of His blessings are there if we will only seek Him.
AUTHOR: Amber Tatum