Courage to Do What Is Right
As our children get older, we want them to grow up to be men and woman of great character. Our teens live in a world where what is right and what is true are often questioned. We want to help them understand that God’s Word is the foundation to what is right and true in this world. This week, help them see that living a life that follows God is not always easy, but it is what is the best. It can take a lot of courage to live a life that looks like Jesus.
In this month’s reading plan, we want to help you walk through the book of 1 Samuel. This book has so many great stories of courage and failure. We hope this narrative story gives you knew inside into having courage in your own life. Because there are 31 chapters in this book you will be doing a little more reading this month.
Chapters 8-15 of 1 Samuel
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight (Prov. 3:5-6).
Lord, I trust in You with all my heart. Help me to not rely on my own understanding. I want to know Your ways, and I want to follow You as You make my paths straight. Lord, please give me this courage.
Parent Pre-Reading: Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong (1 Cor. 16:13).
I was reading in 1 Corinthians 16, and it warns us to stand firm in our faith and be courageous and strong. As a teenager today, do you think it is difficult for some or even yourself to stand firm in your faith? How so?
What important responsibility do you have to accomplish this week or have completed in the past? How do you feel after completing your task?
Above all, may the Lord give you insight and understanding when he puts you in charge of Israel so that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will succeed if you carefully follow the statutes and ordinances the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged (1 Chron. 22:12-13).
What do you think are some of the most important characteristics of someone in leadership?
How would you describe a person with high integrity? What makes them different?
Why is it important for a believer to live with high integrity and treat the people they lead well?
With what characteristics would your friends label you? Do you think these are accurate?
As a parent, your words of affirmation can mean so much more than you think. Growing up to be a person of good character is not always easy. The temptation to cheat at school or be lazy in our responsibilities can be so enticing. Take some time to search for a biblical characteristic, such as loving, courageous, or trustworthy, that you see in your teens and want them to know. Take them to coffee or for a soda, and share how you have seen the characteristics in them and their continued growth over the last year. Let them know that you see their great actions.