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Helping Your Kids See That They Can Make a Difference Now

Feb 19, 2025

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Parenting on Purpose

Raising kids with intentional faith

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Helping Your Kids See That They Can Make a Difference Now

Have you ever heard your child say, “I wish I were older so I could do more”? Maybe they’ve been told they’re too young to do something, and it left them feeling frustrated. This week in our kids’ lesson, we talked about a young man in the Bible named Timothy who might have felt the same way. But the Apostle Paul reminded him—and us—that age doesn’t limit what God can do through us!

Key Lesson

God Can Use Kids to Make a Difference

Our main verse this week was 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV):
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

Paul wrote this letter to Timothy when he was a young leader in the early church. Some people didn’t take him seriously because of his age, but Paul encouraged him to be an example—showing others what it means to follow Jesus through his words, actions, and love. The same is true for our kids today!

Helping Your Child Apply This Lesson

Here are some ways you can reinforce this message at home:

  1. Ask Them Thought-Provoking Questions

Encourage a conversation about how they can be an example to others right now. Try these questions at dinner, in the car, or before bed:

  • Can you think of a time when someone told you that you were too young to do something? How did that make you feel?
  • Why do you think Paul told Timothy to set an example instead of waiting until he was older?
  • What are some ways you can set an example at school, at home, or with friends?
  1. Challenge Them to Think About Their Words and Actions

Paul encouraged Timothy to be an example in specific areas of his life. Help your child think about these in practical ways:

  • Speech: Are your words kind and encouraging to others?
  • Conduct: Do your actions show love and respect to family and friends?
  • Love: Are you showing kindness to those who may feel left out or lonely?
  • Faith: Are you trusting God and making time to pray or read the Bible?
  • Purity: Are you making good choices, even when no one is watching?

Encourage your child to pick one of these areas to focus on this week!

  1. Do an Activity Together: The Ripple Effect

Paul reminded Timothy that his actions would impact others. Here’s a simple way to illustrate this with your child:

What You’ll Need:

  • A bowl of water
  • A small stone or object to drop in

What to Do:

  • Drop the stone in the water and watch the ripples spread.
  • Explain how, just like that small stone, our words and actions can create a ripple effect in the lives of others.
  • Challenge your child to think of one small way they can make a difference this week.

Encouragement for Parents

It’s easy for kids to believe they need to wait until they’re older to make a difference. But God has given them opportunities right now to be a light in the world. As parents, we can reinforce this truth by encouraging them, praying for them, and helping them recognize the impact they already have.

Let’s cheer our kids on as they learn that they don’t have to wait to be used by God—He’s ready to work through them now!

Family Prayer:
“Dear God, thank You for reminding us that no one is too young to make a difference. Help us encourage our kids to be an example in their words, actions, and love. Show us ways we can support and guide them this week. Amen.”

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