Lazy Excuses

Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.  Proverbs 10:4

The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road,
       a fierce lion roaming the streets!”

As a door turns on its hinges,
       so a sluggard turns on his bed.

The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
       he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.  Proverbs 26:13-15

            Begin with a skit in which a mother is trying to get her three children ready for school.  Each of the three comes up with a different excuse not to get ready/go to school. 

Mom (to child 1):  Come on, it’s time to go to school.  The bus is almost here.  You’re going to be late. 

Child 1:  I can’t go out there today!  There was a report last night that a wild lion escaped from the Tampa Zoo!   

Mom (to child 1):  The Tampa Zoo is 2 hours away!  You are in no danger. 

Child 1:  I just can’t take that kind of a chance.  I better stay home today. 

Mom (to child 1):  Oh, no you’re not.  Now get out that door. 

Child 1:  Alright, alright.  (Exits).

Mom enters room of child 2, who is still in bed. 

Mom (to child 2):  Get up!  You’re going to be late for school.

Child 2 says nothing, just rolls over.

Mom (to child 2):  I won’t say it again, get up!

Child 2:  Awww, mom.  I’m soooooo comfortable.  I don’t want to get up!

Mom (to child 2):  Well, it’s a good thing you’re comfortable in here, because this is where you’ll be spending all your free time for a month if you don’t get up right now!

Child 2:  Okay, okay.  (Slowly gets up, throws on a sweatshirt, walks out the door).

Mom goes to child 3, who has an unfinished bowl of cereal on his lap. 

Mom (to child 3):  Aren’t you done with breakfast yet?  The bus is coming down the street.

Child 3:  I can’t finish.  It’s too much trouble to move the spoon from the bowl to my mouth. 

Mom (to child 3):  Well, you better start moving more than the spoon, ‘cause you’re gonna get it if you’re late!

Child 3: (Gets up and begins toward the door) Why does everything have to be so much work?!

Mom (to herself):  Children!

Teacher Follow-Up:  How many of you have ever known someone who was so lazy they made excuses for everything?  How many of you have ever been like that yourself?  We all have been lazy at some time, but God’s Word warns us about being lazy.  Let’s look at how Proverbs describes lazy people (Read aloud   Proverbs 26:13-15).   That’s very interesting.  It sounds just like the kids in the skit we just saw. What you may not know is that laziness can also be very dangerous; it has serious consequences.  Proverbs 10:4 says, “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.”  The decision is yours: you can choose to be lazy or to be willing to work hard.  Choose wisely!

Kindness in Your Words

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”  Proverbs 12:18

Props: fake sword, bandage (optional: chairs, notebooks to depict classroom scene)

One of the greatest ways you can show kindness is through the words you speak.  The Bible says, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18).  Let’s take a look at what that verse means. 

            *Have three helpers act out the story as you tell it.  Practice the actions beforehand. 

This is Jimmy.  Jimmy is a nice kid, but he doesn’t learn the same way as everyone else.  Sometimes he has trouble reading and writing.  He knows he’s different and it makes him feel very bad. 

            This is Crystal.  Crystal sits next to Jimmy in class.  One day she noticed him writing some letters incorrectly. 

Crystal (stabbing Jimmy with fake sword):  What’s wrong with you?  You should know how to write your letters by now! 

            Jimmy puts his head down. 

             Remember, reckless words piece like a sword.  Jimmy won’t bleed on the outside, but he will be very hurt on the inside even if he doesn’t show it.  Words can cause very real pain.  So instead of hurting others with our words, we should use our words to show kindness to others. 

            Parker (wrapping a “bandage” around the sword wound): Don’t worry about it.  You’ll get it.  I’ll help you.  Just because you learn differently doesn’t mean you’re not as good.  Let’s work on this together. 

            When you show kindness through your words, you are helping to bring healing to others.  You will make them feel better about themselves and help them get through tough times in their life.  Your words are powerful and they can bring help and life to others.  Show kindness in your words and let the fruit of kindness grow in your life.

Fire on Fire?

Blessed are the peacemakers,
      for they will be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

A soft (gentle) answer turns away wrath.  Proverbs 15:1

Props: box of matches, bucket of water

Preparation: If possible, plan to start a small contained fire during the lesson (Light a small piece of paper on fire inside a pan, for example).

When 2 people disagree, they sometimes take it a step further and begin to argue.  Then they take it one step up and begin to fight.  How many of you have ever had friends begin to fight? (Allow for response).  It’s tempting to step in and “take sides,” joining in the argument.  But we are called to be peacemakers, helping to bring peace to those who fight.  Fighting, arguing and disagreements are like fires that spread quickly and cause damage. 

(Display water and matches).  You can step in and be like water or fuel to the fire of disagreements.  If a fire started in this room, which would help to put it out—matches or water?  (Allow for response).  Water, of course.  Some people step in and add fuel to the fire by gossiping, spreading rumors, arguing, etc.   That only makes things worse.  But when you are a peacemaker, you are like water to the fire.  You stop the argument in its tracks and don’t let it grow anymore.  (Display water—or pour water on the fire if there is a real fire—as you give examples of what it means to be a peacemaker).  Being a peacemaker can mean refusing to spread gossip.  It can mean walking away when someone picks on you, or not talking back when someone calls you a name.  God may call you to be like Abram, and allow someone else to have what’s better so that there isn’t an argument.  But know this: when you choose to be a peacemaker in your own relationships or between others, God will bless you and give you a place of honor in His family.  Choose to be a peacemaker!

Empty Promises

It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Ecclesiastes 5:5 (NIV)

A faithful man will be richly blessed… Proverbs 28:20 (NIV)

Props: a bottle of bubbles

            Today’s lesson is all about being faithful to your promises to God.  I brought a bottle of bubbles with me today, because they remind me of promises that people make.  God’s promises are a sure thing.  You can count on God.  But people aren’t always so faithful.  (Begin blowing bubbles).  See how easy it is for me to blow these bubbles?  All I have to do is just breathe out, and bubbles appear.  That’s how easy it is for me to make a promise.  I just say the words.  (Continue blowing bubbles).  That’s why lots of people make promises.  It comes so easy.  “Sure, I’ll read my Bible every day.”  “Of course I’ll pray!”  “I’ll live for God forever.”  

            But watch what’s happening to the bubbles.  They break so easily!  Easy to make, easy to break.  That’s just the way it is with promises.  Promises are much easier to make than to keep.

            We’re not trying to tell you today that you shouldn’t make promises to God.  Rather, think about the promises before you make them.  God is not looking for people who will only make promises; God is looking for people who will do what He asks.  So obey Him with your actions and be faithful to your promises to God.

Don’t Get Tangled!

We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. Hebrews 12:1 (NCV)

Props: cast net, zip ties or rope that could be used to tie the net to helper’s ankles and wrists,

cross (Optional: picture of family, 2 add’l helpers, DVDs and CDs, handful of cash)

            Have the cast net positioned on one side of the stage and a cross positioned on the opposite side.  Have helper act out the parts as you teach. 

            Many people meet Jesus and begin following Him, just like the disciples did.  But then things come along to distract them and cause them to turn away.  I want you to understand that lots of people start out following Jesus, but many of them don’t make it all the way.  If you are going to follow Jesus full speed ahead, you need to focus on Him and not get tangled and trapped by other things.

            The Bible says there are many who get tangled up in worries (Luke 8:14, 21:34).  They are following Jesus and then…WHAM!  Something goes wrong.  (Helper displays picture of family).  Maybe their family gets broken apart.  It could be problems at school or with kids in the neighborhood.  They get hurt, worried and depressed and instead of running to Jesus, they turn away from Him and focus on their problems.  (Tie section of net to helper’s ankle).    Don’t get tangled in problems!  See what it’s doing.  It’s holding him back from following Jesus. 

            Other people get tangled in people (Matthew 10:37-38).  Jesus said if you don’t love Him more than your family and friends, you can’t be his disciple (follower).  People want to please their friends, but you can’t always do that when you’re following Jesus.  (Additional helpers distract the boy and turn him away from the cross).  Some friends will try to turn you away from Jesus, even if they don’t mean to.  They want your attention, but you have to remember that Jesus comes first.  (Have helpers tie net to the boy’s other ankle).  Now look: do you think this boy can go full speed ahead with Jesus?  Of course not.  Don’t get tangled in people.  Put Jesus first. 

            For some, the past becomes a trap (2 Corinthians 5:17, 7:1, Colossians 3:5-8).  They either don’t believe God can forgive their sins, so they turn away from Him, or they don’t want to give up their past sins.  (Boy leans back over net to reach for DVDs and CDs).  This guy can’t give up his bad movies and music.  He says he wants to follow Jesus but he’s not willing to let go of the things that are wrong.  (Tie section of net to helper’s wrist).  Those things are getting him all tangled up, and sins can tangle you up and keep you from following Jesus, too.  But don’t get tangled in the past!  Let go of the junk and follow Jesus.

            And then there are many, many people who get caught up in their possessions (Luke 14:33, 1 Timothy 6:9, 10).  That is, they love their money and their things more than they love Jesus.  (Boy takes money out of his pocket.  He counts it, looks at the cross and looks back at the money.)  Money and things can quickly become a trap.  God wants us to be followers who give to Him and who give to people in need.  That means putting money in the offering—sometimes a lot—and it could mean giving away something that belongs to you if someone else needs it.  Or it could mean selling something so you can have more to give away.  But many people want to keep everything that belongs to them, so they get tangled up in it.  (Tie section of net to helper’s other wrist).  Don’t get tangled in possessions!

            Now look at our friend.  He can’t follow Jesus full speed ahead.  He’s so tangled in all these things he can’t go anywhere!  The only way for him to follow Jesus is to let go of these things.  (Helper gets on his knees and prays).  So he prays, “Lord, I’m sorry for getting tangled in all these things.  I know you can help me with my problems.  Please help my family.  I trust you.  I’m sorry for putting my friends before you.  I want to put you number one, even if it means not hanging out with those people anymore.  Forgive me for doing wrong things.  Help me to do what is right.  And I’m sorry I cared more about my money and things than I cared about you.  I will give to you and others everything you ask me to.  I want to follow you with all my heart.  Amen.”  (Cut off rope from helper’s ankles and wrists.  He goes to the cross.) 

Boys and girls, don’t let these things tangle you up!  Follow Jesus, full speed ahead!

Do you know Him? (skit)

Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)

Characters: Kid 1, Kid 2, Banker, Shady guy

            (Kid 1 and Kid 2 meet in the street). 

Kid 1:  Hey, how’s it goin?

Kid 2:  Great!  I’ve been saving up my money for months, and I’m on my way to the bank to put it in an account.

Kid 1:  Yeah, my parents told me to do the same thing.  They set up an account for me here at the First National Bank.  I’m going in right now to put my money in.

Kid 2:  Yeah, I’m doing the same.  It’ll be safer in the bank than in my bedroom.  The last time I left money in my room I didn’t find it for 11 months.  It got lost under my hamster cage, which was buried under dirty clothes. 

Kid 1:  What happened to your hamster? 

Kid 2:  You don’t want to know.  Anyway, my money will be much safer in the bank.

(Shady guy stops kids outside the bank). 

Shady Guy:  Hey fellas.  I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation.  You guys have been working hard to save up your money, huh?

Kids 2:  Oh, yeah.  Months of washing cars and walking dogs, scrubbing dishes…I’ve really been working!

Shady guy:  Well, if you really want to keep your money safe, just give it to me and I’ll take care of it for you.

Kid 1:  No thanks, we’re not interested.

Kid 2:  Just a second, give the man a chance.

Shady guy:  If you put your money in the bank, how do you know what they’ll do with it?  They could take off with it for all you know.

Kid 2:  Yeah…I never thought of that.

Kid 1:  Sir, you’re wasting your time.  Our parents put their money in that bank, and they’ve never lost a penny.  Besides, Mr. Miller is the banker.  I’ve know him my whole life.  We don’t even know you!   

Kid 2:  So if I give you my money, how do I know I’ll get it back?

Shady guy:  Cause I’m a nice guy.  And lots of other people have given me their money.

Kid 1:  Excuse us.  (Calls other kid aside).  Do you know this guy?  Do your parents know him?  How can you trust someone you don’t know with something so valuable? 

Kid 2:  Well, he looks like such a nice guy.  And he said that a lot of other people have given him their money.

Kid 1:  Yeah, did he happen to mention if he ever gave it back?  Look, you do what you want, but I’m putting my money in the bank.  (Enters bank). 

Shady guy:  You stick with me kid.  Your money will be perfectly safe.

(Shady guy and Kid 2 exit).  (Kid 1 enters bank and approaches banker).

 

Kid 1:  Good morning, Mr. Miller. 

Banker:  Good morning.  How can I help you today? 

Kid 1:  Just here to deposit the money I’ve been saving.  (Hands over money).

Banker:  You’re very wise to do that.  (Takes money, puts it away). 

Kid 1:  Yeah, well my buddy wasn’t so wise.  He just gave his money to a total stranger.

Banker:  It wasn’t that man just outside the front door, was it?

Kid 1:  Yes.

Banker:  That man’s been ripping off kids for months.  Too bad.

Kid 1:  Yeah, I guess he’ll have to learn the hard way.  Well, thanks for your help, Mr. Miller.

Banker:  You bet.  And come back any time.  You know your money is safe with me. 

(Banker and Kid 1 exit).

 

Skit Follow-Up:  Today we’re talking about whom to trust with the things that are most important to you.  In the skit we just saw, the 2 boys had to decide whom to trust with their money.  One boy made a wise choice, the other boy did not. 

            There are things that are more important than money.  Your soul, for example, is much more important than money.  Your soul will live forever.  Your spirit is more important, too.  It will live forever.  In eternity, you will live forever in heaven or in hell.  The choice is yours.  You can decide whom to trust with your body, soul and spirit.  You can give control to God or to our enemy, satan. 

            The key is: which one do you know?  Which one can you trust?  When you really know God, you know you can trust Him.  You know he will guard your life—not just now, but for eternity.  The one boy went to the banker he knew, because he was sure he could trust him.  The other boy trusted his money with someone he had never seen and couldn’t trust.  He trusted a lie and he lost.  You can trust God.  You can never trust the devil.  Trust God with your life!

Clown-In-Training (skit)

Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise… Proverbs 22:17

            A circus clown enters, ready to create balloon animals.  She begins by reading the instructions, then puts them aside after a twist or two and tries to finish on her own.  She does not successfully complete the animal, but gets frustrated and starts over.  This time she reads the instructions until she is almost finished, then tries once again to finish without them.  She again becomes frustrated, tosses the balloon aside, picks up another one and begins again.  This time she follows the instructions through until the end and successfully completes the balloon animal.  She gives it to a child in the audience, bows and exits.   

Teacher follow-up:  Attentiveness to instructions is important because it will keep you from having to do things over and over.  If you don’t pay attention to instructions, you will make unnecessary mistakes and you’ll have to start all over.  It’s the same with God’s instructions.  In His Word, the Bible, He gives us all the instructions we need for this life.  If you follow the instructions, you will succeed.  But if you don’t, you’ll make mistakes and things will go wrong when they shouldn’t.  Keep paying close attention to God and His instructions for your life.

Admit Your Mistakes

Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4

Props: baking ingredients and utensils, chewing gum

Begin with a skit in which a little boy tries to “help” his mother by baking a cake for the company that is coming. She leaves him to bake the cake. In the process, he makes a number of errors such as dropping part of the egg shell in the batter and accidentally dropping his chewing gum into the batter, which he finds impossible to remove. Instead of admitting his mistakes, he bakes the cake and tries to cover the errors with the frosting. The company arrives, finds the “additions” to the cake, and leaves disgusted.

Some people act like this little boy when they make a mistake. Instead of admitting to God that they are wrong, and allowing Him to help, they try to cover up and hide their mistakes. If you will come to God when you make a mistake and ask Him to forgive and help you, He will. But if you try to hide your mistakes, one day it will be too late. Remember, you will be blessed if you are sorry for the bad things you’ve done. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Admit It When You are Wrong

Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13 (RSV)

Props: pieces of broken glass in a dustpan, paper bag

Have helpers act out a scene of accidentally breaking a vase.

There will be times in your life when you make mistakes and are wrong about things. One of the most courageous things you can do is admit you are wrong. Courage is facing trouble without running away. (Show pieces of glass in dustpan). Look at this broken vase. What would you do if you had just broken the vase and your mom would be home in 5 minutes? You could hide the pieces in a paper bag and throw them away. (Show paper bag). You could blame it on the cat or dog or you brother or sister. Courage would be to face your mom and tell her the truth without hiding anything. Any wimp can hide. Any wimp can lie. It takes someone of real courage to admit the truth and face the trouble without running away. Learn to be a boy or girl of courage. Don’t be afraid to admit that you’re wrong and say you are sorry.

« Previous Page