BCIC Responsibility Sample

Responsibility

Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

ROMANS 14:12

MIRIAM WATCHES HER LITTLE BROTHER

“And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. . . . Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?”

EXODUS 2:4, 7

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Organizer

BIBLICAL

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical character is illustrated in this curriculum through both artwork and lessons from the lives of people in God’s Word. We most often benefit from the positive examples of faithful men and women. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were also people in the Bible who are representations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

Illustrated in Life

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing the Word of God causes us to grow in faith. This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture. May

it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview

What Is Responsibility?

Read aloud and discuss what responsibility means and how it applies to life.

The operational definition of responsibility is “knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me.” You can know what God expects from you by reading His Word. As you obey His Word, you will also fulfill your duties toward others, such as loving them, forgiving them, and meeting their practical needs. When an assignment is given to you by your parents, they trust that you will complete it. Once you thoroughly finish the task, you have shown responsibility. You knew what you needed to do and you did it. Sometimes the responsible choice involves sacrifice, such as waiting to play until you have finished your schoolwork or setting aside a planned activity so you can help someone else. However, responsibility reaps the invaluable rewards of a good name, greater privileges, and a clear conscience. (See Proverbs 22:1.)

The opposite of responsibility is unreliability. A person who is unreliable does not consider his assignments important, so he does not think through what is required to fulfill them. His tasks are often late, incomplete, or forgotten. He may think: “This job can wait until tomorrow. I’ll play now!” At other times, he may not pay attention or understand what is expected. Rather than ask for help or clearer instructions, he may use his lack

of understanding as an excuse to delay doing the job. An unreliable person may quickly offer to help someone but then fail to follow through. Because others cannot rely on him to finish his tasks, they must often remind him of his duties. Greater freedoms or opportunities are not granted to him because he has not been faithful with smaller tasks. The irresponsible person will regret the way he foolishly handled his earthly assignments when he stands before God to answer for himself.

Knowing and doing what God expects of you prepares you for the day of accountability. Romans 14:12 says, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Do you search God’s Word and yield to what He would have you to think, say, and do? As you approach each situation or task, do you apply yourself with a good attitude? Do you complete your responsibilities wholeheartedly, knowing that you serve the Lord and that He is your Rewarder? If so, when your works are tried, you will be able to joyfully receive lasting rewards from your Savior. (See I Corinthians 3:13–15.) No praise will bring greater joy than hearing Christ say: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:21).

4

A responsible person finds joy in pleasing both God and his authorities as he accomplishes what is expected of him. An unreliable person, like an unstable bridge, does not give others confidence that he will do what he is expected to do.

Responsibility in Scripture

As you read and study God’s Word, you will see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by Him so Christ can be seen through your life and others will glorify God.

The Character of God

We see examples of responsibility in God’s character in the following ways:

• God is faithful to deal lovingly toward His children, just as He said He would.

(See Psalm 89:33–34, 119:65.)

• God always keeps His promises.

(See Joshua 21:45.)

• God will fully accomplish the sanctifying work He begins in the believer at salvation.

(See I Thessalonians 5:23–24.)

• Jesus said and did only what His Father wanted Him to say and do.

(See John 5:30, 12:49.)

• Jesus, the Son of God, did not owe earthly taxes, yet as the Son of man, He respected the civil authorities by paying what was expected.

(See Matthew 17:27.)

• As He died, Jesus made sure that His mother would be cared for by transferring the responsibilities of a son to His disciple John.

(See John 19:25–27.)

• The Holy Spirit fulfills His role, convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.

(See John 16:7–8.)

RESPONSIBILITY KEY VERSE

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12

Responsibility in My Life

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out responsibility daily.

• When am I ready to be entrusted with greater responsibility?

(See Luke 16:10–11.)

• For what will God hold me responsible on the Day of Judgment?

(See Matthew 12:36–37, II Corinthians 5:10.)

• What should I do before I make a commitment and why?

(See Luke 14:28–30.)

• What does God expect of those who serve Him?

(See Micah 6:8, Romans 13:8.)

• When I do not complete my tasks, how does that impact those relying on me?

(See Proverbs 25:19.)

• What will result when I am not responsible to do my work or I waste time?

(See Proverbs 10:4–5, 18:9.)

• Who gives me the strength to accomplish my God-given tasks?

(See Philippians 2:12–16.)

5

Be Faithful in Small Things

Have you ever wanted your parents to give you something, only to hear, “Maybe when you are older”? Perhaps you dreamed of owning a pet or using your dad’s tools. With every new privilege comes greater responsibility. Even as a child, you are responsible for how you interact with others, care for your possessions, and fulfill your tasks. Proverbs 20:11 says: “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” You may not see great value in taking out the trash or washing dishes, but consistent dependability in everyday tasks will win the trust of your authorities. They will then be ready to give you greater responsibilities and privileges. As you faithfully complete smaller tasks, keep in mind that God is preparing you for greater ones!

RESPONSIBILITY

Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

6

INTRODUCTION GOD ENABLES ME TO

Miriam Watches Her Little Brother

BIBLE STORY

Miriam Watches Her Little Brother

During a severe famine, an Egyptian ruler had welcomed Joseph, Jacob, and their families to live in his country. At that time, their group numbered seventy people. Now, after their families had increased greatly, a new pharaoh came to power. He feared the Israelites because they outnumbered his own people! Pharaoh tried to limit their growth by enslaving them to hard labor. When this harsh plan did not weaken them, Pharaoh next gave horrifying orders: He commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill the infant boys as soon as they were born! But the midwives feared God and did not obey the cruel demand. Pharaoh’s new orders went throughout Egypt, declar-

ing that every Hebrew baby boy be found and thrown into the crocodile-infested Nile River! During this time of harsh persecution, a Hebrew couple named Amram and Jochebed gave birth to their third child, a baby boy. Jochebed successfully hid her newborn son for three months from those who sought to kill him. The time soon came when she could no longer keep him quietly hidden. Would Jochebed and her daughter Miriam be able to protect the baby? Could Miriam’s faithfulness in a small task save her brother and, ultimately, her nation?

Let’s read the Bible story in Exodus 1:22–2:10 and then discuss the following questions.

1. What did Jochebed make for her son and why? Why was it important that she make it waterproof? (See Exodus 2:3.)

What tasks in your home do you see that need to be done? Why should you do even the smallest task well? (See Colossians 3:23–25.)

2. How did Miriam show loving concern for her baby brother Moses? (See Exodus 2:4.)

In what ways can you show special care for your brothers and sisters?

3. Who found the baby? Did Miriam wait to be called upon, or did she step forward to offer help? (See Exodus 2:5–7.)

When you see a mess in the kitchen or someone carrying in groceries, how might you help? Do you wait until you are told to help or do you offer willingly?

4. What did Pharaoh’s daughter tell Miriam to do? Did Miriam follow through on her offer?

(See Exodus 2:7–8.)

When you offer to do a job, do you follow through?

5. What did the daughter of Pharaoh tell Jochebed to do? (See Exodus 2:9.) Some time later, what difficult task did Jochebed fulfill as was expected of her? (See Exodus 2:10.)

Which responsibilities do you find difficult to fulfill? Who can give you the grace to accomplish them? (See Colossians 1:11.)

6. How did God use young Miriam’s faithfulness to later affect the future of the entire nation of Israel? (See Numbers 33:1.)

Can you always foresee the impact of being faithful in small tasks? As you fulfill your responsibilities, Whom should you please? (See I Thessalonians 4:1.)

7

LESSON 1 Be Faithful in Small Things

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

SAVE 20% on any individual Biblical Character Illustrated booklets

Use coupon: BCICBOOKLET

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum

Discover this unique tool that uses the stories in Scripture to illuminate character qualities God wants to develop in the lives of His people. This curriculum contains multiple ways to teach character to kids and give them a vision for building character through faith in Christ!