BCIC Attentiveness Sample

Attentiveness Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided concentration to his words and emotions

“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” HEBREWS 2:1

LEARNING AT THE FEET OF JESUS “And she [Martha] had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.”

LUKE 10:39

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Mercy

CONTENTS

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making

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wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical

Introduction

character is illustrated in this curriculum

2 How to Use This Curriculum

through both artwork and lessons from

3 Goals and Objectives

the lives of people in God’s Word. We most

4 Character Quality Overview

often benefit from the positive examples

5 Attentiveness in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1:

Have a Hearing Heart

written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: King Jehoiakim and the Written Warning

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: Proverbs 4:1

might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were

9 Activity: Crossword Puzzle

also people in the Bible who are repre-

10 Lesson 2: Ask Questions If I Do Not Understand 11 Bible Story: The Disciples Desire to Learn 12 Memory Verse: Proverbs 20:5 13 Activity: The Twelve Disciples Ask Questions

14 Lesson 3:

Not Be Distracted

sentations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

15 Bible Story: Learning at the Feet of Jesus

Illustrated in Life

16 Memory Verse: Luke 10:42

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by

17 Activity: Attentive or Distracted?

the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing

18 Lesson 4:

Remember the Message

19 Bible Story: Stones from the Jordan 20 Memory Verse: Hebrews 2:1 21 Activity: Stones of Remembrance

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ever things were written aforetime were

Additional Resources 22 Attentiveness GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.

This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “In the Garden” 25 Hymn History: “In the Garden” by C. Austin Miles 26 Explaining Salvation to a Child 27 Reproducible Coloring Pages 31 Recommended Resources

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Attentiveness?

Read aloud and discuss what attentiveness means and how it applies to life.

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he operational definition of attentiveness is “showing the worth of a person by giving undivided concentration to his words and emotions.” Every person is valuable to God. He created us in His image and redeemed us with the blood of His own Son. God also shows our worth to Him by hearing us when we pray.

Similarly, you can show others that they are valuable by being attentive when they speak. You give your undivided attention to others by carefully considering their words, listening with understanding, and showing concern for their feelings. Using your eyes, ears, and heart, be ready to show that you care. Being attentive is giving honor to others rather than drawing attention to yourself. (See Proverbs 25:6–7.)

The opposite of attentiveness is unconcern. A person’s concern for himself can crowd out his regard for others.

When he is busy pursuing what he The Hebrew root word for “attentive” wants to do, he may means “to prick up the ears or hearken,” find it difficult to and describes how a son should attend to pause and listen his father’s instruction. (See Proverbs 5:1). to others. His mumbled responses indicate his disinterest as he pays little attention to the speaker’s words or facial expressions. He is easily distracted and unconcerned with remembering the details of what is being said. His self-focus deters people from sharing their hearts with him. He doesn’t notice when someone looks lonely

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or in need, so he is unable to look for ways to reach out and help. If you find yourself looking out for your concerns and not for the concerns of others, remember that God cares for everyone! You have the opportunity to communicate His interest in them when you take time Someone who is unconcerned about the to listen. person speaking or the task at hand will be easily distracted and, subsequently, switch his train of thought.

Being attentive can not only help you avoid misunderstandings and prevent mistakes, but it can also demonstrate your love for your family. Create an atmosphere for listening and sharing by turning off noisy devices, temporarily setting aside personal projects, and asking questions that express interest in what others have to say. Your grandmother may gladly share life lessons from her past. Are you eager to learn?

Your dad may try to teach you how to carefully clear the table. If he does, do you purposefully keep eye contact with him to show that you are listening to him? Your mom may explain how to complete a school assignment.

Do you nod your head as you understand her instructions? God often speaks to us through our authorities and guides us through their training. You will gain great wisdom as you attentively listen and learn from those He has placed in your life. “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels” (Proverbs 1:5).

Attentiveness in Scripture ATTENTIVENESS KEY VERSE

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s you read and study God’s Word, you will see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by Him so Christ can be seen through your life and others will glorify God.

“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” HEBREWS 2:1

The Character of God

Attentiveness in My Life

We see examples of attentiveness in God’s character in the following ways:

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out attentiveness daily.

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God hears us and is attentive to our prayers.

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(See Psalm 66:19.)

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Our Heavenly Father values us so greatly that He notices even the smallest details of our lives.

(See Proverbs 2:1–5.)

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(See Luke 12:6–7.)

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Jesus gave a young man His full attention by asking questions, listening, making eye contact, and responding with love.

Jesus, amidst the pressing crowd, turned His complete focus to the hurting woman who reached out to Him in faith.

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Jesus, when He was twelve years old, sought out the teachers in the Temple, asking questions as He listened to them.

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Jesus set aside time to hear from His Heavenly Father in prayer.

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The Holy Spirit is fully mindful of both God’s will and our needs as He intercedes on our behalf before the Father.

(See Romans 8:26–27.)

Can I recognize the voice of my Good Shepherd so I know the way He wants me to go?

(See John 10:27.)

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(See Luke 6:12.)

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When God speaks to me through His Word, why is it important that I be attentive to Him? (See Matthew 4:4, Romans 10:17.)

(See Luke 2:46–47.)

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What will happen if I choose to be unconcerned about those who have needs?

(See Proverbs 21:13.)

(See Luke 8:46–48.)

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How can “hearing” from great Christians through their biographies benefit my life?

(See Proverbs 13:20.)

(See Mark 10:17–21.)

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Why is listening with my heart better than simply listening with my ears?

What are the blessings that come from giving my full attention to my parents’ guidance?

(See Ephesians 6:2–3.)

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Am I quicker to speak my mind or to hear what others have to say?

(See James 1:19.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Not Be Distracted INTRODUCTION

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ave you ever been given a task to do and, a while later, you suddenly realized you hadn’t even started? You were distracted and drawn away to something else! Distractions are like thieves who sneak in to steal your focus and rob your time. They may come disguised as a new thought, a friend’s whisper, or a quick movement outside the window. Even your favorite toy can be a distraction!

While cleaning your room, you may come across a toy to put away. But that toy steals your attention from the task you were given! How can you guard against these distracting “thieves” and stay on track? Ask God to help you see the importance of your task. Then devote yourself to it with concentrated focus. Pay attention to what matters more, and you will enjoy more play time later!

Learning at the Feet of Jesus

ATTENTIVENESS Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided concentration to his words and emotions 14

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 3 Not Be Distracted

Learning at the Feet of Jesus

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esus often passed through Bethany, a town not far from Jerusalem. In Bethany lived two sisters and

her faith in Him as the promised Messiah and the Son of God. When Martha received comfort and hope from

a brother—Martha, Mary, and Lazarus—who were

the Lord, she returned to the house and told Mary, who

dear friends of His. Mary, who anointed Jesus’ feet

came quickly to Jesus. Jesus wept with the sisters as

with perfume and wiped them with her hair, enjoyed

they shared their deep grief over Lazarus’s death. When

quietly worshipping the Lord while Martha tended

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, Martha and Mary

toward actively serving Him. Efficient and practical,

rejoiced at the power of Jesus’ words! On an earlier

Martha welcomed people into their home and enjoyed

occasion when Jesus had visited their home, how did

ministering to their guests. One day, their brother

one sister show Him that she valued His words? What

Lazarus became sick and died. Four days later, as

distracted the other sister from their Guest? What words

Jesus approached Bethany, Martha ran to meet Him.

of praise or rebuke did Jesus offer these two women?

She expressed her disappointment that Jesus had not

Let’s read the Bible story in Luke 10:38–42 and then discuss the following questions.

arrived before her brother died, but she also affirmed

1. Who invited Jesus into her home? (See Luke 10:38.)

Whom have you invited into your home recently?

When you have guests, what do you set aside so you are not distracted from visiting with them?

2. How did Mary show attentiveness to Jesus while He was at their house? (See Luke 10:39.)

How do you read or listen to God’s Word? When do you do this and where?

3. The word cumbered in Greek means “distracted” or “drawn away.” What distracted Martha?

(See Luke 10:40.)

What distractions does Satan bring during your Bible time? How can you guard against them?

(See Proverbs 4:25–27.)

4. What did Martha say that brought attention to herself and away from Jesus’ teaching?

(See Luke 10:40.)

What can you do to avoid distracting those who are focusing their attention on a person or task?

5. How did Mary respond when Martha interrupted Jesus? (See Luke 10:40–41.)

What should you do when a friend or sibling speaks to you while you are giving your undivided attention to an important message?

6. When Jesus answered Martha, how many times did He say her name? (See Luke 10:41a.) Who else in the Bible did God call by name twice to get their attention? (See Genesis 22:11, Exodus 3:1–4, I Samuel 3:10, Acts 9:3–4.)

Why should you give your undivided attention to God as He speaks to you through His Word?

(See Psalm 119:10–11.)

7. How did Jesus contrast Martha’s mindset with Mary’s? What did He say about the significance of Mary’s choice? What “one thing” was needful?

(See Luke 10:41b–42.)

When you choose to ignore distractions and put time with God first, what benefits do you reap?

(See Isaiah 26:3.)

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Operational Definitions of Character Qualities ALERTNESS vs. Unawareness

ATTENTIVENESS vs. Unconcern

AVAILABILITY vs. Self-Centeredness

BOLDNESS vs. Fearfulness

CAUTIOUSNESS vs. Rashness

COMPASSION vs. Indifference

CONTENTMENT vs. Covetousness

Being aware of that which is taking place around me so that I can have the right response to it

Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided concentration to his words and emotions

Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving

Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God

Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions

Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness

Mark 14:38

Hebrews 2:1

Acts 4:29

Proverbs 19:2

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M

Philippians 2:20–21

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P

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I John 3:17

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I Timothy 6:8

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CREATIVITY vs. Underachievement

DECISIVENESS vs. Double-mindedness

DEFERENCE vs. Rudeness

DEPENDABILITY vs. Inconsistency

DETERMINATION vs. Faintheartedness

DILIGENCE vs. Slothfulness

DISCERNMENT vs. Judgment

Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective

The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God

Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve

Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice

Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition

The God-given ability to understand why things happen

James 1:5

Romans 14:21

Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it

Romans 12:2

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O

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Psalm 15:4

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II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

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I Samuel 16:7

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DISCRETION vs. Simplemindedness

ENDURANCE vs. Giving Up

ENTHUSIASM vs. Apathy

FAITH vs. Unbelief

FLEXIBILITY vs. Resistance

FORGIVENESS vs. Rejection

GENEROSITY vs. Stinginess

The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes that could result in undesirable consequences

The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best

Fervently expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit

Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it

Not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others

Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me

Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes

Hebrews 11:1

Colossians 3:2

Ephesians 4:32

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Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

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I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

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E

S

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II Corinthians 9:6

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GENTLENESS vs. Harshness

GRATEFULNESS vs. Unthankfulness

HOSPITALITY vs. Loneliness

HUMILITY vs. Pride

INITIATIVE vs. Unresponsiveness

JOYFULNESS vs. Self-Pity

JUSTICE vs. Corruption

Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others

Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it

Delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances

Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws

I Corinthians 4:7

Hebrews 13:2

Recognizing that without the help of God and others my achievements in life would not have been possible

Romans 12:21

Psalm 16:11

Micah 6:8

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I Thessalonians 2:7

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G

S

James 4:6

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LOVE vs. Selfishness

LOYALTY vs. Unfaithfulness

MEEKNESS vs. Anger

OBEDIENCE vs. Willfulness

ORDERLINESS vs. Disorganization

PATIENCE vs. Restlessness

PERSUASIVENESS vs. Contentiousness

Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward

Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those He has called me to serve

Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God

Eagerly yielding to God’s Word rather than following my own will

Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency

Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks

Psalm 62:5

II Corinthians 10:5

I Corinthians 14:40

Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it

I Corinthians 13:3

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John 15:13

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P

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Romans 5:3–4

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II Timothy 2:24

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PUNCTUALITY vs. Tardiness

RESOURCEFULNESS vs. Wastefulness

RESPONSIBILITY vs. Unreliability

REVERENCE vs. Disrespect

SECURITY vs. Anxiety

SELF-CONTROL vs. Self-Indulgence

SENSITIVITY vs. Callousness

Showing high esteem for other people and their time

Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard

Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

Luke 16:10

Romans 14:12

Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away

Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me

Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me

Proverbs 23:17–18

John 6:27

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O

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Galatians 5:24–25

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Romans 12:15

SINCERITY vs. Hypocrisy

THOROUGHNESS vs. Incompleteness

THRIFTINESS vs. Extravagance

TOLERANCE vs. Prejudice

TRUTHFULNESS vs. Deception

VIRTUE vs. Impurity

WISDOM vs. Natural Inclinations

Eagerness to do what is right, with transparent motives

Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected

Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary

Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word

Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference

G Philippians 2:2

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I Peter 1:22

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T P— Prophet

Proverbs 18:15

S— Server

Luke 16:11

G T—Teacher

E— Exhorter

Ephesians 4:25

P G— Giver

II Peter 1:3–5

O— Organizer

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Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

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