Would anyone like dessert? Many people seem to be interested in dessert, but I have not found very many who are equally interested in spinach. Dessert tastes good, but eating desserts alone will not keep us healthy.

Today, we live in a society of people who have not been taught to make the right choices. They have been allowed a great deal of gratification, and the results have been disastrous. We must teach our young people to care about "later on."

For the time being no discipline brings joy but seems grievous and painful, but afterwards it yields peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it - a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness, [that is, in conformity to God's will in purpose, thought and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God].
(Heb. 12:11 AMP)

We as parents, leaders, and teachers, can help young people understand that things will not always be the way they are right now - "later on" is unavoidable. It always comes.

You and I can help them make the right choices by pointing out the effects of wrong choices others have made and are now experiencing bitter fruit in their lives. Likewise, we can share examples of those who, through having made the right choices, are now enjoying a great life.

A life filled with the results of wise choices is the type of life to live! Wisdom promises many benefits. Among them are promotion, riches, honor, and favor. (See Proverbs 4:8, 8:18,35.)

The Amplified Bible tells us that wisdom is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God. When we learn and operate in God's ways, His capital blessings fill our life.

Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.
(James 4:17 NASB)

I like to say that wisdom is doing now what you will be satisfied with later on. Wisdom is "doing right." It is acting correctly upon the knowledge we have.

We must help young people realize they will reap what they sow. The law of sowing and reaping is like the law of gravity - it always works the same way!

For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap life eternal.
(Gal. 6:8 AMP)

Source: Rescue Manual For Parents by Ron Luce
Excerpt permission granted by Albury Publishing