LEAven Blog

Watching children discover new items can be so much fun.  The smile on their faces, the excitement in their voices, the “AH HA” moment. All of this leads to delight for them and for you as their teacher.

Imagine what it was like for Adam and Eve while in the Garden of Eden. The discovery of God’s creation was probably awe-inspiring. Each day, they saw something new and different. Giraffes, elephants, the Big Dipper—all of these would have provided “wow” moments for them just as they do for you and your students today. Think of what it was like for them to be in the middle of such beauty and to walk in the presence of God. Wouldn’t you have liked that opportunity? Your students would have. Think of the conversations your kids would have had with Him. But, we know what happened next. Adam and Eve lost it all. The disappointment must have been overwhelming.

It’s good that our Father in Heaven cared for them and for all people. His desire to send His Son and save us is something you and your students will never understand. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) God took care of the biggest disappointment for everyone, and He did it in a big way.

Repaying God is not possible, but showing your students how to appreciate what God has done for them is. First, help them to see God’s creation and its beauty. Butterflies, dirt, water, plants, the sky…the list goes on and on. There are so many lessons to be discovered, taught, and learned. Use them to show the grandeur of our world. Discuss how sin and mankind have destroyed part of the world. Ask your students how they would like to help restore our world to its natural beauty.

Second, talk about how God has changed them. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Cor. 5:17) Christ’s death on the cross restores them to fellowship with Him. How can they show Christ to others? How can they share God and His goodness with those around them?

Finally, explain to them the importance of worship. One reason we worship our Father is out of thanksgiving for the blessings He has given. In worship, we meet Christ and receive His gifts of forgiveness, hope, and life. That’s why worship is central to living as a Christian. Without God’s grace and constant presence, they can’t begin to love one another and serve the world in need.  

This month, integrate your lessons with as much discovery as possible.  And maybe, both you and your students will discover something new.