Kids' Corner Pre-K-2 Grade Children's Church / Sunday School Lesson

Title: Set Your Hearts on Things Above

Verse: Colossians 3:2, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

Objective: Kids will know that we should focus our hearts on what makes Jesus happy (sharing, love, kindness) rather than just what makes us happy (toys, TV, getting our way).

Spark  

"Listen and Do!"

Directions:

• The teacher shouts: “Attention!” (Make it fun and silly, like a soldier).
• Tell the kids: "To hear God, we have to have our ears open and our focus ready! Let's practice listening."
• Play upbeat Bible songs at a decent volume so it is a little noisy.
• Give the kids one instruction at a time to see if they can focus and complete the direction even with the music playing.
  • "Find a partner and high-five!"
  • "Get a paper cup and put it on your head!"
  • "Sit down criss-cross applesauce!"

Transition: Turn off the music. Say: "You had to listen really hard to hear me over the music. Today, we are going to learn how to listen to God and focus on His favorite things!"

Scripture  

Open your Bible to Colossians 3:1-2.

• Read: "Set your heart on things above where Christ is, not on earthly things."
• Explain: "God is telling us to pay attention! He wants us to look up at 'Things Above' (God things) and not just down at 'Earthly Things' (regular things)."
• Ask: "What is an 'Earthly Thing'? It's stuff that doesn't last forever. Toys, TV shows, video games, or candy are all examples."
• Ask: "What is a 'Thing Above'? It's what matters to God! Things like obeying your parents, sharing your toys, and loving Jesus."

Activity: “Jump or Crouch” 

• Directions: Tell the kids: "I’m going to say a word. If it is a God Thing (Above), JUMP up high! If it is an Earthly Thing (Down), CROUCH down low!"
  • Having faith (Jump!)
  • Playing with toys all by yourself (Crouch)
  • Watching TV and ignoring Mom (Crouch)
  • Cheerfully giving / sharing your toy (Jump!)
  • Being patient (Jump!)
  • Seeing someone who needs help and walking away (Crouch)

Learn  

Memory Verse 

• Read Colossians 3:2 one more time clearly.
• Directions: Ask the students to help you create hand motions to help remember the verse.
• Suggestions:
  • Set your minds: Point to head.
  • On things above: Point both fingers high to the sky.
  • Not on earthly things: Shake finger "no" and point down at the ground.
• Practice it together 3 times, getting faster each time!

Craft: The "Heart Box"

Explain: When we think about what is important to us - another way to say it is “it’s what is in our hearts”

• Give each child a small white box (or a white paper cup).
• Have them decorate the outside with crayons and stickers.
• Glue a paper heart on top (or on the side).
• For Pre-K: Give them pre-cut pictures of "Things Above" (praying hands, sharing, hearts) to put inside.
• For 1st/2nd Grade: Have them write their own "Things Above" on slips of paper (e.g., "Honesty," "Love," "Obeying Mom") to fill their box (or cup).

To see additional Bible-based Kids’ Craft Ideas go to Kids’ Corner Pinterest 

Live  

Ask: "If you really want a toy, but your friend wants it too, what would a 'Thing Above' choice be?" (Sharing).

Ask: "If Mommy asks you to clean up, but you want to watch TV, what is the 'Thing Above' choice?" (Helping/Obeying).

Prayer Focus: Thank the Lord that He loves and cares for us. He deserves our focus and attention. He is the Lord and He is worthy! 

Materials / Supplies Needed:

• Audio Device (loud volume capability)
• White Craft Boxes (small) OR Paper cups  (1 per child + extras)
• Crayons
• Paper 

For more Kids’ Crafts, Puzzles, and Activities ideas go to Kids’ Corner at United Faith Church