Stuey Sticky Fingers (skit)

Props: duct tape, signs reading “bad reputation,” “guilt,” “sin,” “criminal record”

“You shall not steal.” Exodus 20:15 (NIV)

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Ephesians 4:28 (NIV)

            Have a helper come out as Stuey Sticky Fingers, a character covered in inside-out duct tape.  (At least cover both hands past the wrist and place a couple of strips of tape around the chest/back).  As he enters the room, he passes by children and “steals” their things by picking them up with his “sticky” hands.  Interrupt him and ask him to introduce himself, which he proudly does.  When you confront him about stealing things, he insists he isn’t stealing anything; rather, things just “stick” to him.  Inform him that there are other “things” sticking to him as well.  He gets all excited, like he has more stuff.  Take out signs that say BAD REPUTATION, GUILT, SIN, CRIMINAL RECORD.  Place each one on Stuey and discuss how these things will stick to him as well.  He looks more upset with each one and begins to protest and whine/cry, asking you to remove them.  Tell him the only way to get rid of them is to return the items, ask the people for forgiveness and ask God for forgiveness (which he does).  End the skit by removing Stuey’s duct tape.

Strong Bond

“But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”  Mark 10:6-9

You shall not commit adultery.  Exodus 20:14

Props: 2 paper hearts, duct/packing tape

God created families.  He came up with the idea of a husband and a wife to be joined together with a strong bond.  (Attach two hearts together, back-to-back, with strong tape.  Press them together as you speak to insure they are securely bonded.)  Once a husband and wife are joined together, nothing should separate them.

Sadly, though, sometimes a husband and wife allow themselves to be separated by arguments, problems, or unfaithfulness to each other.  This makes God very sad because He knows that if they separate, they will hurt themselves, each other and their family.  (Invite a few volunteers to try to separate the hearts without damaging them.  When they cannot do so, tear the hearts apart, showing the damage that it inevitably causes).  See how each of the hearts was hurt by separating.  That’s because they were never supposed to separate.  They were brought together by a strong bond.  That bond was supposed to hold them together for the rest of their lives.  

Sometimes families are separated and hurt like this.  But the good news is that you can make a decision to be faithful to your family and that when you get older, you will be faithful to your husband or wife.  Also, know that even if your parents are separated, God can heal your heart.  He is a father who is always faithful and will always keep His promises to you.  He loves you and will never leave you or abandon you.

You can choose now to be faithful to your family.

Lead the kids in prayer for their families, being sensitive to their needs. 

Street Signs to Guide Us

Props:  a variety of street signs

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Psalm 119:10 (NIV)

I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. Psalm 119:19 (NIV)

            This week we continue our series on the Ten Commandments.  God gave the Ten Commandments to His people to keep them safe and to keep them close to Him.  They are there to protect us and help us stay near to God as His friend. 

Think of it this way:  the commandments are like street signs.  Street signs are put in place to help guide us when we don’t know where we’re going.  The commandments help us know what is right and wrong, because we don’t always know what to do.  They help show us the way to God.  Street signs are also in place for our protection.  A stop sign, for example, shows people where to stop so they won’t crash into other cars.  If we want to stay safe, we have to obey the signs.  If we want to stay safe in life, we have to obey the commandments God gives us.  They keep us from going away from Him and from making mistakes that will hurt us. 

As we continue to study the commandments, remember that they will guide you and help to keep you safe.  Follow God’s commandments!

Steer Clear of Danger by Paying Attention

Now then, my sons, listen to me;
       pay attention to what I say.

Do not let your heart turn to her ways
       or stray into her paths.

Many are the victims she has brought down;
       her slain are a mighty throng.

Her house is a highway to the grave,
       leading down to the chambers of death.

Proverbs 7:24-27 (NIV)

Props: road signs, picture of road (painted with yellow and white lines)

            Most of you haven’t started driving yet, but when you’re with adult drivers you know that they have to pay careful attention to the road, the other cars, the signs and the traffic lights.  (Display stop sign).  Who can tell me what this means?  (Allow for response).  Right!  A stop sign means “stop.”  It’s important for drivers to pay attention to stop signs and all other traffic signs on the road.  A driver who is not paying attention could miss the stop sign, hurt himself and hurt others, maybe even killing them. 

Even the little things that you may not think about are still important.  (Display picture of road).  For example, the yellow lines in the middle of the road let the driver know whether or not it’s safe to pass another car.  So drivers have to pay attention, even to the details.  It could mean life or death.

It’s important to pay attention to the details in every area of your life.  The Bible says that paying attention to the Law of the Lord, the Bible and all that God teaches us, will keep us away from danger.  Paying attention to God’s Law will help to keep us safe and under His protection.  Not paying attention and disobeying God is like running a stop sign or a red light—it could mean death.  Pay close attention to what God has to say, just like you would pay attention to the signs on the road if you were driving.

Snap Back!

You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.  Exodus 20:16

Props: 4 rubber bands

Plan and practice this demonstration before class with two helpers (older teen or adult helpers).  Have one helper (“George”) begin by holding one rubber band. 

Today we’re talking about the importance of being truthful in all you say and do.  Let’s say this rubber band represents the truth.  And let’s just say that our friend George didn’t do his homework.  The truth is that he forgot.  But instead of being honest, he decides to try to “stretch” the truth.  (Invite a child up to “loop” a rubber band around the one held by “George”).  George thinks, “Well, my baby sister did open my backpack.”  So he stretches the truth and tells his teacher that his sister got into his backpack and ruined his papers.  George’s teacher asked, “Why didn’t you call the homework hotline and get it?”  He said, “My mom was on an important phone call all night.”  The truth is that his mom was on the phone for 15 minutes.  (Invite another child up to “loop” one more rubber band around the second rubber band held by “George.”  Then have the second helper begin to stretch out the rubber bands.)  Now you can see that George is adding to the truth and stretching it.  When you “stretch” the truth like that, it’s not the truth anymore.  It becomes a lie.  Finally, his teacher asked why he didn’t get a note from his mom.  He remembered that his mom mentioned her hand hurt.  So George told his teacher that his mom had a serious hand condition and couldn’t write.  (Invite another child up to “loop” one more rubber band around the third rubber band held by the helper.  Then have the second helper continue to stretch out the rubber bands.)  Later that day, his teacher asked George’s mom about her hand and if everything was okay, because she heard about the serious phone call that took all night.  All of George’s lies snapped right back at him!  (Have second helper let go of the rubber bands, snapping “George”).  His mom and teacher discovered that George lied by trying to stretch the truth.  He got in trouble at school and at home!   

            You can’t stretch the truth like that!  It will always come back at you and hurt you (and others) in the end.  Make up your mind to be truthful in everything you say and do and then you won’t get hurt by lies.  Don’t try to “stretch” the truth.  Just tell the honest truth.  Even if it might get you in trouble, it’s better in the beginning than to face worse trouble by lying!

            Remember, be truthful!

The Commitment

 Props: household pet (real pet or a stuffed animal)       

 “You shall not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14 (NIV)

 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33 (NIV)         

            (Bring out pet and play with it as you speak).

            Almost every kid has the dream of owning a pet.  Most of you have probably asked your parents for a pet at one time or another.  And they probably all said the same thing: “Having a pet is a big responsibility.  You have to feed it, bathe it, and clean up after it.”  You being the responsible children that you are probably promised to do all of those things.  (If applicable, tell the story of your own childhood pet, how you asked your parents for it, how you had to take care of it, etc.)

            Having a pet is a big responsibility.  It’s not always fun to take care of an animal.  But if you love your animal, it’s worth it. 

            Today we’re talking about respecting marriage.  Marriage is a big responsibility and commitment.  It takes a lot of hard work and it’s not always easy.  But if you love God, it’s worth it.  God will bless people who keep their promises.

            Do you wonder why we’re teaching you about marriage even though you’re so young?  Learning about marriage commitment now is important.  You can pray for your parents and family members who are married.  You can ask God to help them keep their promise to each other.  You can also begin to pray now that when you grow up, God will help you choose the right husband or wife and will help you keep your promise to be faithful in marriage.

The Fireplace

Props: cardboard fireplace display, box of matches

(As the teacher tells the story, have a helper act out the scenes).

 ”You shall not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14 (NIV)

             There is a story about a man who had a beautiful fireplace in his house.  Each night he would come home, light the fireplace, and be warmed by the beautiful fire.  The dancing flames and the glistening embers captivated him.  Some nights, he would stay by the warmth of the fire for hours, just watching the sparks. 

            One evening, he decided he wanted more than just one fire.  He wanted another to enjoy.  (Helper exits).  So he took a box of matches to his bedroom, struck one of the matches and dropped it to the floor.  Suddenly, a large ball of flames began to grow right there in the middle of his bedroom.  It burned up the rug, scorched the bed, charred the walls and didn’t stop until the whole house was engulfed in flames and destroyed. (Optional explosion sound effect).

            The man didn’t understand why the fire in the fireplace was so beautiful and warming, when outside of the fireplace it was so destructive. 

            Today we are talking about the seventh commandment.  This commandment talks about marriage.  God created marriage for a man and a woman to share together.  Marriage was meant to be a blessing, just like fire can be a blessing.  God created boundaries for marriage, just like a fireplace is a boundary for fire.  If the fire stays in the fireplace, it’s a beautiful thing.  And if a man and a woman don’t go outside of God’s boundaries for marriage, it is a beautiful thing.

            The man in our story today didn’t understand boundaries.  He thought he could just throw fire around and everything would be okay.  But he ended up destroying his house.  There are many men and women who don’t understand the boundaries for marriage.  They think they can get married and then have boyfriends or girlfriends on the side.  They end up destroying their homes and families because they don’t follow God’s boundaries for marriage.

            Marriage is supposed to be a wonderful, beautiful blessing in the life of one man and one woman who get married and stay faithful to each other.  God meant it to be a good thing.  Today’s commandment teaches us how to make sure marriage will be the blessing God created it to be.  Let’s learn that commandment now.

The Lie of Exaggeration

 Do not lie to each other… Colossians 3:9

 Props: can of soup, large (serving) spoon, gallon of water, six bowls

             When you think about lies, you probably think about things you may say that are completely opposite the truth.  Today, though, we’re going to talk about how a true story can easily become a lie.  One of the ways to change a true story into a lie is by exaggerating.  Exaggerating is adding things to the story to make it more than what it was.  The problem is that if you keep adding to the story, it’s not the truth any more. 

            Let me show you what I mean:  Years ago, there was a great depression in this country.  Many people didn’t have jobs, so they didn’t have enough money to buy food.  Often they would buy just a little food, then add to it to try and make it stretch.  For example, a mother might take a can of soup like this and try to make it feed 6 people.  (Display soup and distribute it among the bowls, adding water as you speak).  She would add water to it.  Then she might have to keep adding water until each bowl was filled.  (Hold up a bowl).  Is this the same as the soup in the can?  (Allow for response).  No!  This is more like flavored water. 

Adding to the truth has the same effect as adding to the soup: in the end, it’s not the same.  And adding to the truth, or exaggerating, is so easy to do.  Think about the times you don’t feel so well at school.  Most of the time you are still well enough to stay in school, but it’s so easy to tell your teacher and the nurse that you feel worse than you really do, just so you can go home.  Maybe your friends ask you how many video games you have.  You want to seem cool, so you tell them that you have boxes full, when really you only have a few.  Saying you were awake all night at your friend’s slumber party, when you know you slept some, is exaggerating, and it’s also a lie. 

            Remember that honesty is being truthful in everything you say and do.  Make up your mind today that you are going to be honest and tell the truth—without adding to it.

The Lie of “Partial” Truth

 Do not lie to each other… Colossians 3:9

 Props:  newspaper, large piece of poster board, scissors and glue

             One way to tell a lie is to add to the truth.  Another way to tell a lie is to take away from the truth, or not tell the whole story.  Let’s say that your mom gives you permission to go to your cousin’s house just down the street, but tells you not to go to Brian’s house.  So you head for your cousin’s house, stop in to say “hi,” stay for five minutes, and then go to Brian’s house for an hour.  When you get home and your mom asks you where you were, you could truthfully say that you went to your cousin’s house.  But if that’s all you tell her, you are lying, because you didn’t tell her the whole truth. 

            (Display newspaper).  Think about it like this: I just read an incredible story in the paper.  (Read a short article from the paper).  But look what happens when I take out some of the story.  (Cut out a few key words and phrases that, when omitted, will change the story).  The whole story is different.  It’s not the truth anymore. 

            The same thing happens when you leave out parts of the story: the story becomes a lie.  Honesty is being truthful in everything you say and do.  Practice being honest by telling the whole truth.        

Out of the Overflow of the Heart

You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God… Exodus 20:7

“…For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37

Prop: 2 containers of milk, one spoiled and one good

Call forward a volunteer to enjoy a glass of milk.  (Be sure you check for allergies first.)  Offer her the good milk and after she drinks it ask her if she enjoyed it, if it tasted good, etc. 

Call forward another volunteer who would like to sample a glass of milk.  (Again, check for allergies.  Choose an older child who is not especially sensitive—emotionally or physically).  Offer him the spoiled container of milk, but allow him to smell it before he drinks it.  Do not let him actually drink it!  Ask him to describe the smell, to tell if he would drink it, etc.   

(Display good milk).  This container is filled with fresh, cold, sweet milk.  So when I poured it out into the glass, fresh milk came out.  Why?  Because what’s inside will come out. 

(Display soured milk).  This container is filled with sour milk.  Do you think when I pour it out, it will suddenly change into fresh milk?  No way!  Sour milk will come out.  Why?  Because what’s inside will come out.

The same is true for all of you.  What’s inside of you will come out in the words you speak.  If you love God, you will speak His name only with respect.  If you don’t love God, it won’t bother you to speak His name disrespectfully.

If in your heart you truly love God, you will not continue to speak His name lightly or as a curse.  You simply can’t because if love for God fills your heart, love for God will come out of your mouth. 

If your heart is filled with disrespect for God, then disrespect will come out of your mouth when you talk. 

What is your heart filled with?  If love for God fills your heart, your words will show it.

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