From the Archive- Do I Have to?

Published Jun 26, 2024, 10:00 AM

Colossians 3:12-17 & Ephesians 5:20

Today we read Paul's letter to the Colossians. He writes, " And whatever you do, whether in word or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." The kids will learn that this really means in whatever we do. We don't give thanks or serve God only when we are having fun or getting a gift.  To help them understand, we use real life examples: Instead of complaining that they they have to clean up their toys, they can remember they get to clean them up because they are thankful God gave them toys to clean up. I hope  today's episode reminds your family of God's truth and encourages conversations. 

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Hello again and welcome back to Kid's Bible Stories. Today's episode is called do I Have To? And this comes from Colossians chapter three, verses twelve through seventeen and Ephesians chapter five, verse twenty. Once there was a man named Paul. Some of you may remember him, because we just talked about Paul two months ago. We joined him as he sailed through the rough seas headed to Rome. Remember the ship wrecked, but everyone made to shore safely. Well, this is that same Paul. Everyone shout out, Paul, Paul very good. Paul loved Jesus very much, and he wanted to tell others about Jesus. In order to do this, he would travel to other cities. Sometimes he traveled by boat. Other times he would walk and walk a lot. Now, if Paul could not get to a certain place, he would write a letter to them instead. Phones didn't exist back then, so a letter was his best way of reaching them. When the people received Paul's letter, they would open it up.

Oh me, me, me, me, I want to open it. What's it say?

They would read it and learn all about Jesus. Sometimes Paul's letters were meant to encourage teach about Jesus. Or even tell them if they were doing something wrong. Well, it just so happened that Paul could not travel to a certain city because of this. He took out his trusty pen and paper, and he wrote them a letter.

To God's Holy people in Colose, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. Grace and peace to you from God our Father. We have heard of your faith in Jesus Christ and of the love you have for God's people. Grace and peace to you from God our Father. I remind you to set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, and set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. God has chosen you and made you his whole people. He loves you, so always do these things. Show compassion to others, Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient. Do not be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, then forgive him. Forgive each other because the Lord forgave you. Do all these things, but most important, love each other. Love is what holds you all together in perfect unity. Let the peace that Christ gives you control your thinking. You were all called together in one body to have peace. Always be thankful. Let the teaching of Christ live in you. Richly. Use all wisdom to teach and strengthen each other. Sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Now we close Paul's letter and turn in our Bible to Ephesians. It says, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything. I don't know how to thank you. Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Well that is it for our story today. But before we go, let's think about what we just heard. We heard Paul remind those in Colossie and us that whatever we do not just the things we have fun doing, like plane tag or coloring. Rather, whatever we do like cleaning our room, speaking with our family, waiting in line at the store, all of these things we should do as if we were doing it for the Lord, and we give thanks for it. Paul reminds us that it's not mom or dad, Mimi, pop, pop or teacher that you are serving when you're doing things, but instead it is really Jesus and we should have thankful hearts. So instead of saying.

Ugh, do I have to clean up my toys, we can say I get to clean out my toys because I'm thankful I even have toys to clean up.

Instead of thinking ugh, yuck, I have to kill it and beings, instead we can think.

I'm happy I get to have healthy food.

Instead of complaining, oh, mom, do I have to brush my teeth, you can think cool.

I get to brush my teeth. God, thank you that Mommy and Daddy brought me toothpaste and a toothbrush.

We all need this reminder now and then this week, if you find yourself starting to grumble or complain about doing something, I want you to find one thing to thank God for and then ask yourself, do I have to do this or do I get to do I get to serve God in this way? Try that out this week. I think it's so amazing that in whatever we do, we can do it for Jesus. We don't have to be a pastor be famous or have a special job for Jesus to see us. Instead, you can serve Him and thank Him right where you are, in whatever you do well. That is it for our story today. Thank you so much for joining us, and as always bye for now.

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