Diligence Booklet - Excerpt

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical

CONTENTS

character is illustrated in this curriculum through both artwork and lessons from the lives of people in God’s Word. We most

4 Introduction

4 How to Use This Curriculum

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

5 Goals and Objectives

ever things were written aforetime were

6 Character Quality Overview

often benefit from the positive examples

written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). And there were 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

9

Lesson 1: Do My Tasks with Excellence

10 Bible Story: Bezaleel’s Excellent Work

11 Memory Verse: Colossians 3:23

12 Activity: Ark of the Covenant and Tabernacle Replicas

13 Lesson 2: Follow Instructions Carefully

14 Bible Story: A Prophet Neglects Instructions

15 Memory Verse: Philippians 4:9

16 Activity: Obstacle Course

has given us in Scripture.

17

Lesson 3: Overcome Laziness

Illustrated in Life

18 Bible Story: The Slothful Servant

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by

19 Memory Verse: Proverbs 10:26

the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing

20 Activity: Ants-on-a-Log Snack

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.

21

Lesson 4: Finish My Assignments

22 Bible Story: Noah Finishes the Ark

23 Memory Verse: Genesis 6:22

24 Activity: Word Search

25 Additional Resources

25 Hymn History: “To The Work!” by Fanny Crosby

26 Hymn Sheet Music: “To the Work!”

28 Explaining Salvation to a Child

29 Journal Entry

30 Reproducible Coloring Pages

34 Craft Template and Answer Key

Character Quality Overview What is Diligence?

Read aloud, study, and discuss what diligence means and how it applies to life.

T

he operational definition of diligence is visualizing

comprehend how working diligently on schoolwork

each task as a special assignment from the Lord and

now will yield valuable learning and wisdom to lead

using all my energies to accomplish it. Understanding

a productive life. His focus is on himself and doing

the importance of the tasks God has given to us mo-

as little as possible. He is apathetic about achieving

tivates us to work as hard as we can. When “special

anything for himself, for others, or for God. If you

assignments” are something we really want to do, we

lack energy, concern, or motivation about your tasks

somehow find the

and responsibilities, ask God to change your heart

time and energy

and give you a vision and understanding of the

to do them. We

importance of your work. “Where there is no vision,

ignore distractions

the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18a).

as we give the task our wholehearted attention. We rise “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no

in the morning ready to accomplish

guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her

the job before us,

meat in the summer, and gathereth her

and we are eager to

food in the harvest” (Proverbs 6:6–8).

talk to others about the goal. Does that sound like a moti-

vated person? Yes! All our energies are funneled into the assigned task—this persevering, focused drive is diligence.

6

One example of a “special assignment from the Lord” is your schoolwork.

God wants you to learn to read so that He can speak to you through His written Word. He wants you to study science so that you can see His awesome power and intricate design in

Sloths, named for their lack of vigorous action, are the slowest mammals on earth.

The opposite of diligence is slothfulness. A slothful

creation. He wants

person may not see the task as a “special assignment”

you to learn history

from God or understand why the job is important,

so that you can know how He has worked in the past.

or he may simply not care! Without a vision for the

He wants you to be skilled in math so you will know

purpose or importance of the task, he lacks the desire

how to function effectively in everyday life (cook,

and energy to accomplish his assignment. A lazy

build, etc.). God has called you to do great things.

person may not understand how chores help his family

What task is before you right now? Are you giving all

to function effectively. A slothful student may not

your energies to accomplish it?

Diligence in Scripture Read aloud and discuss each verse, question, and concept.

P

roverbs 2:1–6 says, “My son, if thou wilt receive

•

Jesus finished His work with excellence, fully accomplishing our salvation.

(See Hebrews 9:11–14.)

•

The Holy Spirit diligently fulfills His role in the

my words, and hide my commandments with

thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for under-

Godhead by teaching us and bringing to our

standing; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest

minds what Jesus has said.

for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou under-

(See John 14:26.)

stand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” What a privilege to study the rich truths of God’s Word, hide them in your heart, and apply them to daily life! These truths are priceless treasures far above the value and

DILIGENCE IN MY LIFE Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out diligence daily.

•

I feel like giving up? (See Galatians 6:9.)

beauty of rubies and diamonds. As you dig deep into God’s Word, see Who God is, and allow Him to work

•

in you, your life will be a radiant expression of His love.

He will be glorified as His character is seen in you.

THE CHARACTER OF GOD

•

The beauty and intricacy of creation is an incredible display of God’s marvelous work.

(See Genesis 1:31a.)

God is powerful and able to accomplish what He has purposed to do.

(See Jeremiah 1:12 and Psalm 18:32.)

•

God is our strength.

(See Psalm 18:32.)

•

God delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt. (See Jeremiah 32:21.)

•

God will complete His work in us.

(See Philippians 1:6.)

Do I seek to diligently grow in faith?

(See II Peter 1:5–7.)

•

What projects have I started that need to be finished? (See Proverbs 12:27.)

•

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

What fact would help me keep going when

Do I think through the best way to complete a task, or do I just rush to get it done?

(See Proverbs 21:5.)

•

When I am working, do I remember that God is watching and He is the One I need to please?

(See Ephesians 6:6.)

•

What are things that distract me from what I’m supposed to do? (See Nehemiah 6:3.)

DILIGENCE KEY VERSE “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” COLOSSIANS 3:23

7 7

Diligence GEMs Read and discuss how you could apply each GEM. GEM is an acronym for “God Enables Me.” This phrase

the four character lessons in this booklet. Let’s read

precedes each of the ten statements that describe

together the ten “God Enables Me” statements and take

the outworking of Christ’s character in our lives. The

time to meditate on the Scriptures that help us under-

four underlined GEM statements will be the focus of

stand these aspects of diligence from God’s Word.

God Enables Me to . . .

•

•

Know that He assigns my tasks. “For we are his

witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin

workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good

which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with

works, which God hath before ordained that we

patience the race that is set before us, looking unto

should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

Jesus the author and finisher of our faith”

Draw my energy from Him. “Hast thou not

(Hebrews 12:1–2a).

known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting

another with brotherly love; in honour preferring

fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching

one another; not slothful in business; fervent in

of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint;

spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:10–11).

•

the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they

and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that

that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For

wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;

to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually

they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they

minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:5–6).

and not faint” (Isaiah 40:28–31).

•

heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace

faith” (II Timothy 4:7).

•

thyself a pattern of good works” (Titus 2:7a).

8

Evaluate my work. “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds”

shall be with you” (Philippians 4:9).

Do my tasks with excellence. “In all things shewing

Finish my assignments. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the

Follow instructions carefully. “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and

•

Stay focused on the goal. “For they that are after

strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk,

•

Overcome laziness. “Be kindly affectioned one to

God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth,

and to them that have no might he increaseth

•

•

(Proverbs 27:23).

•

Be ready for greater responsibility. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in

Concentrate on my work. “Wherefore seeing we

much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust

also are compassed about with so great a cloud of

also in much” (Luke 16:10).

LESSON 3

GOD ENABLES ME TO

Overcome Laziness INTRODUCTION Do you take shortcuts because you don’t want to work? Avoiding work will only make life harder.

(See Proverbs 15:19.) Or maybe you don’t want to get out of the bed because you are dreading chores or school. Sleeping to escape work leads to deterioration and poverty. (See Proverbs 24:30–34.)

If we don’t work, we should not expect to eat either. (See II Thessalonians 3:10.) Overcome laziness by asking God for His perspective on your life. Look for the value in what you do each day and it will motivate you to do what God has placed before you. “I delight to do thy will, O my God” (Psalm 40:8a). We were not created for idleness! Instead, “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that The Slothful Servant

we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

DILIGENCE Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it 17

BIBLE STORY THE SLOTHFUL SERVANT

T

he following story contrasts two servants who

nothing to show for his time. He was indifferent (he

were diligent investing “talents” (a Biblical term

did not care) and offered excuses instead of repenting

for money or goods) with one servant who was sloth-

of his laziness. What little he had was taken away and

ful. The master traveled to a far country and entrusted

given to one of the faithful servants the master could

his goods to three of his servants. The two faithful

trust with his riches. Just as the servants’ master

servants increased their master’s profit. However,

went away and then returned, so our Master (Jesus)

the slothful servant hid what the master gave him

has gone to heaven but will return for us. He has

and had nothing more to offer at his master’s return.

given us work to do. Are we using the skills, time,

This unprofitable servant was called “wicked and

and energy He has given us, or are we being lazy and

slothful.” He was idle (he had done nothing) and had

indifferent like the unfaithful servant?

BIBLE STORY QUESTIONS Read Matthew 25:14–30 together and discuss the following questions: 1. What did the master do before he left on his journey? (See Matthew 25:14–15a.)

What tasks have been entrusted to you? What unspoken expectations came with those tasks?

2. What did the first two servants do with the master’s talents? (See Matthew 25:16–17.)

When was the last time you continued working diligently even though you were not being watched?

3. Did the third servant choose to be diligent or lazy with his one talent? (See Matthew 25:18.)

What would help you to work diligently at a task, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, when you feel like being lazy?

4. When the master returned, was he pleased with the diligence of his first two servants?

(See Matthew 25:21, 23.)

When was a time you saw God give you diligence in a specific chore or school assignment? What was your authority’s response?

18

5. What did the master say to the slothful servant about his idleness and what he should have done instead? (See Matthew 25:26a, 27.)

How serious is it to be idle? (See Proverbs 19:15.)

6. Because the slothful servant did not care about helping his master, what did his master do?

(See Matthew 25:28.)

How can you show that you care about the work assigned to you? What is a particular job that you do because you care about the person for whom you are working?

7. Where did our Master, Jesus, go and is He coming back as the master in the parable did? (See Acts 1:11b.) Do we know when? (See Matthew 25:13.)

What have you been given to do? Are you asking God to enable you to be a “good and faithful servant”?

LESSON 3

MEMORY VERSE PROVERBS 10:26

Play the game together to help the children commit Proverbs 10:26 to memory. In the section “Doers of the Word,” have the children record how they will apply the verse to their lives.

“As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.”

PROVERBS 10:26

MEMORY VERSE GAME

DOERS OF THE WORD

Hand Motions

In the blank below, write how this verse could be

Work with the children to think of hand motions to illustrate the meaning of the keywords and use them

applied in your life, e.g., “be a blessing by helping others right away,” or “wake up on time to start

as you quote the verse together several times. Here is a

working on my chores,” or “quickly relay messages

suggestion for Proverbs 10:26:

I’m asked to pass to Dad and Mom.”

“teeth”—Use both pointer fingers to point to your teeth.

“Dear Lord, I yield to You and am willing to

“eyes”—Cover your eyes with your hands.

apply this verse. Help me to _______________

“sluggard”—Drop your hands, slump your shoulders,

________________________________________

close your eyes, and roll your head to the side.

I ask that You would develop diligence in my

“send”—Open your eyes, point to someone, and then

life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

with arm and pointer finger still outstretched, swing outstretched arm to the right as if the person pointed to was to go that way.

When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply this verse, write it in your journal to later recall God’s working in your life.

19

ACTIVITY ANTS-ON-A-LOG SNACK

INTRODUCTION This month we are asking the Lord to develop diligence in our lives. What a privilege to respond to the work He is doing to change us into the image of His Son! Today we are going to make a special snack called “ants-on-alog.” Ants are diligent creatures and their example reminds us to allow the Lord to build diligence in our lives and overcome laziness.

Supplies: •

Trimmed celery stalks

•

Peanut butter or cream cheese spread

•

Butter knife

•

Raisins

Instructions

The diligence of an ant causes her to toil throughout the summer to store food for the winter. “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest” (Proverbs 6:6–8). It is significant that these creatures do not need to be told what to do, nor do they

Wash and cut a celery stalk into thirds. Allow the

need to check one another to make sure their tasks

children to use a butter knife to spread peanut butter

are completed. Although ants are small in size, the

(or cream cheese) into the hollow of the celery. Once the

needs of the entire colony are met as they diligently

hollow is filled with peanut butter, instruct the children

work together. These little insects are able to lift fifty

to place little “ants” (raisins) on top of the

times their own body weight! What an example they

peanut butter.

are to us. We, too, should use all our energies to accomplish the tasks given to us.

20

Hymn History “To The Work!”

Sing “To the Work!” and read about the diligence of the hymnwriter, Fanny Crosby.

T

he evening flicker of a nearby street lamp filtered

Fanny Crosby wrote “To the Work!” in 1869 at the age

through the white curtains into the Victorian

of 49. More than a decade later, at age 60, she was still

sitting room. It had been a busy, full day, and the in-

“to the work”! This diligent, blind woman ministered

dustrious lady was still hard at work. “Fanny! Sit back

at four missions in New York. Undeterred by the

and rest!” Fanny Crosby

unpleasant stench common among those with poor

smiled as she thought how

hygiene due to their difficult circumstances, Fanny

many times people had told

willingly sought to help the downcast. “It is the most

her to do that. Despite being

wonderful work in the world, and it gives such an

blind since infancy, she was

opportunity for love. That is all people want—love.”

known to be a hard worker

With love as her motivation, energy for her work

and remained busy at what-

abounded. “Love counts more than anything else. It is

ever her hands found to do.

wonderful!” she exclaimed.

One work that God had

Fanny’s diligence brought her before influential people,

gifted Fanny Crosby with

including four American Presidents. President Cleve-

was writing poetry. Often,

land wrote her a letter in honor of her 85th birthday

poems formed themselves

which said,

quickly in her mind. Other times it was not easy. Fanny noted, “There are some days, Fanny Crosby (1820–1915)

or at least hours, when I could not compose a hymn

if all the world were laid at my feet as a promised recompense.” Yet, even in those uninspiring times, she was diligent to accomplish her tasks. Fanny wrote hymns for a music publishing house, and they counted on her to supply poems, whether she felt like writing

It is more than fifty years ago that our acquaintance and friendship began; and ever since that time I have watched your continuous and disinterested labor in uplifting humanity, and pointing out the way to an appreciation of God’s goodness and mercy . . . . As one proud to call you an old friend, I desire to be early in congratulating you on your long life of usefulness, and wishing you in the years yet to be added to you the peace and comfort born of the love of God.

or not. She asked the Lord for inspiration. Eventually,

What a commendation to a life diligently lived! The

the words would come. Fanny not only wrote what was

next time you have a task to do, remember the exam-

asked of her, but she also wrote additional options of

ple of a sightless lady who completed her tasks with

poems from which her employers could choose.

enthusiastic diligence!

25 25

Explaining Salvation to a Child Christ Our Righteousness Before reading to the children, write examples of sin (selfishness, mean words, lying, stealing, disobedience, rudeness, wrong thoughts, good actions without faith, etc.) on several sticky notes. You will also need a white bed sheet or bathrobe to represent Jesus’ robe of righteousness.

T

he Bible tells us about God. He is the Creator of

with the robe of righteousness. . . .” In Romans 10:9–10,

the universe and is holy. God loves us and created

we are told how we can accept this gift: “That if thou

us to have fellowship with Him. (See Revelation 4:11.)

shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from

Select a child to stand and represent all people.

the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man

Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come

believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth

short of the glory of God.” Sin is anything we think,

confession is made unto salvation.”

say, or do that breaks God’s Law. Can you name some examples of sin?

Are you relying on the righteousness of Christ for your salvation? If so, your sins are forgiven and

Now place the sticky notes with examples of sin onto his

covered, and Christ is living in you! Just as the Apostle

clothes.

Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, you can also say, “I am

Because God is holy, our sin separates us from having fellowship with Him. However, because God loves us so much, He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment for our sin. Jesus died on the cross and rose again, conquering death! Now we can have fellowship with God. (See John 17:3.)

crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” God gives us eternal life—sweet, constant fellowship in the Spirit with our Savior—and then His righteousness is seen in us for His glory. (See John 15:4–10.)

If we accept His gift of salvation, God no longer sees our sin when He looks at us!

Put the white sheet around the child.

Now, when God looks at us, He instead sees the righteousness of Christ! Isaiah 61:10 describes what has happened this way: “My soul shall be joyful in my God; for he

In a Nutshell 1. God created all things (Colossians 1:16).

God is holy (Leviticus 19:2). God loves us (John 3:16).

2. Our sin separates us from God (Romans 3:23).

3. God sent His Son, Jesus, to provide

hath clothed me with the garments

the way for our sins to be forgiven

of salvation, he hath covered me

and for fellowship with Him to be restored (Ephesians 1:6–7). Jesus accomplished our salvation through

28

His crucifixion on the cross, His burial, and His glorious resurrection (I Corinthians 15:3–4).

4. We can do nothing to earn to earn salvation. It is a free gift from God that we receive by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).

5. We receive that gift of salvation by confessing with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in our heart that God has raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9–10).

Journal Entry Record how God gave your family opportunities to apply this character quality.

29 29

LESSON 3: The Slothful Servant

“His lord said unto [the diligent servant], Well done, good and faithful servant . . . . His lord answered and said unto [the slothful servant], Thou wicked and slothful servant� (Matthew 25:23, 26).

32