Day 3: The Conduct of Holiness

CONNECT

This activity will require about a week to complete. Think of a regular activity that your child can do but may struggle to do every day. Examples can be reading or doing some exercise. Lay out a plan to help them do it every day, such as read ten minutes (or ten pages) a day. Make sure it is something doable for them. Lastly, make a to-do chart for them, where they can tick off boxes if they have already done it for the day.

Parents can say: “This is a checklist for you to fill out every day. You check the box for the day after you have done the activity. If you have not completed it for the day, just leave the box unchecked. I will not be checking to see if you did them every day but will trust that you will fill it out honestly.” (You may optionally say this: “There may or may not be a prize at the end, depending on how well you have done.”)

At the end of the prescribed time, check to see how they have done. Encourage them for how they did.

Parents can say: “Was it easy to make yourself do the activities? Did you have to force yourself to do them or were they easy for you to do? Did you at any time think about checking the boxes even if you were not able to do it?”

One of the things about living holy is to do everything without any hint of wrongdoing.

READ THE WORD

Once you were not a people. But now you are the people of God. Once you had not received mercy. But now you have received mercy. Dear friends, you are outsiders and those who wander in this world. So I’m asking you not to give in to your sinful desires. They fight against your soul. People who don’t believe might say you are doing wrong. But lead good lives among them. Then they will see your good deeds. And they will give glory to God on the day he comes to judge. 1 Peter 2:10–12

Have you ever been in a situation where you were not sure what to do because so many people are doing something without any consequence, yet you know it is not pleasing God? Should you do what they do or should you stick to following God even when others urge you to do otherwise? How do you decide what to do?

Let our choices always be guided by the example of Christ. Jesus taught His disciples how to relate to God, treat others, handle money, live compassionately, respect authority, and many other things. He demonstrates how to see the world through God's eyes and respond in a way that reflects God’s unchanging, holy character. The Bible teaches us how we can have a lifestyle that demonstrates God’s truths and He teaches us to live it out consistently, regardless of what other people say, and whether they see it or not.

HUDDLE

Parents to Kids

2–6 years old

• What is one thing you can think of that Jesus teaches you to do?

7–12 years old

• What is one thing you think Jesus is teaching you to do right now?
• Do you struggle to act differently when others are around and when no one is watching?

Kids to Parents

• Have you ever had to choose between following God and following others? What happened?

There will be many times you will have to decide whether to follow God or to follow the world. If you find yourself in one, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to do the right thing and to give you the grace to obey. Let us be consistent in living out God’s call for us to be holy in words, in thoughts, and in action.

PRAY

Dear God, help us become living witnesses so that others can see Your holiness and goodness through our lives. Help us make wise decisions especially when the call to live as the world does is strong. Thank You for giving us the strength to live holy lives to please You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

DISCOVER

Do you know that there are many times in history when Christians were persecuted for their faith?

Such a time took place during Peter's time. His first letter to the Church was timely written because the Roman leader at that time, Nero, was just starting his campaign to persecute Christians. Being a Christian at that time meant that your life may be in danger and punishment was severe like crucifixion, being burned to death or being a participant to be killed by animals in their sports arena.

Peter’s letters taught the believers to focus on Jesus even if there is persecution. Today, it teaches us to persevere in our faith and to continue our walk in holiness in the midst of the trials we face.

Sources

1. The Bible-Teaching Ministry of Pastor Chuck Swindoll. “First Peter.” The General Epistles. 2010.

2. EyeWitness to History. “Nero Persecutes The Christians, 64 A.D.” 2000.