Whose Is It, Anyway?

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)

 Props: bag of candy

             (As you begin speaking, distribute the candy.  At first, give each child one piece.  Then give about half the children two or three pieces.)  We’re going to give out the treats a little early today.  Be sure to save these for when you get home.  

            When we give you these treats, it is to reward you for your behavior.  Do we have to give you treats to make you behave?  Of course not; you should behave because that is what you are supposed to do!  But we like to give you goodies, so that is why there is candy every week. 

            (Continue teaching and wait for the mumbling to begin about being skipped or given unequal amounts).  I hear some of you complaining.  You don’t think it’s fair that some people around you got extra candy and you didn’t.  You’re probably thinking, “Wait a second.  I’ve been just as good as some of these kids.  I’ve been even better than some of those who got extra candy.” 

            I want you to think about something.  Who does the candy belong to?  (Allow for response).  Right, it’s our candy.  So we can do with it whatever we want to.  It’s not for you to complain when you don’t get something that belongs to someone else.  Don’t worry about what is fair. 

            God gives gifts to all kinds of people.  There are some people who receive God’s love and you may not even think they deserve it.  But those things are God’s to give, not ours.  So instead of worrying about what’s fair, be thankful for all of the wonderful things you have received from God—even when you didn’t deserve it.

It’s All In the Attitude (skit)

No matter what happens, always be thankful… 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (TLB)

 

Begin with the following skit:  Two children enter, each holding an envelope.  The first child looks disappointed, the second looks excited.

 

First child: Hey.  What are you so excited about?

Second child: Today’s my birthday and I got a card from my grandparents.

First child:  Oh really?  My birthday is this week, too, and I got a card from my grandparents.

Second child:  That’s cool.  Mine sent me some money.

First child: Yeah, mine too.

Second:  I’m going to have lots of fun spending this money.

First:  Good for you.  I don’t think I can have any fun with what they sent me.

Second:  Oh, I can’t wait.  I’m going to buy a toy or two, then maybe some candy.  Or I could rent a movie and have all my friends over.

First:  Well, invite me over, would you?  Cause I’m not going to get to go anywhere; I hardly got anything at all.

Second:  This is more money than I make in a month’s allowance.

First:  I made more than this picking my neighbor’s weeds.

Second: My grandparents must really love me.  They sent me this money just because it’s my birthday.

First:  My grandparents probably just scraped the loose change up from underneath the couch cushions.  They don’t care about me.

Second:  This is such a great gift!

First:  This is the lousiest gift.

First and Second (to each other): So how much money did you get?   (Each pulls out a bill):   Ten dollars!!!

First: Boy, by the way you were talking, I thought you got a hundred!

Second:  Well, you made it sound like you got a dime!    (Both exit). 

 

Teacher follow-up:  These two children had one thing in common—they each received the same amount of money for their birthday.  The difference between the two is their attitude.  One has an attitude of thankfulness, the other does not.  In your life, many things will happen to you, both good and bad.  No matter what happens, you can still be thankful and filled with joy.  Your attitude will make the difference.  Thankfulness is being grateful for what God and others give to you.   We have received so many wonderful things from God and others.  Let’s be thankful for all our blessings.

Christian Sign or Fashion Statement?

Lord, I will remember what you did.
      Yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.  Psalm 77:11 (NIrV)

Joshua and the Memorial Stones (Joshua 4:1-9)

Props: Christian T-shirt, WWJD bracelet, cross necklace and other Christian symbols and accessories

The reason God commanded Joshua to have men pick up stones from the Jordan is because He knew that the Israelites usually forgot when He had blessed them.  Remember all the times they complained to God in the desert—even after He had done miracles for them?  He didn’t want them to forget this time, so He had them set up stones.

There are many signs and symbols of our Christian faith that we have today to help us remember all that God has done for us.  People make T-shirts, hats, jewelry, posters, bumper stickers and just about anything else that you can imagine with Christian symbols on it.  Look at some of these that I have with me today.  (Show the articles and explain the sayings/symbols on each.)    I enjoy these items because they help me tell others about my faith in God and they remind me of Jesus’ sacrifice for me and of God’s blessings in my life.  

However, not everyone wears these things for the right reasons.  Some people wear a cross as a fashion statement!  Imagine—wearing the symbol of Jesus’ punishment and death just to look cool!  How do you think God feels about that?  The people who wear a cross just for fashion have forgotten what Jesus did for them by taking their punishment.  They have forgotten that Jesus gave up His life so we could be saved from our sins and live forever. 

            There’s nothing wrong with wearing symbols of your faith; but remember, these things should always be a reminder of what God has done for you and they should always point others to His love.

            Remember God’s blessings and let your fashion reflect your love for Him.