Conversation Starters: Transformed in My Actions
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Tolerance is a word that gets tossed around a lot by both Christians and non-Christians, even though both sides have differing definitions for tolerance. In spite of the high value placed on tolerance, we still tend to judge people and criticize their opinions or behavior. Jesus calls us to a far higher standard. Even if our viewpoint is the correct one, Jesus calls us to treat people as we desire to be treated.
Concept: Transformed in My Actions
Preschool
2 Chronicles 24:1-14
LIFE POINT: On the day that Joash was seven years old, there was great excitement. The priest called the people together in the temple court, and before them all Prince Joash was crowned King of Judah. The trumpeters blew on their silver trumpets, the musicians played on harps and cymbals, and the people sang. When he was older, King Joash wanted to repair the temple. He had a wooden box made with a hole in the top. His helpers placed the box by the temple doors. The people could place money in the box to help make the temple beautiful and clean. Then Joash sent for stone workers to make the walls strong and firm. Carpenters made new doors and tables. Metal workers mended the broken ironwork. Soon the temple was strong and clean and beautiful again.
LIVE IT OUT: Include your child as you work at church. Give her jobs to do that are appropriate for her
age. Emphasize that it is people’s responsibility to take care of the church building.
Kids
2 Chronicles 23:11-13; 24:1-14
LIFE POINT: Joash became king when he was only 7 years old! The Bible says that Joash did what was right. When he was older, King Joash saw that the temple needed to be fixed. He put a special box near the temple gate. The people brought their money. They were happy to put their money into the special box. When the leaders opened the box, it was full! They set the box out again. The people kept bringing their money. Each day the box was emptied. Finally, enough money had been given to fix the temple.
The king and the head priest gave the money to the workers. The workers fixed the temple. King Joash used the rest of the money to make items needed inside the temple. The people now had a better place to worship.
LIVE IT OUT: Does your child give money to church? Think together with your child about a special
event at church that requires extra money. Help him develop a plan to donate to that cause. Remind him
that giving is a form of worship.
Students
Matthew 7:1-12
THE POINT: How we treat others reflects our belief of how God treats us.
-What’s the difference between judging others and talking honestly about sin?
-When have you benefited from being persistent in your prayer?
-Why do we struggle to treat others the way we want to be treated?
Discuss the following quote:
“By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.”1 — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
LIVE IT OUT: Encourage your student 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 Relationship Report:
• Talk with your student this week about the people he or she sees every day and how to pray for them.
If he or she plans to complete the Daily Reading:
• Take time to discuss your student’s scripture readings from this week.
1. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship (New York: Touchstone, 1995) 185.
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