Behaving as a Child of God
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the morality module is to build a foundation of morality in children stemming purely from their love to our God. It is important that children have self awareness that their identity is rooted only in Christ. In this module, it is key that we guide our children to craft a Christian conscience. The purpose of this lesson is to help each child understand that we are the children of our Heavenly Father who loves and knows us by name. As children of God, we do not belong on this earth and we do not act like everyone on earth. Jesus loves us very much and we are so special to Him.
INTRODUCTION & HOOK - 10 Minutes
To introduce this lesson, play this song - I am a child of God
After the song, show a picture of the world. Next ask the children if this is their home. Explain to the kids that although we are born on earth, we belong in heaven with our Heavenly Father (unseen but heard). Who is our heavenly Father? He is our Creator, our God, the Pantacrator who created us in His image. When we are baptised we become 'children of God' and we are able to call God 'Father'. Therefore we should live differently from those who are on earth.
HOLY SCRIPTURE - 5 Minutes
Memory Verse
"I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me."
CONTENT (KEY POINTS) - 10 Minutes
Start the lesson by showing the children this icon of Jesus (also attached below). Next ask the children what they see. As we can see in the icon, there is a child sitting on Jesus's lap. There are children gathered around Jesus. Jesus loves the little children because they are pure in heart.
Mark 10:13-16: 13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." 16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 15 Minutes
- Why does Jesus love little children?
- How do little children behave?
- What makes children so special?
- What are some characteristics of little children?
LIFE APPLICATION - 20 Minutes
Being a child of God means that he loves us very much. We want to make Him happy. Even though he is in heaven, he is always watching over us. We must behave as children of God. God tells us if we love Him we must keep His commandments and do good on earth. We have to go the extra mile and take care of those around us.
How can we make God happy? How can we stand out from those who live on earth? Ask the students to come up with examples.
- Being kind to others
- Having compassion towards others
- Respecting others around me
- Obeying my parents
- Being a good listener
- Be patient with others
- Helping others around me
- Be honest in all things
- Asking those who are left out to play with them or to join them if they are playing a game during recess
- Not to make fun of others, not to talk bad about others
- Lifting others up
- Praying
- Going to church
- Reading the Bible
- Being thankful
- Sharing with others
ACTIVITY - 15 Minutes
This activity will be interactive. We will be creating a vision board. The materials needed are a poster. In the middle of the poster draw a circle. In the middle of the circle write 'I am a child of God'. Outside the circle, we will write characteristics, behavior, or adjectives that describe a child of God. Give each child a piece of paper and have them write or draw their chosen characteristic on it. Be creative. For instance you can cut the paper star shaped or heart shaped. You may use colorful magazines or construction paper backgrounds. See some examples in the images below. Next, let each child place their chosen characteristic on the poster. Examples can be from the life application portion above.
Alternate Activity: Please see attached coloring sheet below.
PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK
Parents and children can focus on working on a specific characteristic from the child of God activity to reinforce the lesson.