Conversation Starters: Higher Standard
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: We have all assimilated to some degree to the culture we live in. Our understanding, customs, and traditions all grow out of our culture. That’s not necessarily bad, but it becomes an issue when those customs and practices conflict with the biblical standards to which God calls us. The Book of Daniel shows us a man who had convictions and lived out those convictions in a culture that called for a different standard. Likewise, Christ calls us to live to a different standard in our daily lives.
Concept: Higher Standard
Preschool
Daniel 1:1-20
LIFE POINT: Daniel, his three friends, and other men lived in the palace with King Nebuchadnezzar. The men were learning to be the king’s helpers. The king wanted all of the men to eat the same kind of food that he ate. Daniel knew the
kinds of food God wanted him to eat. Daniel wanted to obey God and eat the right kinds of food instead of the king’s food. Daniel asked the king’s helper if he and his friends could eat only vegetables and drink only water. After 10 days, Daniel and his friends were healthier than the other men. The king was pleased that they were so healthy. Daniel and his friends became the king’s best helpers. God helped Daniel and his friends learn many things.
LIVE IT OUT: Obedience is hard for some children to learn. Remember that your child is a work in progress. Pray for guidance as you teach your child. By learning to obey parents, children learn to obey God.
Kids
Daniel 1:1-20
LIFE POINT: Daniel and his three friends were taken from their homes to a strange
land. They were given new names and a new language. The king’s servant brought food from the king for Daniel and his friends. Daniel knew the food had not been prepared as God had commanded His people to prepare food. Daniel challenged the king’s helper to a test. Daniel and his friends would drink only water for 10 days. They would eat only vegetables for 10 days. Then the helper could decide if they
looked healthy. After 10 days, Daniel and his friends looked better than all
the others! The helper kept bringing them the food they asked for.
LIVE IT OUT: Talk to your child about ways to honor God. Emphasize that one way to honor God is to obey Him. Pray with your child that she will honor God in many ways.
Students
Daniel 1:3-5, 8-13, 17-19
THE POINT: Live your life with uncompromising conviction. When have you felt like you were going against the flow? How might others benefit when you stand your ground?
Discuss the following quote:
“Having convictions can be defined as being so thoroughly convinced that Christ and His Word are both objectively true … that you act on your
beliefs regardless of the consequences.”1 —Josh McDowell
LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities. Here are some suggested ways to help your student:
If he or she plans to complete Character of Christ:
• Encourage your student to memorize Romans 12:2 as a reminder to pursue Christ, not the things of this world.
If he or she plans to complete Stand on Truth:
• Point out that Scripture can be especially helpful in reminding us of God’s love and faithfulness when we are going through trials. Consider sharing a personal story
that demonstrates this truth.
1. Josh McDowell, “Quotes About Conviction,” Christian Quotes [onine], [accessed 16 March 2015]. Available from the Internet: www.christianquotes.info/quotes-by topic/quotes-aboutconviction/# ixzz3QayxxEIo
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