Heart Connex Parents Page - December 18-20, 2011 - Working and
Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next—Through Strong Heart Connections
PA R ENTS PAGE December 18-20, 2011 Working and Eating—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: The best Christmas gift I received when I was a teenager was . . . It was special to me because . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these verses. Truth • God expects believers to work and to make positive contributions to society. Untruths • Always do the minimum expected from you and nothing more. • Do all you can to avoid working hard. • Food and shelter are guaranteed to everyone whether they work or not. 3. Explore Scripture: Explain that in 2 Thessalonians, Paul wanted to correct believers and encourage them to stay on the right path. Say: The idea of working in order to eat in verse 10 was well known to the Jewish people of that time. Point out that this teaching reminded the Thessalonians to work hard and to make positive contributions to society through their labor. Explain that Paul knew some believers were becoming so “spiritual” that they were not doing their part. Say: Paul knew that peace and progress could only be maintained if believers worked together. He also knew that conflicts and problems increase when only a few carry the load for all. Discuss how hard work could serve as an effective witness to the lost—then and now. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Say: What would happen if the center fielder and shortstop of your baseball team walked off the field during the 6th inning of a game? What could be done to continue playing? Note that the rest of the team could spread out to cover the responsibilities, but it would be harder to play the game. Ask: If you were the third baseman, how would you feel if you missed a line drive hit down the line because you were trying to cover the shortstop’s area? How would you feel toward the two players who walked off the field? Conclude by pointing out that all of us have jobs or assignments to complete and contributions to make. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this step. 7. Blessing: Say: May God bless you for working hard and making positive contributions. Parent Tip: Affirmation is a much greater motivator than guilt and shame. One model of communication says it takes nine affirming comments to make up for just one critical comment. While teens certainly need consistent discipline, they also need plenty of encouraging words.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
PA R ENTS PAGE December 18-20, 2011 Working and Eating—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: The best Christmas gift I received when I was a teenager was . . . It was special to me because . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read 2 Thessalonians 3:10-13. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these verses. Truth • God expects believers to work and to make positive contributions to society. Untruths • Always do the minimum expected from you and nothing more. • Do all you can to avoid working hard. • Food and shelter are guaranteed to everyone whether they work or not. 3. Explore Scripture: Explain that in 2 Thessalonians, Paul wanted to correct believers and encourage them to stay on the right path. Say: The idea of working in order to eat in verse 10 was well known to the Jewish people of that time. Point out that this teaching reminded the Thessalonians to work hard and to make positive contributions to society through their labor. Explain that Paul knew some believers were becoming so “spiritual” that they were not doing their part. Say: Paul knew that peace and progress could only be maintained if believers worked together. He also knew that conflicts and problems increase when only a few carry the load for all. Discuss how hard work could serve as an effective witness to the lost—then and now. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Say: What would happen if the center fielder and shortstop of your baseball team walked off the field during the 6th inning of a game? What could be done to continue playing? Note that the rest of the team could spread out to cover the responsibilities, but it would be harder to play the game. Ask: If you were the third baseman, how would you feel if you missed a line drive hit down the line because you were trying to cover the shortstop’s area? How would you feel toward the two players who walked off the field? Conclude by pointing out that all of us have jobs or assignments to complete and contributions to make. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this step. 7. Blessing: Say: May God bless you for working hard and making positive contributions. Parent Tip: Affirmation is a much greater motivator than guilt and shame. One model of communication says it takes nine affirming comments to make up for just one critical comment. While teens certainly need consistent discipline, they also need plenty of encouraging words.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
