Walk Worthy
Items Needed: Index cards or pieces of paper, writing utensil, tape
Write each word of 1 Thessalonians 2:12 on an index card or piece of paper. Place these (in order) for your child to collect as you take a walk (taped to a mailbox, tree, fence, or strategically placed on a bush, car, etc.).
When the first word is found, say it together. As the walk continues, add each found word to recite together. Try to memorize the verse before the end of the walk.
After the activity, ask your child:
- What does this verse tell us about God? (God has called us into His kingdom and glory.)
- What did Paul, who wrote this letter to the people in Thessalonica, encourage the people to do? (Walk worthy.)
- What does it mean to “walk worthy”? Is he referring to the way a person walks? Should they walk fast or slow? (Demonstrate.)
Paul is using “walk” as another word for “live.” Christians are to live right—not to prove they are worthy, but to prove God is worthy. Our actions show others how we live and if we are walking worthy and pleasing God.
Say the verse once a day to review and memorize it.
Be Prepared!
Ask your child what they would need to do to prepare for a trip, the first day of school, or their birthday party. Discuss the different steps and supplies needed. After the discussion, ask your child how they can prepare to tell others about Jesus. Emphasize that feeling nervous about sharing Jesus with others is normal, but preparation can help.
Share the following preparations with your child:
Ask God to help you have courage.
Make good choices so others will see you live in a way that pleases God.
Invite friends to go to church with you.
Do What’s Right!
To help children understand the idea of having integrity, tell your child to do what you say. The hard part will be when you say one thing but do another. (For example: Tell them to pat their head, but you will pat your belly. Tell them to kick their leg, but you will move your arm. Tell them to turn around, but you will touch your toes. Tell them to march, but you will run in place.)
Afterward, ask:
Was it confusing when I said one thing but did another?
Did you pay more attention to what I said or what I did?
Integrity means you do what’s right in all situations—your actions match your words. If you say you are a Christian, you should do things a Christian would do.
What are some of those things? (Love others; be kind; work diligently; give; worship; etc.)
Share this with your older children:
Integrity comes from the Latin word integer (whole numbers), referring to whole, perfect, or complete. Integrity is doing or saying the right thing—even when no one is looking.