For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
-Hebrews 4:12
Welcome to Family Faith and Fun Fridays! As the week winds down and I anticipate more family time over the weekend, I often ask God for one good idea that will enable me to bring the Word to life and bring our family together. Usually, the activity overflows out of something the Lord has been teaching me through His Word during the week. I’d like to invite you to join me and my family in the adventure. Sometimes I’ll post things we’ve tried; other times I’ll post an idea in the works. If you’ve got thoughts to add or
suggestions on how to adapt or improve the activity, please don’t hesitate to comment.
Labor Unto the Lord
We’re heading on a family adventure in a few hours. If all goes well, we’ll enjoy the last hurrah of summer while dipping our toes in the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan. As I’ve packed, I’ve been asking the Lord for a transportable idea to mark the upcoming holiday.
What does Labor Day mean to a child who doesn’t need to pay the bills or punch a clock? What does God have to say about labor? God actually has much to say about labor. In particular, about the motive behind our work. The test of our toil is our heart. The Apostle Paul reminds us: “Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23
I want my children to understand that WHAT they do is far less important than HOW they do it. And for WHOM they do it. Whether they are picking up their toys or raking the yard; completing a homework assignment or baking cookies for their classmates, if they work as unto the Lord, their labors can advance the Kingdom of Christ. Quite simply, even the most menial of tasks count much in Heaven’s economy when done with a heart of worship.
Pastor Mark Buchanan writes: “The opposite of a slave is not a free man. It’s a worshiper. The one who is most free is the one who turns the work of his hands into a sacrament, into offering. All he makes and all he does are gifts from God, through God, and to God. Just as simple bread and juice, when we eat and drink them in a spirit of thanksgiving and faith, become the very presence of Christ, so simple tasks- preparing sermons, cooking soup, cutting grass, growing corn- when done in the same spirit, are holy. It is all the Lord’s work. Virtually any job, no matter how grueling or tedious- any job that is not criminal or sinful- can be a gift from God, through God, and to God. The work of our hands, by the alchemy of our devotion, becomes the worship of our hearts.
And more. Work done in such a spirit has the power to reveal Christ himself. It not only makes Christ attractive, it makes Christ known.“
So, to remind my children of the lasting impact of work done for God, I’m going to try this simple activity….
First, I’ll give the kids several pieces of paper and scotch tape and I’ll invite them to design a “paper sculpture.” Fold it, wad it, tape it- whatever they want to make a paper creation.
Next, I’ll give them several pieces of aluminum foil and invite them to do the same. Then, we’ll set the two creations side by side and I’ll explain:
“This paper sculpture is like a job we do for ourselves or for the world. It’s a task we complete without offering it to God and bringing Him honor with our attitude.”
Next, I’ll point to the aluminum foil sculpture and say, “This foil sculpture is like a job we do to honor God. This is a task completed for His glory.”
Then I’ll pull out a torch and light a flame. “Which sculpture do you think will last?” I’ll touch the fire to the paper sculpture and the aluminum foil sculpture and we’ll watch the paper turn to ashes. When we’re done, the foil creation will still be standing.
In conclusion, I’ll read Colossians 3:23 to the kids and we’ll talk about how we can dedicate “the work of our hands” to the Lord so our labors are not in vain. And we’ll pray together King David’s plea in Psalm 90:17-
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.
This is a great way to teach our children about Labor day…and their work…I love it! Your one brilliant momma! I hope you had a marvelous trip…and that we can all get together soon! =)
This is a great way to teach our children about Labor day…and their work…I love it! Your one brilliant momma! I hope you had a marvelous trip…and that we can all get together soon! =)