When the Apostle Paul was in Athens, Greece, he was surrounded by people who loved to tell or hear new things. The people of Greece surrounded themselves with false gods, but “to be safe” they added an altar for the “Unknown God.”

When Paul saw that they were receptive to listening to him, he started teaching Jesus and the resurrection. After listening to Paul, the Greek leaders were interested, but not really buying what he was selling.

The Greeks were concerned about bringing order to the universe through facts, math, music, and philosophy. They wanted evidence, not faith. {Which is interesting considering the gods and goddesses they worshipped!}

Many children today have no concept that there is an almighty God who loves them. In fact, they don’t even know if God is real. Or if they know He is real, they have a skewed vision of who God is.

In a world of air-brushed pictures, double-tongued politics, and a self-righteous church, it is no wonder that children have a false idea of God, Jesus, and Christianity.

Like the Greeks, our young people are surrounded by idols. These idols are loud and distract our children, and even us, to the point that we do not know what is real, or not real. {Just think of the info that runs across your Facebook feed!}

What do we do about it?

Teach them the Truth about Jesus and the resurrection.

There are more, but I see three main idols our kids face today. And they need Truth to battle them.

The Idol of Materialism

Whether it’s a “Gimme, gimme, gimme,” mentality, or an entitlement way of thinking, our kids battle a world where STUFF is everywhere.

Commercials, billboards, Facebook ads, etc. are everywhere telling our kids what they think they need. And if they don’t get what they think they need, then their friends at school will show them that they aren’t as “good” as they are.

How do we deal with the growing mountain of objects as well as a materialistic attitude?

The Idol of Government

In recent months, the United States has seen crazy things with the government. People are crying foul and others are in protest of those protesting. Attitudes and emotions have been at an all-time high. What do we tell our kids about what is happening?

The government, while great for organizing people and leading a nation, cannot save the people of that nation.

Yet how do we get our kids to understand the purpose of government, our part in it, and the church?

The Idol of Self

“Have it your way!”
“I’m loving it!”
“It’s everywhere you want to be!”
“Melts in your mouth, not in your hands!”
“Because you’re worth it!” and
Reebok’s, “I am what I am.”

All of these famous slogans have us looking at what is best for Self.

Whatever feels good, go do it. Say whatever you want, we have freedom of speech. Do whatever you want, it doesn’t matter who you hurt in the process.

With our sin nature, we don’t need anyone telling us to look out for Number One. It’s a part of who we are.

However, on top of fleshly desires, we are inundated with lies about who we are: either inflated or deflated. And neither is godly.

What now? How do we battle this?

Just like Paul did: by teaching Jesus.

In my book Walk This Way: Ethics and Sanctification Lesson for Kids, I created fun, engaging lessons that help parents and church leaders have discussions about topics that can be confusing for children. Whether you teach children in your home or at church, this book can greatly enhance the spiritual lives of those you teach.

These lessons include Dealing with Temptation, Boasting, Cheating, Being a Friend, and more. All of the topics of the book correspond with Christian Ethics of which we want our children to grab hold. We want our children to choose a Christian Worldview, but that won’t happen if we aren’t teaching salvation in Jesus first.

Our children need to know the Big “G” God in a world that consistently shouts out little “g” gods. If we can teach our children in a manner that they choose to let Jesus be Lord of their lives…then, and only then, will they choose to walk in the ways of godliness.

Let’s teach like Paul. Will you join me?

Anne Marie Gosnell has a Masters in Education with a focus on developing curriculum and instruction. Her life journey includes over 25 years in Children’s Ministry: Sunday School, Puppetry, Vacation Bible School, Children’s Church, Awana, and various outreach ministries. She is the founder of www.futureflyingsaucers.com where she shares creative, engaging Bible Object Lessons so parents and teachers can share Jesus with confidence. She is also the owner of the Facebook Group Bible Lessons for Kids.

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Walk This Way

Ethics and Sanctification Lessons for Kids

Walk This Way: Ethics and Sanctification Lessons for Kids includes 20 interactive Bible object lessons that create a fun learning atmosphere while teaching Biblical truth that enhances spiritual growth. Perfect for Sunday School, Awana, small groups, and other Children’s Ministry activities.

In this book you will discover:

• How to define a godly lifestyle so kids gain understanding.
• Twenty lessons for children in grades K-6 to be used at home or church.
• Engaging dialogue that gets kids thinking critically about life topics.
• Tips and retrospectives that help you improve your teaching skills.

It’s time to Engage our children using Bible Lessons that Enhance spiritual growth and Expand the kingdom!

Lessons included: 

• Accepting Advice and Instruction
• Encouraging Courteous Behavior
• Dealing With Temptation
• How to Handle Boasting
• Being a Best Friend
• Why Do We Need to Be Godly Anyway?
• How to Deal with Cheating
• Choose to be a Peacemaker
• How to Lead a Child to Christ
• Green with Jealousy and Envy
• How Sneaky is Manipulation?
• And MORE!

Endorsements

WOW! That is all I can say! This is a book I have kept on my desk for the past month because it is FULL of great material! Anne Marie takes some ofthe most difficult topics and makes them approachable for EVERY teacher/parent. In a world that is shouting at our children that whatever they FEEL is right – then that is right…Anne Marie helps you pass on scriptural principles in a way that helps children follow GOD’S plan for their lives. ~ Brian Dollar (Talk Now and Later)

This is a great resource for in the home and in Children’s Ministry. Each chapter is made up of a Bible lesson, Object Lesson, and Life Application. The content is good and it even though some of these topics aren’t commonly addressed in Children’s Ministry, Anne Marie presents them in a way that is both teacher-friendly and easy for students to understand. I love that you can go to her website for even more resources that coordinate with the book. ~ Lindsey Whitney (Top 50 Instant Bible Lessons for Elementary)

Who said quality, impactful teaching had to be difficult? One of the most effective ways to help children understand abstract spiritual concepts is to link them to a concrete physical object or experience. This book helps you do both! Its a super collection of some of the timeless truths kids need, but presented in a way that makes learning engaging and fun! There are even downloadable resources to add to the content of the book. I highly recommend this book, especially for those times that you need a 20-30 minute lesson outside of normal curriculum-based programs.(Wed night, Sunday evening, special event child care, etc.) The kids will go home talked about what they did AND what they learned! ~ Karl Bastian (Kidology)

About the Author

Anne Marie Gosnell has a Masters in Education with a focus on developing curriculum and instruction. Her life journey includes over 25 years in Children’s Ministry: Sunday School, Puppetry, Vacation Bible School, Children’s Church, Awana, and various outreach ministries. She is the author of What God is Doing: Old Testament Object Lessons for Kids, and she is the founder of www.futureflyingsaucers.com where she shares creative, engaging Bible Object Lessons so parents and teachers can share Jesus with confidence.