Do kids come pre-programmed to take care of themselves and others?

My comment: I want to stop before we go on to the second sentence of this book.  That question is worth pausing to think through because children do come pre-programmed, but not for life.  The sin principle at work in children seeks to kill, steal, and destroy whatever good God desires for them.  It was this principle that drove Cain to sulk and become depressed.  It was this principle that God warned Cain he had to master. 

Genesis 4:6-7 Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?  "If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it."

Not all sins lead to murder.  Some sins, like sloth, can lead to poor grades, or an unhealthy home, or a missed job opportunity, etc..

Because we see people die and know all will die, we know that sin will gain a complete but temporary victory over our physical well-being, but it doesn’t have to be that way for our inner being.  Life, abundant life can abide within.  Like light it can permeate into our physical world making it a better place to live for self and others.  How will your child’s inner life fair and what role will you play in helping him see victory?  If taking care of one’s self and others is hidden from all of us because of the sin principle, then can we even see what we need to teach them?  How do we best teach them?

Life Skills For Kids: Equipping Your Child For The Real World

by Christine M. Field

I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. ~ 3 John 4