Comparison is a dangerous trap that we have all fallen into. We can compare ourselves to our friends, neighbors and even complete strangers. Comparison doesn’t lead to anything but discontentment because God didn’t mean for us to be just like each other. If He did, He would have made us that way. God created each of us uniquely and He doesn’t make mistakes.
CONTENTMENT: Satisfied With Yourself, Your Stuff, and Your Circumstances
MEMORY VERSE: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." PHILIPPIANS 4:12-13 (NIV)
This Week’s Finish Line: Knowing God Made You Perfectly is The Secret to Being Satisfied With Yourself
From the very start of creation, when the first man and woman were created in Genesis 1, God chose to make us in His image. As image bearers, we reflect who He is to the world around us like a mirror. We can love because He is love. We are creative because God is the Creator. Sadly, our sin distorts the way we see God in ourselves and in other people. Only salvation can fix our broken mirrors so we can reflect who He is more clearly and help us see that God never makes mistakes and created us just like He wanted us to be. We are His masterpieces.
Family Questions:
- Read Genesis 1:26-31 and Ephesians 2:10. How did God create us? What does He think about you?
- What is something that you love about yourself? Why? What is something about yourself you have a hard time liking? Why?
- What is one thing you would change about yourself if you could? How could God use that thing right now, the way He made you, to bring Him glory?
Bring it Home Conversations & Activities:
* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.
Teacher: SS CHALLENGE #2: Sticky Masterpieces
This Week’s Challenge: Create your own sticky masterpiece… parents load up on ice cream sundae toppings. Allow each person to make their own creative ice cream sundae. (Don’t forget the sticky toppings!) When complete, look at the different masterpieces and how no two are the same! Don’t forget to take a picture and post it! While enjoying your masterpieces…
Read: Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT) (Don’t be afraid to get those pages sticky!) and the finish line above.
Talk:
- What differences did you see in each ice cream sundae? Why were they different? (because each person creating is unique)
- What does Ephesians 2:8-10 tell us about how God made us? (We are God’s masterpiece and because of Jesus we are made new.)
- Why can that help us to be content in who we are?
Friend: Comparison vs. Contentment
While in the car with your family this week, ask your kids what they like best about themselves. Is there something they wish was different? The culture we live in is constantly telling us to compare ourselves to other people and that usually leads to us thinking there’s something wrong with us or that we don’t measure up. Remind your kids that comparison is the thief of joy but when we remember that God made us in His image, we can rejoice and be content with the way He created us.
Counselor: Perfectly Created
As your family is getting ready for bed, read your kids Genesis 1:26-31. Talk to them about the truth that God created us different than everything else because He made us in His image. Ask them why that makes us special. Tell them that when we trust God, believe in His Son and are content with the way He made us, we can reflect His image, who He is and what He’s like, to the world around us. Reread verse 31 and ask them what God said about everything He created. It was “very good.”
Coach: God's Masterpiece
As you are getting your family ready for the day, read them Ephesians 2:8-10. Talk to them about what a “masterpiece” is and that God created everyone unique. Encourage each person in your family by sharing with them one way God created each of them special. Remind them that God has a plan for each of them and they can use the special way God made them to do the work He has planned for them.
Prayer
Thank God for making you just as He wanted you. Ask Him to help you trust Him with the things about yourself you’re not content with and to glorify Himself thru you and your God given abilities.
Looking Ahead
Next week we will continue the month of June with the godly characteristic trait of CONTENTMENT. We will be learning that knowing God has given everything you need is the secret to being satisfied with your stuff.
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