BCIC Creativity Sample

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

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” ROMANS 12:2

FOUR FRIENDS FIND A WAY “And when they could not come nigh unto him [Jesus] for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was.”

MARK 2:4

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Exhorter

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 Creativity in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso­

6 Lesson 1:

Think His Thoughts

written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: God Reveals a New Way to Peter

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: Romans 12:2

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

9 Activity: New Perspective Relay Race

also people in the Bible who are repre­

10 Lesson 2: See Opportunities Instead of Obstacles 11 Bible Story: Paul Sees an Opportunity in Athens 12 Memory Verse: II Corinthians 12:9 13 Activity: God Reveals New Ideas

14 Lesson 3:

Keep Trying

15 Bible Story: Four Friends Find a Way 16 Memory Verse: Philippians 3:14 17 Activity: Solve the Riddle

18 Lesson 4:

Use My Talents for Good

19 Bible Story: Apollos Speaks Out for Christ 20 Memory Verse: Ecclesiastes 9:10 21 Activity: Word Search

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ever things were written aforetime were

Additional Resources 22 Creativity GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

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.

Illustrated in Life “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing 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 H ymn Sheet Music: “All Creatures of Our God and King” 26 H ymn History: “All Creatures of Our God and King”

by Saint Francis of Assisi 27 Explaining Salvation to a Child 28 Reproducible Coloring Pages 32 Recommended Resources

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Creativity?

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

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he operational definition of creativity is

Underachievement may also be due to insufficient

“approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a

knowledge, limited perspective, or a lack of inspiration.

new perspective.” Perspective is a point of view or way

However, a person can develop his creativity and be

of looking at an object, an idea, or a situation. Each

more productive as he seeks knowledge and wisdom.

person has a unique way of viewing circumstances.

When you focus only on your own perspective, your understanding will be limited. Many problems can be resolved by looking at them differently. Understanding and inspiration often come as you ask God or others for ideas, consider times you did this before, and search for wisdom. Creativity does not always mean having a new idea, but it may mean applying what you already know in a different way. The creative person thinks of ways to improve results and produce excellent work.

He is excited when his ideas benefit others.

He created the entire universe from nothing! Since you are made in God’s image, He has given you creative capabilities. How can you cultivate thinking innova­ tively? One way is to discover God’s creativity in nature. For example, a Swiss engineer found his dog covered in cockleburs. He studied the prickly seeds under a microscope and then developed a material called Velcro. Another example of creative inspiration from nature was when an Italian company produced a better ice pick by studying the beak of a wood­ pecker! Other ways to increase your creativity are to read, brainstorm,

The opposite of

and discuss ideas

creativity is under-

with others. You can

achievement. An under­

expand your critical

achieving person does

thinking by asking

less than he could or

various questions

should. Remaining in

such as: “What is a

his comfort zone, he

more efficient way to

misses opportunities to

do this?” or “How can

grow. Apathy may cause him to rush through an assign­

I apply this concept in

ment because he doesn’t care about the quality. He may

different scenarios?”

not realize how his lack of effort impacts others and

As you develop and

saps their energy. He exerts little effort to find a way

incorporate creativity in your life, you can refine ideas,

around obstacles. His poor work may result from

meet needs, and accomplish tasks for the glory of our

laziness, feelings of inadequacy, or a fear of failure.

Creator God!

A creative person will look for alternate routes when he comes to what may seem to be a dead end.

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God is the first and greatest Creator. (See Revelation 10:6.)

Underachievement is demonstrated by giving up at a dead end.

Creativity in Scripture

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CREATIVITY KEY VERSE s you read and study God’s Word,

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye

you will see Who He is! Be willing to

transformed by the renewing of your mind, that

be changed by Him so Christ can be seen

ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,

through your life and others will glorify God.

and perfect, will of God.” ROMANS 12:2

The Character of God

Creativity in My Life

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

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

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God created heaven and earth from nothing and later formed man from the dust of the ground.

(See Genesis 1:1–2, 2:7.)

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God used a variety of plagues to demonstrate His power to the resistant Egyptian pharaoh.

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(See Colossians 1:16, Revelation 4:11.)

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God makes a way to bring life in the most unlikely situations.

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Jesus, when pressed by the crowd at the lake, innovatively solved the problem by preaching from a nearby boat.

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Jesus used everyday objects to creatively reveal Heavenly truths.

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Christ’s renovations result in new things.

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(See II Corinthians 5:17.)

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The Holy Spirit guides believers in His will, sometimes in unexpected ways.

(See Acts 8:38–40.)

What perspective might I glean from observing the awesome creativity of God? (See Psalm 19:1–2, Proverbs 30:25–28.)

(See Matthew 5:13–16, Luke 12:6–7.)

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How can I guard my mind so that my creative thinking does not result in an idea or action not pleasing to God? (See Psalm 119:11, Ecclesiastes 12:1.)

(See Luke 5:1–3.)

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How can I learn to see things from a new viewpoint?

(See Psalm 73:16–17, 119:18, 97–100; Proverbs 1:5.)

(See Isaiah 43:19.)

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What should be the purpose of my creative expression?

(See I Corinthians 10:31–33.)

(See Exodus 7:15–17, 10:1–2.)

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Why did God create me?

Why does God give people multiple perspectives and gifts?

(See Ephesians 4:11–14.)

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How can I use my abilities for good?

(See I Peter 4:10–11.)

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3 D

GOD ENABLES ME TO

Keep Trying INTRODUCTION

id you know that the Wright brothers experi­

mented with more than 200 different designs of wings for their flying machines before discovering ones that worked? Thomas Edison tried 1,000 times before he success­ fully created a working light bulb. Inventors constantly try different ways to reach their goals. Whether you are learn­ ing to tie your shoelaces, play a sport, or write a story, you may need to try more than once before you succeed. Patiently invest time and effort to reach your goal. Rather than giving up in defeat, pause, and then approach the situation from a new perspective. If necessary, take a break—go for a walk or play an instrument—to help you think more clearly. The Bible says: “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).

Four Friends Find a Way

CREATIVITY Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective 14

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 3 Keep Trying

Four Friends Find a Way

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esus ministered publicly for three years and showed what the Kingdom of God looked like on earth. Early

pressing about Him. Consequently, Jesus chose to teach in desert places, where the people would come

in His ministry, Jesus taught in synagogues through­

to see and hear Him. One day, Jesus visited a house in

out Galilee. People were amazed by His wisdom and

the city of Capernaum. As soon as people heard that

miracles. Once, while Jesus was teaching in a synagogue,

He was there, they hastily crowded into the house and

He cast out an unclean spirit from a man! Another

around the door. Who would also come to see Jesus

time, Jesus was visiting the home of two disciples and

that day and why? What would they do when they

cured Peter’s mother-in-law, who had a fever. Jesus

realized that they could not enter the house due to

healed many people who came to Him with diseases.

so many people? What creative idea would God give

News of these miracles spread quickly, and people

them, and how would their perseverance be rewarded?

thronged to see and hear Jesus. Soon, He could no

Let’s read the Bible story in Luke 5:17–26 and then discuss the following questions.

longer enter the cities without multitudes of people

1. Who was sitting nearby as Jesus taught in the house? Did their presence prevent Jesus from teaching and healing? (See Luke 5:17.)

Should you allow what others think to affect your obedience to God? What matters more than gaining others’ approval? (See Psalm 118:6.)

2. Why was one man in need of Jesus’ healing?

(See Luke 5:18.) What obstacles were in his way?

(See Mark 2:1–2.)

What difficulties or challenges have you encoun­ tered in your schoolwork, chores, or projects?

3. How many of the paralyzed man’s friends helped bring him to Jesus? (See Mark 2:3.)

In what ways can you welcome others’ help when you need it, rather than insist on trying by yourself? (See Ecclesiastes 4:9–12.)

4. When the friends were unable to enter at the door, what was their creative idea? (See Luke 5:19.)

How have you creatively approached a regular or difficult task?

5. What did Jesus observe about the man’s four friends? (See Luke 5:20a.)

What actions or words demonstrate that you have faith that God is able to help you?

6. What did Jesus say to the ill man and to the religious leaders? (See Luke 5:20b, 23–24.)

What does Jesus offer to meet your spiritual need? (See Colossians 1:14.) How might you help someone both spiritually and physically?

7. Did the four friends achieve their goal when they tried a new approach? What happened?

(See Luke 5:24–25.)

Describe a time when God gave you success as you tried a new way to do something.

8. Who gave glory to God for this miracle?

(See Luke 5:25–26.)

Who deserves the credit when you come up with creative ideas and find success?

(See John 15:5.)

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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

G

I John 3:17

M

I Timothy 6:8

G

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

M

Psalm 15:4

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O

II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

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I Samuel 16:7

E

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

P

II Corinthians 9:6

S

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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O

I Thessalonians 2:7

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G

S

James 4:6

S

M

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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O

John 15:13

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P

O

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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G

O

T

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Galatians 5:24–25

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M

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

P

I Peter 1:22

P

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

E

Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

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

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