Honor by Helping

Honor your father and your mother.  Exodus 20:12

A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.  Proverbs 10:1

Props: backpack (stuffed with paper to appear heavy)

As you teach this lesson, carry a “heavy” backpack on your shoulders.  Have a helper follow you around and lift/push down the backpack at alternating times.

            Your parents have a tough job!  When you were a baby, they rocked you, fed you and got up with you in the middle of the night.  (Not to mention what they had to do when you had a dirty diaper!)  They have to work and make sure the bills get paid.  They make your meals and clean up the house.  Your parents make sure you have clean clothes to wear, that you have your homework done and that you get to school.  They are responsible for teaching you, providing for you and protecting you as best they can. 

            The Bible teaches us to honor our parents.  One way to honor them is by doing your part to help them.  (Helper begins following you around and lifting/pushing down on the backpack at your cues).  My helper here can do one of two things while he’s following me around: he can either lift up my backpack and make it easier for me to walk, or he can push down on it and make it harder. 

            When you listen to and obey your parents and have a good attitude, you make it easier for them to do their job—especially if you do what you need to do without being asked.  But if you are disobedient, disrespectful and rude you make it harder for your parents.  If you don’t clean your room when you should, they have to stop what they need to be doing to remind you.  If you are fighting with your brothers and sisters, they have to constantly correct you and it puts added pressure on them.  What about if you argue with your parents?  That can add loads of stress on them! 

The Bible says that a wise [child] brings joy to his [parents], so bring joy to your parents by doing your part through obedience with a great attitude!