Train Up a Child

Thsi week think and talk to your kids about Judgement. Using good judgement is hard, even as an adult. The training to think about how words, actions, decisions affect not only yourself, but others and even the future starts now with young kids. Every action has a consequence - good or bad.

The Tumble Tower

Build a tower or building with blocks. After building the tower, ask one of the kids to pull out one of the lower blocks. (The tower should come tumbling down.) Do it again--build a tower and pull out a supporting block from the bottom.

After doing this several times, ask:
What happened when we pulled out the blocks? (The whole thing fell down.)
One thing caused another. There are results when we do certain things.
What happens when we sin? (Bad things happen--now or later)

Sin (breaking God's laws) is a terrible thing and the payment for sin is death (Romans 6:23). God will judge the world some day. That's why it's important to accept Jesus and His forgiveness for sin.


Not Getting Caught Can be Worse?

Sometimes children don't always see the bad results of sin. Some TV programs picture sin as not being that bad–the person telling a lie can get laughs or is seen as being creative.

Write the following scenarios on slips of paper (or just read them). Ask the kids to tell (or act out) what might happen next.

Evan stole a pack of cards
Jordan talked back to his mom
Sarah was so jealous of the new girl that she made up a lie about her and told it to a group of girls
Jose cheated on a test
Abby talks and write notes during church

Explain to your kids that NOT getting caught is worse than getting caught. If a child doesn't get caught right away, he may continue in that sin which is far worse than being punished.

Don't Get Caught in the Trap!

Item needed: mousetrap

Show kids a mousetrap and let them see you put cheese or whatever you use to catch a mouse on it.

Ask:

How does this work? (The mouse wants the cheese, so he is caught by the trap when he comes to get it.)

Explain that sometimes sin looks good, but it is a trap that will hurt. People who are addicted to alcohol or drugs were trapped by sin. People who love money can be tempted to do wrong things to get it. Sin is a trap that leads you away from God. Sin is wrong and will be judged by God.