My grandkids’ school prides itself on teaching values.
You’ll find these words stenciled in large, bright colors throughout the school: Generosity, Honesty, Responsibility, Service, Forgiveness, Integrity.
Am I glad my grandkids are learning to be honest and responsible? To serve and forgive? To live lives of integrity? Of course I am…especially since they have keys to my house.
But practicing virtues isn’t enough.
What I want for my grandkids—and for every child you and I serve in ministry—is for them to not just do virtuous things, but to become virtuous people. For virtues like gentleness, peacefulness, and faithfulness to be their default setting.
And that can happen—but not because they try harder and harder to do the right things. That wears thin and disappears when times get truly tough.
Here’s the problem: our best isn’t good enough. That’s why we need Jesus.
The Holy Spirit in Us
If happens when they walk closely with Jesus. When, because they’re connected to Him, the Holy Spirit transforms their hearts and minds.
As you teach this month’s Wonder Ink lessons you’ll dig into the power the Spirit. And while it’s helpful for kids to see where the Holy Spirit is taking them it’s also important they discover how those virtues find a home in us: by staying connected to Jesus. We grow when we’re like tomatoes ripening on the vine—attached and fed by life flowing into us.
So, let’s talk tomatoes.
Life as a Tomato
For tomatoes, life on the vine is easy.
They don’t worry about growing—that’s automatic. They aren’t tempted to wander off on their own. Staying connected to the vine requires them to do…nothing.
Other than fretting about winding up in a BLT sandwich, tomatoes don’t have much on their to-do list.
But if you want your kids to stay connected to Jesus, it’s a different story. It’s a choice, one with consequences. Because when we pluck ourselves off the vine, we quit growing.
Give your kids tools that will keep them in a close, growing relationship with Jesus—starting with these…
Get Kids Praying
Encourage kids to tell Jesus what’s happening in life and to ask for any help they need. One great way to do that is to pray with your kids.
One volunteer in my ministry listens for challenges kids in her small group face. When an issue arises this volunteer huddles with the child and briefly prays about it.
Her prayers are simple, straightforward conversations that model for kids how easy it is to turn to Jesus…and by doing so staying connected with Him.
Your Wonder Ink lessons provide opportunities for kids to join you in prayer. Don’t overlook them.
Invite Kids into the Bible
In many ministries kids never crack open Bibles…for several reasons.
It’s confusing when there are multiple translations in the room. It takes forever for kids to locate passages. It smacks of “school” and not in a good way.
So, kids never learn to dig into Scripture. They miss seeing how God’s Word can keep them on the vine by showing them God’s grace, forgiveness, and friendship.
So, now and then have kids handle physical Bibles. Exploring and listening to God’s Word goes a long way to keeping kids on the vine.
Practice Serving Others as the Holy Spirit Leads
Especially for your more active kids (we’re looking at you, fifth-grade boys) a little movement goes a long way. And when we let Jesus direct how we serve others we’re staying on the vine as He leads us.
To make that point this quarter, find a few spare minutes for a quick round of 60-Second Servant.
Ask kids to spread out and explain they’ll be asking Jesus how they might serve someone in sixty seconds or less. Maybe it’s sharing an encouraging word or brief hug. Maybe it’s sharing a Scripture verse with a friend.
You’re not asking kids to just do something nice. Rather, they’ll pray, listen for 30 seconds, then go do whatever they feel led to do.
Kids will actually seek the Holy Spirit’s leading and that’s a vine-worthy thing to do!
Celebrate Obedience
When we follow and obey Jesus we’re empowered by Him rather than operating on our own. Our obedience helps us stay on the vine.
So, occasionally ask your kids how they’ve obeyed Jesus since you last saw them. Expect empty stares at first; kids may not know quite how to answer.
Prompt responses by suggesting Fruits of the Spirit. When kids share how they were patient or kind they’re celebrating ways they’re living out the new life Jesus gives them. It’s encouraging.
And share your stories of obedience. You’ll model it’s not a duty to obey Jesus but rather a joy.
Consider Confession
When we confess sin and repent we choose to remain on the vine. It’s when we don’t confess and ask for forgiveness that our shame distances us from God.
True for us, true for the kids we serve. But how do you lead a room full of kids in confession?
Try this: Join kids in standing in the center of the room, facing one wall.
Explain you’ll all take a step toward that wall if anything comes to mind when you speak these words: “If you’ve been unkind in some way, take a step toward the wall. If you’ve said words in anger you wish you hadn’t said, take another step. If you’ve been impatient, take a step. Ever lacked self-control, take a step. Ever done something you knew was wrong, but you did it anyway—take a step.”
Have kids pause and then say, “Close your eyes and silently tell God you’re sorry for those things. Ask Him to forgive you.”
After 30 seconds have kids open their eyes and turn toward the opposite wall.
Say, “When we ask God for forgiveness and are truly sorry, He’ll forgive us. And He’ll help us repent, which means turning and heading the opposite direction. With your eyes open, slowly walk toward that other wall as I pray aloud.”
Thank God for His love and grace and ask for His help staying on the vine so you all keep growing in Him.
Change from the Inside Out
Most organizations serving kids want to see their characters improve.
4-H Clubs encourage clear thinking and large service. The Royal Rangers pledge to live out the Golden Rule. Trail Life USA kids commit to being faithful stewards of creation. American Heritage Girls promise to love their families. The Junior Fire Cadets encourage integrity, courage, respect, and—presumably—not playing with matches.
Scouting has kids promise to do their best to live well and serve others.
But here’s the problem: our best isn’t good enough.
That’s why we need Jesus.
And why we need the Holy Spirit fueling our growth as we stay on the vine.
This month, enjoy showing kids what changes will come as they stick with Jesus. They’ll grow and keep growing—so long as they stay on the vine.
And pass the tomatoes.
Wonder Ink’s 3-year, 52-week children’s ministry curriculum offers kids space to fully find their place in God’s Big Story. Children discover they are Known by God, Loved by Jesus, and Led by the Holy Spirit.
