Activity Bible Time Influence Others Drawing/Dramatization Experience

Day 3: Who Decides?

Because GOD IS ALWAYS RIGHT, I will do what He says!

Read or quote the memory verse.

If righteousness means acting right, how do we decide what is right and wrong?(God tells us through His word, the Bible, what is right and wrong. We must also listen to what parents, teachers, and policemen tell us about right and wrong.)

I'm going to read something, and you tell me if it's true or false and explain why:

"It is always wrong to be mean to my brother or sister." (T/F)

"It is always right to do what feels good to me." (T/F)

"It is always wrong to steal." (T/F)

"It is always right to do what an adult tells me to do." (T/F)

Who do you think decides what's right and wrong behavior?

Can parents, teachers, or policeman decide the standard for righteousness?

Although all of these people should be respected and while they do have power to make rules, none of them can set the standard for righteousness.

Read Romans 3:10.

As the Scriptures say, "No one is righteous - not even one." Discover God Bible, (NLT).

God is the only one qualified to tell us what is always right and always wrong because He's the only one who IS always right!

The best way to find out what is right is to read His words in the Bible.

The Ten Commandments are a good place to start (Exodus 20).

How many Commandments can you name?

ANSWER:
  • You must not have any god before Me.
  • You must not worship any idol.
  • You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
  • Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
  • Honor your father and mother.
  • You must not murder.
  • You must not commit adultery.
  • You must not steal.
  • You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
  • You must not covet your neighbor's stuff.

Jesus told us what was most important in Mark 12:29.

Jesus replied, "The most important commandment is this: 'Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: 'love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." Discover God Bible, (NLT).

If you are ever told to do something that goes against what God says in the 10 Commandments, you can be sure that it is wrong.

If you ever want to do something that goes against loving God or loving others, you can be sure no matter how you feel about it, it's wrong. The only question you need to decide is: What are you going to do about it?

What will you do if an adult tells you to do something you know is wrong? (Ask him to talk to your parents about it, or tell him you need to talk to your parents first; walk away and find a "safe" adult. NOTE: Role-play this with your kids. Let them know that sometimes it's okay to talk to the adult about why he thinks it's wrong, and other times they need to let other adults handle it for them).

How will you handle it if your friends ask you to do something you know is wrong, but you really want to do it anyway? (Again, role-play this with them. Peer pressure is the biggest reason kids do things they know are wrong.)

Examples:

  1. "I just don't feel like watching that movie. Can we watch something else? "
  2. "I think I need to go home now."
  3. "I need to call my parents. (When they call, you can give them cover by saying, 'It's time to come home.')"
  4. "I know a lot of people do drugs, but they alter your mind and I want a sharp mind when I grow up."
  5. "God loves me so much He told me not to hurt myself by doing _________________________." (Sometimes we adults could use some practice saying "no" as well!)

Why does it matter?

Because God is Always Right, you can know for sure what's right and wrong as you read the Bible and pray. There's only One Person who decides.

Talk with God and Stay Connected
to the Vine!

Ask God to help you know what's right and what's wrong. Thank Him that His most important standard is love!

"ABIDE" for God is Always Right
Memory Verse Table Talk
AActivity … Family Fun Activities!
BBible Times … Exploring God's Word together
IInfluencing Others … how can you make a difference?
DDrawing/Drama … exploring your creative side!
EExperience … finding the teachable moments
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