Heart Connex Parents Page - December 4-6, 2011
Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next—Through Strong Heart Connections
PA R ENTS PAGE December 4-6, 2011 Learning Contentment—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: If I had not been able to have children, my life would have been very different. I would have been much poorer because . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read 2 Corinthians 11:25 and Philippians 4:11-13. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these passages. Truth • Believers can find contentment in Christ, regardless of their circumstances. Untruths • When bad things happen, my contentment vanishes. • Taking the right pills can get you through bad circumstances. • I just pretend bad experiences don’t exist. 3. Explore Scripture: Read aloud Philippians 4:11-13. Ask: Would you describe Paul’s life as “easy?” Why or why not? What was Paul’s testimony in this passage? Discuss responses. Read 2 Corinthians 11:25. Discuss what it would feel like to be beaten with rods and to be stoned and left for dead. Say: Paul’s contentment obviously did not come from his circumstances. His contentment was centered in his relationship with Christ. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Ask your family members to close their eyes and consider which of these statements best represents them. Read slowly and carefully to allow time for reflection. A. I believe Christ exists, but my contentment is tied more to my circumstances than to Him. B. I talk to Christ as a person; but to be honest, most of my contentment depends on whether or not good things happen to me. C. Christ is very real to me. My heart finds contentment in Him no matter what happens. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: I bless this family for finding contentment in Christ alone. Parent Tip: Some parents did not grow up in loving, affectionate families. That is unfortunate, but it’s not an excuse to withhold love and affection from one’s children today. Parents absolutely must show warmth, whether it’s natural or not.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
PA R ENTS PAGE December 4-6, 2011 Learning Contentment—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: If I had not been able to have children, my life would have been very different. I would have been much poorer because . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read 2 Corinthians 11:25 and Philippians 4:11-13. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these passages. Truth • Believers can find contentment in Christ, regardless of their circumstances. Untruths • When bad things happen, my contentment vanishes. • Taking the right pills can get you through bad circumstances. • I just pretend bad experiences don’t exist. 3. Explore Scripture: Read aloud Philippians 4:11-13. Ask: Would you describe Paul’s life as “easy?” Why or why not? What was Paul’s testimony in this passage? Discuss responses. Read 2 Corinthians 11:25. Discuss what it would feel like to be beaten with rods and to be stoned and left for dead. Say: Paul’s contentment obviously did not come from his circumstances. His contentment was centered in his relationship with Christ. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Ask your family members to close their eyes and consider which of these statements best represents them. Read slowly and carefully to allow time for reflection. A. I believe Christ exists, but my contentment is tied more to my circumstances than to Him. B. I talk to Christ as a person; but to be honest, most of my contentment depends on whether or not good things happen to me. C. Christ is very real to me. My heart finds contentment in Him no matter what happens. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: I bless this family for finding contentment in Christ alone. Parent Tip: Some parents did not grow up in loving, affectionate families. That is unfortunate, but it’s not an excuse to withhold love and affection from one’s children today. Parents absolutely must show warmth, whether it’s natural or not.
Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
