“Why do I have to do it?” “That’s not my responsibility, it’s hers!” “He’s not my problem!” Does any of this sound familiar? In our ME-centered society it’s easy to think we can just focus on what we need, what we want and what we’re supposed to do. We have our ME-blinders on and can’t see what’s going on around us on others’ lives. That’s not how Jesus lived and how He wants us to live. God calls us to be others-focused, to love and serve people around us, even people who will never know or don’t deserve it.
HUMILITY: Living with the right understanding of who God is, who I am and who you are
MEMORY VERSE: “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” PHILIPPIANS 2:3-4 (NLT)
This Week’s Finish Line: Humility Helps Me Focus on Others
The night before He was crucified, Jesus and His disciples celebrated the Passover meal (John 13:1-17). They had all be out walking the dirty, dusty streets of Jerusalem with only sandal all day. Normally the task of washing feet was left to the lowest servant. The disciples had just been arguing over who was the greatest and none would think of lowering himself to serve the others in that way. None except Jesus. The Lord, their teacher and leader, humbled Himself and served them by washing all of their feet, even Judas whom Jesus knew would betray Him. No servant is greater than his master and our Master was willing to take the lowest position, even humbling Himself to death on a cross (Philippians 2:3-11), for us. If our God and Savior is willing to that for us, we must follow His example and be others-focused no matter who we encounter throughout our week.
Family Questions:
- Read John 13:1-17. Why was what Jesus did so extraordinary? Why did He choose to wash His disciples feet?
- How does Jesus continue to show that He is the perfect example of humility?
- Is there any task, chore or job you think is beneath you? Do you think you’re too good for something? What does this story teach you about how you should respond when faced with those situations?
- How can you be Others-focused this week and show humility?
Bring It Home Activities
1. Foot Washing
Take time this week to show your family what it looks like to lead in humility by following Jesus’ example literally. Wash your kids’ feet, either together as a family or during one-on-one time. While you’re washing their feet, encourage them by telling them all the ways you see them growing and how they are gifted. Share with them how you are praying for them. Let this be a time to intentionally love and disciple your kids while reminding them who the perfect example of humility is.
2. Significant Summer
All throughout the summer, we are challenging parents to make the time they have with their kids significant. Take time this summer to intentionally disciple your kids in 4 areas: Grow, Play, Serve and Rest. You can download a free copy of our Significant Summer booklet filled with ideas for you and your family to not waste your summer. Track the fun things your family did on the Significant Summer chart and tell us about it on social media using #sigsummer14.
3. Memory Verse Review
On the last Sunday of June we will be reviewing all of the character traits we’ve learned about since January. Take time this week to talk to your kids about what they remember about Wisdom, Righteousness, Diligence, Goodness, Consistency and Humility. Use these flash cards to review the memory verses for each character trait. There will be a prize for any kid who come with our last six verses memorized on June 29!
Prayer
Thank God for being the perfect example of humility and being a servant leader. Ask Him to help you be humble even to people in your life that are difficult to love.
Looking Ahead
Next week we are taking time to review the character traits we’ve studied the last 6 months. What can you remember about Wisdom, Righteousness, Diligence, Goodness, Consistency and Humility?
Talk Back
Did you attend Watermark Kids Live? Give us your feedback! How would you like to make your summer significant this year?
Photo Credit: The Armstrong’s via Compfightcc
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