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.