BCIC Thoroughness Booklet by Institute in Basic Life Principles

Thoroughness INTRODUCTION

f you are asked to care for a pet, you show good management skills by caring for its various needs at the right times. A dog must be fed, exercised, and bathed regularly. Don’t wait until the dog food is gone to add it to the shopping list! What are your responsibilities? How can you manage them well? First, consider what is most important to do today. Include your personal hygiene, daily chores, and schoolwork. Then decide the best order, time, and way to do your tasks, and pay attention to details! Track your progress on each assignment and double- check your work. Jesus praises and rewards those who faithfully accomplish their work. Ask Him to help you wisely manage your responsibilities so He can say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). A Priest Wisely Manages His Assignment

THOROUGHNESS Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected 1

Thoroughness Overview What Is Thoroughness? Read aloud and discuss what thoroughness means and how it applies to life.

A thorough person carefully considers details, methods, and deadlines that will help him complete his work effectively.

The opposite of thoroughness is incompleteness. If a project is left unfinished, it is incomplete, and the time and effort that were invested are wasted. Projects that are finished but were done in a disorganized or hurried way may actually be incomplete, possibly hazardous, and will likely require additional time and work later. For example, if someone carelessly wipes the kitchen

table, some crumbs will likely be missed. The job will be incomplete. If he runs off to play, he may be called to come back to do the job correctly. A task might not be finished on time if someone dawdles, becomes overwhelmed with unnecessary details (perfectionism), or procrastinates. Other jobs may not be done thoroughly because a person lacks focus, “cuts corners,” or neglects to check his work. Have you considered that God completes what He starts and that details are an important part of His plan? God is also thorough in His dealings with Just as a puzzle is incomplete without all the pieces, so our work us, and He finishes will be incomplete if it lacks all the the work He begins necessary factors. in believers. “. . . He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). One way God works in you is by giving you daily opportunities to build habits of thoroughness while you are young. You can learn to be thorough as you complete small tasks, such as putting away your toys after playing. As you grow older, you are assigned chores and schoolwork. When you are careful to use correct punctuation and spelling in your schoolwork, you form good habits that will make later communication more effective. Let God continue His work in your life by diligently completing the tasks He gives you to do today.

he operational definition of thoroughness is “knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected.” To do a job well, you must first identify the end goal. Then, consider what is needed to accomplish that goal successfully. The tools and steps used to reach a goal are called “factors.” What factors affect your work? A person who is thorough is careful not to skip any steps in a task and checks to ensure he has not overlooked any details. For example, he listens attentively to instructions and keeps deadlines in mind. When speaking, he relays all important, relevant information in order to communicate the full situation and not mislead. He works efficiently and cleans up completely after a project. Thoroughness involves thinking ahead and committing to do whatever it takes to ensure that every part of an assignment is completed— even if additional time, effort, or care is required.

Thoroughness in Scripture s you read and study God’s Word, see Who

“The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge;

He is, and allow Him to work in you, your life

and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.”

will become a radiant expression of Him. God will

PROVERBS 18:15

be glorified as His character is seen in you.

The Character of God

Thoroughness in My Life

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

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

•

God always finishes His work.

•

(See Proverbs 16:3, Luke 14:28.)

(See Genesis 2:1–2, John 17:4, Philippians 1:6.) •

God gave thorough instructions for the specific design of the priests’ clothing.

•

(See Exodus 28:31–33.) •

God is attentive to details: He sees every sparrow, and He has numbered every hair on your head. Jesus fulfilled the details of every prophecy of His life on earth.

•

(See Psalm 103:12, Hebrews 7:25.)

•

The Holy Spirit fills Christians for life and powerful ministry. (See Ephesians 5:18–21, Acts 1:8.)

How can I thoroughly cleanse my heart and mind? (See Psalm 32:5, 119:9; James 5:16.)

How is it possible for me to be fully prepared for the return of Christ? (See I Thessalonians 5:23.)

•

(See Exodus 31:2–4.) •

What one factor determines if my work is effective in God’s sight? (See I Corinthians 13:1–3.)

Jesus forgives absolutely and saves entirely. The Spirit of God equipped Bezaleel with all that he needed to effectively complete the work he had been assigned.

What thoroughly equips me for a life of good works? (See II Timothy 3:16–17.)

(See Luke 24:44.) •

Do I find myself working hard only when I am aware that someone is watching? How can I overcome this inconsistency? (See Colossians 3:22–24.)

(See Luke 12:6–7.) •

What should I do before I start planning a project?

How can I live my life completely for the Lord? (See Joshua 22:5.)

•

What details are important to remember when partaking of the Lord’s Supper?

THOROUGHNESS KEY VERSE

(See I Corinthians 11:26–30.)

Bible Story A Priest Wisely Manages His Assignment

Zerubbabel and Jeshua began again, joined by the

because God had judged His people for their sin. Yet

prophets. This time their enemies not only opposed

God was merciful to His people living in Babylon.

the work, but also notified the new Babylonian king,

Later, when King Cyrus ruled Babylon, the Lord told

Darius. When he found the record of Cyrus’s procla-

him to build a house for God in Jerusalem. King Cyrus

mation, he told the enemies to leave the Jews alone

invited the Jews in Babylon to return to Jerusalem,

and even provide whatever supplies they needed! Soon

and a group set out to build a second temple, led by

the Temple was completed and the people rejoiced!

two priests, Zerubbabel and Jeshua. When the Temple

Who would God raise up to teach His people? What

foundation was laid, the people shouted and wept so

would a future Babylonian king, Artaxerxes, give this

loudly that the sound was heard far away. Enemies of

person to manage?

the Jews opposed the work several times, and conse-

Let’s read the Bible story in Ezra 7:6–28; 8:1, 15–36 and then discuss the following questions.

quently, construction halted for years. One day two

1. Who was Ezra? (See Ezra 7:6.) What was he doing before King Artaxerxes gave him a job? (See Ezra 7:10.) What can you do while waiting for greater responsibility to be entrusted to you? (See II Timothy 3:14–15, Luke 16:10.) 2. What responsibilities were entrusted to Ezra by the king? (See Ezra 7:14–17, 19, 25–26.) What responsibilities have you been given? How do you manage multiple responsibilities? 3. If the Israelites needed additional resources to rebuild the Temple, what did King Artaxerxes command his treasurers to do? (See Ezra 7:20–22.) What should you do when you realize that you don’t have everything necessary to complete a job? 4. When Ezra realized that essential people were missing from the team, how did the chief leaders help? (See Ezra 8:17–18.) When have you participated in a group project? How can you help a leader manage a project well? 5. How did Ezra carefully record what he gave to the 4

prophets encouraged the people to resume the work.

chief priests before they traveled to Jerusalem? (See Ezra 8:24–25.) As needed, do you write down steps or things to remember? 6. How much silver and gold did Ezra weigh? (See Ezra 8:26–27.) During a long or meticulous task, do you persevere? Or do you become discouraged or lazy? 7. What did Ezra specifically instruct the priests to do? (See Ezra 8:29–30.) What have you been asked to protect to make sure it isn’t lost or stolen? 8. How did Ezra ensure none of the gold and silver went missing during the journey? (See Ezra 8:32–34.) Do you check your work to ensure it is complete before you do something else? 9. How was Ezra faithful to complete his primary mission? (See Nehemiah 8:1–3, 13.) What is the right motivation for anything you do? (See I Corinthians 10:31.)

erusalem’s city walls and Temple lay in ruins. Many of the Jews had been taken captive to Babylon

Memory Verse Proverbs 18:15

“The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.”

Memory Verse Game: Erase-A-Word

Doers of the Word: Proverbs 18:15

Write the verse on a whiteboard. Read the verse aloud

In the blank below, write how this verse could be

with the children several times, explaining key words as

applied in your life, e.g., “listen to the details when

needed. Each time, before repeating the verse together,

receiving instructions,” “learn how things work,” or

have a child erase any two words in the verse on the

“look for ways to do my tasks better.”

whiteboard. Can the children remember which words were erased and say them correctly the next time, even

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

though the words are no longer visible? Repeat until

verse. Help me to ________________________________

every word has been erased and the children have

_______________________________________________

memorized the verse.

�� . I ask that You would develop thoroughness in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply this verse, write it in your journal to later recall God’s

PROVERBS 18:15

working in your life.

Word Puzzle Word Search

Instructions Enjoy meditating on and thinking about the words of the thoroughness key verse and definition as you find them in the word search below. The underlined words are hidden horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or backwards. (Answers can be found on page 12.)

H E Z D O A Q D H Q A S M

O T G T N E G L E C T E D

O T H D N Z K N O W I N G

X E Y I E E S I W D M E V

T T F M H L D D F P C V P

P H O I T D W U R L L I W

S S E N H G U O R O H T Z

N M B I E M V W N P W C K

T P H S A E H T E K E E S

Y D J H R A E V R V O F T

Q F G B T O B O B P V F G

S B S K N O W L E D G E N

Proverbs 18:15 “The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.”

Thoroughness Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected.

If finding the underlined words is too difficult or frustrating for your child, assign only a few words to find, such as “the” and “wise.” Younger children could point to the ABCs. Older children may enjoy the extra challenge of finding all the words of the verse and definition instead of only the underlined words.

Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

V G R Q X F A C T O R S J

Activity Calculator Race

Instructions

As you added the numbers, you had to focus, work

Using a calculator, practice paying attention to details by adding up one of the columns of numbers below. Have someone else add up the other column of numbers. If each of you is thorough in your work, your answers will match. However, leaving out just one number or entering a number incorrectly will lead to an inaccurate answer. Although you need to work quickly, be sure to also work thoroughly! Let’s begin the race now!

quickly, and pay attention to the right details. Now, we are going to play a second round. As two people add the numbers, a third person will tell them additional information that they do not need, such as: 1. Someone has a birthday on that day of the month! 2. How much bigger would your answer be if you multiplied instead of added? 3. Let me read you all the numbers backwards! These thoughts distract you from reaching your goal of finding the correct sum! Were you able to ignore the distractions and stay focused on the information that

500

392

You will have many opportunities to pay attention to

450

will learn how to ignore unrelated details. How can

177

565

important and those that aren’t? One way is to ask

829

464

819

348

distracted by disorganized toothpicks and begin to

523

596

the housecleaning on time. Guard against needless

was relevant in order to find the total? a goal and the important details. As you mature, you

questions such as: •

What is the goal?

•

What would happen if this step was not completed?

•

Does this step make the outcome better?

If your goal is to prepare for house guests, then cleaning and decluttering your home will make them feel more comfortable. However, if you are meticulously straighten them, you may not complete distractions and focus on the important steps required to complete the goal.

you discern the difference between details that are

Explaining Salvation to a Child Christ Our Righteousness You will need the following items: sticky notes, pen, and a white bed sheet. through Christ. (See John 17:3.) If we accept God’s gift of

Select a volunteer who would not mind standing to represent the sin of all people. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Sin is anything we think, say, or do that breaks God’s Law. Can you name some examples of sin? As the children answer, write their examples on sticky notes and place them onto the volunteer’s clothing (e.g., speaking unkind words, stealing, disobeying, doing good with wrong motives).

Remove the sticky notes and wrap the white sheet around

Because we have all sinned, and God is holy, we are eternally separated from Him. However, because God loves us so much, He sent His Son, Jesus, Who died on the cross to pay for our sin and Who rose again to conquer death! Now we can have fellowship with God forever

salvation, Christ’s blood cleanses us from sin, and His righteousness is put upon us! (See II Corinthians 5:21.) the volunteer to represent Jesus’ robe of righteousness. Isaiah 31:10 describes what has happened this way: “My soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness. . . .” In Romans 10:9–10, we are told how we can accept this gift: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Are you trusting in Jesus Christ for your salvation? If so, your sins are forgiven and Christ is living in you!

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 the way for our sins to be forgiven and for

crucifixion on the cross, His burial, and His glorious resurrection (I Corinthians 15:3–4). 4. We can do nothing 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

Your new, inward identity is one of righteousness in God’s eyes. The more you realize that you are a new creature in Christ and walk in the Spirit, the more your outward actions will demonstrate Christ living in you. Just as the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, you can also say, “I am 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

fellowship with Him to be

is Lord and believing in

us eternal life—sweet constant fellowship in the

restored (Ephesians 1:6–7).

our heart that God has

Spirit with our Savior—and then His righteous-

Jesus accomplished our

raised Him from the dead

ness is seen in us for His glory. (See John 15:4–10.)

salvation through His

(Romans 10:9–10).

he Bible tells us about God. He is the Creator of the universe and He is holy. God loves us and created us to have fellowship with Him. (See Revelation 4:11.)

Hymn History “Complete in Thee” Sing “Complete in Thee” and read about the thoroughness seen in the life of the hymn writer, Aaron R. Wolfe. in Heaven! Reverend Wolfe had been keenly aware of the importance of investing in his spiritual life.

his worldly goods in crates on a ship headed to New

Thoroughness is “knowing what factors will diminish

York. Then, with just a knapsack, he had traveled

the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected.”

via the cheaper overland route. The 34-year-old had

His thoroughness in building his relationship with

graduated from seminary in New York, worked

God prepared him to recognize God’s redirection

several years in Florida as a headmaster, and was

through this physical loss. Reverend Wolfe had

now returning to the North-

moved from Florida to New York, intending to find

east to seek a pastorate. He

a pastorate. However, God used the loss of all his

fully expected his crated

pastoral aids, including his papers and books, to

valuables—his personal

lead Reverend Wolfe into a vital, effective ministry

library, sermon notes, and

working with young people.

other resources needed by

Four years earlier, before the ship’s fire and his move

a pastor—to be waiting for

northward, Reverend Wolfe had written a hymn

him when he arrived.

about God’s thoroughness in His salvation, sancti-

Upon entering the shipping

fication, and redemption. Unaware that he would

office, Reverend Wolfe told the clerk the name of Aaron R. Wolfe (1821–1902)

the ship that carried his belongings. The clerk had

bad news for him. On the day the ship had planned to set sail, a storm had blown into port. Lightning had

experience loss of his material possessions, he had written these words: Complete in Thee—each want supplied, And no good thing to me denied; Since Thou my portion, Lord, wilt be, I ask no more, complete in Thee.

struck the ship and set the vessel afire. The ship’s

Reverend Wolfe also showed thoroughness in another

main cargo—turpentine—had ignited instantly, and

way. One day, as he searched through a hymnal to find

both ship and cargo were destroyed.

hymns about possibly overlooked areas of the Christian

The news was devastating. Yet, as Reverend Wolfe

life, he noticed a lack of hymns celebrating the Lord’s

would later recount with a grateful spirit, God used

Table. Seeing the need for a communion song, he wrote

this tragedy to redirect his calling. He realized his

the hymn titled “A Parting Hymn We Sing.”

life and work were not dependent on the books,

In what ways can you practice thoroughness as

papers, and other physical possessions he had lost

you seek to meet needs around you? Are you fully

in the fire. He had eternal treasures and resources

depending on Christ, in Whom you are complete?

Photo courtesy of www.hymntime.com/tch

aron Wolfe walked quickly to the shipping office. Two weeks earlier in Florida, he had stowed all

Hymn Sheet Music

Complete in Thee Talmadge J. Bittikofer (1892–1986)

Aaron R. Wolfe (1821–1902) Refrain, James M. Gray (1851–1935)

  

                           

 

                      

 

 



 



    

                    



        

                          

Thy blood hath Thy voice shall Since Thou my A - mong Thy

     

par-don bought for bid the tempt-er por-tion, Lord, wilt cho-sen will I

me, And I am now flee, And I shall stand be, I ask no more, be, At Thy right hand,

                



  

       

             

                                                

Thy blood hath par-don bought for me, And glo -ri - fied, I too, shall



     

com-plete com-plete com-plete com-plete

in in in in

Thee. Thee. Thee. Thee.

 

  

Yea, jus - ti - fied! O bless-ed thought! And sanc-ti - fied! Sal-va-tion wrought!

 

Complete in Thee! no work of mine May take, dear Lord, the place of Thine; Complete in Thee! no more shall sin, Thy grace hath conquer'd reign with - in; Complete in Thee— each want sup-plied, And no good thing to me de-nied; Dear Saviour! when be - fore Thy bar All tribes and tongues assem-bled are,

  

be!

1. 2. 3. 4.

“And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the Lord; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a

A Priest Wisely Manages His Assignment

freewill offering unto the Lord God of your fathers. Watch ye, and keep them, until ye weigh them before the chief of the priests and the Levites . . . in the chambers of the house of the Lord” (Ezra 8:28–29). 11

Word Search Answer Key

V G R Q X F A C T O R S J

H E Z D O A Q D H Q A S M

O T G T N E G L E C T E D

O T H D N Z K N O W I N G

X E Y I E E S I W D M E V

T T F M H L D D F P C V P

P H O I T D W U R L L I W

Recommended Resources

S S E N H G U O R O H T Z

N M B I E M V W N P W C K

T P H S A E H T E K E E S

Y D J H R A E V R V O F T

Q F G B T O B O B P V F G

S B S K N O W L E D G E N

Hymn History Bibliography

•

2021 Biblical Character Illustrated Calendar

•

Hymns for the Family CDs (“Complete in Thee” is sung to piano accompaniment on Volume 2.)

•

The Power for True Success

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Understanding Spiritual Gifts

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Character Cards

•

Character Cards Memory Game

•

Character Sketches, Volumes I–III

•

Achieving True Success

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Heroes of Faith: Oswald Chambers audiobook (CD) and booklet

•

Life of Washington by Anna C. Reed

•

“Revealing Blind Spots” (message by Jim Sammons, available at embassymedia.com)

•

“You Can Make Choices But You Cannot Choose Consequences” (message by Tom Harmon, available at embassymedia.com)

Forgotten Books, London, England, 2012 [original copyright 1892], pp. 360–361, 426. Shiver, Emmett W., 104 of My Favorite Hymn Stories, Volume 2, Springmaid Press, Biscoe, NC, 2008, pp. 10–11.

To view these resources and many more, visit us at:

store.iblp.org

Robinson, Charles S., Annotations Upon Popular Hymns,