BCIC Diligence Sample

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

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

COLOSSIANS 3:23

NOAH FINISHES THE ARK “And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him. And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was upon the earth.”

GENESIS 7:5–6

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Teacher

CONTENTS

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

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6

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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 Diligence in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

Lesson 1:

Do My Tasks with Excellence

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: Colossians 3:23

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

9 Activity: A Job Well Done

also people in the Bible who are repre-

Lesson 2:

Follow Instructions Carefully

12 Memory Verse: Philippians 4:9 13 Activity: Obstacle Course

Lesson 3:

Overcome Laziness

15 Bible Story: The Slothful Servant 16 Memory Verse: Proverbs 10:26 17 Activity: Ants-on-a-Log Snack

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Lesson 4:

Finish My Assignments

19 Bible Story: Noah Finishes the Ark 20 Memory Verse: Genesis 6:22 21 Activity: Word Search

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written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: Bezaleel’s Excellent Work

11 Bible Story: God’s Instructions to an Unnamed Messenger

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ever things were written aforetime were

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

Additional Resources

us to act in faith, our lives as believers will

22 Diligence GEMs

illustrate His character to others.

23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “To the Work!”

26 Hymn History: “To The Work!” by Fanny Crosby 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 Diligence?

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

T

he operational definition of diligence is “visualizing

not comprehend how working diligently on school-

each task as a special assignment from the Lord

work now will yield valuable learning and wisdom to

and using all my energies to accomplish it.” Under-

lead a productive life. His focus is on his own comfort,

standing the importance of the tasks God has given

doing as little as possible. He is apathetic about

to us motivates us to work as hard as we can. When

achieving anything for himself, for others, or for

“special assignments” are something we really want

God. If you lack energy, concern, or motivation about

to do, we some-

your tasks and responsibilities, ask God to change your

how find the time

heart and give you a vision and understanding of the

and energy to do

importance of your work. “Where there is no vision,

them. We ignore

the people perish”

distractions as we

(Proverbs 29:18a).

give the task our wholehearted attention. We rise in the morning ready “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest” (Proverbs 6:6–8).

to accomplish the job before us, and we are eager to talk to others about the goal. Does that

sound like a motivated person? Yes! All our energies are funneled into the assigned task—this persevering, focused drive is diligence.

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One example of a “special assignment from the Lord” is your schoolwork.

God wants you to learn to read so that He can speak to you through His written Word. He wants you to study science so that you can see His awesome power and

Sloths, so named due to their their lack of vigorous action, are known to be the slowest mammals on earth.

The opposite of diligence is slothfulness. A slothful

intricate design in

person may not see the task as a “special assignment”

creation. He wants

from God or understand why the job is important,

you to learn history so that you can know how He

or he may simply not care! Without a vision for

has worked in the past. He wants you to be skilled in

the purpose or importance of the task, he lacks the

math so you will know how to function effectively in

desire and energy to accomplish his assignment. A

everyday life (cook, build, etc.). God has called you to

lazy person may not understand how chores help his

do great things. What task is before you right now?

family to function effectively. A slothful student may

Are you giving all your energies to accomplish it?

Diligence in Scripture

A

s you read and study God’s Word, you will

DILIGENCE KEY VERSE

see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to

Him so Christ can be seen through your life and

the Lord, and not unto men.” COLOSSIANS 3:23

others will glorify God.

The Character of God

Diligence in My Life

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

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

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God’s marvelous work is displayed in the incredible beauty and intricacy of creation.

(See Genesis 1:31a.)

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God is powerful and able to accomplish what He has purposed to do.

(See Jeremiah 1:12.)

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•

•

•

•

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The Holy Spirit diligently fulfills His role in the Godhead by teaching believers and bringing to mind what Jesus has said.

(See John 14:26.)

Instead of working so people will praise me, Who sees everything I do and is the One I ought to please?

(See Ephesians 6:6.)

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(See Hebrews 9:11–14.)

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Do I think through the best way to complete a task, or do I just rush to get it done?

(See Proverbs 21:5.)

God will complete His work in believers.

Jesus finished His work with excellence, fully accomplishing our salvation.

What projects have I started that need to be completed? Why should I finish them?

(See Proverbs 12:27.)

(See Philippians 1:6.)

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How can I be diligent to grow in my faith?

(See II Peter 1:5–7.)

God delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt.

(See Jeremiah 32:21.)

What fact would help me keep going when I feel like giving up?

(See Galatians 6:9.)

God is our strength.

(See Psalm 18:32.)

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What distracts me from working? Like Nehemiah, how can I avoid distractions?

(See Nehemiah 6:3.)

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What type of opportunities will open up as I overcome slothfulness?

(See Proverbs 22:29.)

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4 B

GOD ENABLES ME TO

Finish My Assignments INTRODUCTION

eing diligent in a new task may be easy.

However, as the project continues, you may grow hot and tired, or think of something else you would rather do. You may become discouraged, consider quitting, and wonder if it really matters if you finish. Yes, it does matter that you complete what God has assigned to you, and He will give you the energy to do so. Ask God for diligence and choose to be faithful even in small, daily jobs such as picking up toys, learning to read, or emptying the trash. Just as God enables you to be diligent in doing small tasks, He will be faithful to provide the energy and motivation to complete bigger jobs as well.

Noah Finishes the Ark

DILIGENCE Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it 18

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 4 Finish My Assignments

Noah Finishes the Ark

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oah was the great, great, great, great, great,

physical labor over a great number of years. In

great grandson of Adam’s son Seth. During

addition to calling Noah to this huge task, God

the time that Noah lived, people had become

also gave him specific plans and instructions so

increasingly violent and lived to fulfill their own

Noah would know exactly how to accomplish such

desires rather than to glorify God. Their marriages

a great, important job. Would Noah be confident

did not honor God, and they followed the natural

that God would enable him to do the work that God

inclinations of their evil hearts. Every aspect of

had called him to do? Would Noah rely on God’s

man’s nature was corrupted by sin. Grieved by the

strength to enable him to diligently finish the hard

wickedness in the world, God sadly determined that

assignment? Why would it be essential for Noah to

He would destroy the earth with a worldwide flood.

prepare ahead of time instead of procrastinating to

However, one man—Noah—found grace in the

begin the work?

eyes of God. One day, God spoke to Noah. God gave

Let’s read the Bible story in Genesis 6:9–22 and

him an important job that would require intensive

then discuss the following questions.

1. What special assignment did God give to Noah?

(See Genesis 6:14a.)

4. What else did God assign Noah to do along with building the ark? (See Genesis 6:19.)

What tasks have your parents assigned to you today? How many of these tasks have you finished?

What kind of attitude do you have when the job you are given becomes larger and requires more work?

2. What were the instructions God gave Noah for building the ark? (See Genesis 6:14b, 16.)

5. How did God make sure Noah, his family, and the animals would all be cared for while in the ark?

(See Genesis 6:21.)

What instructions have your parents given you on how to do your work today? How important is it to listen to instruction? (See Proverbs 10:17, 19:20, II Timothy 3:16–17.)

3. If a cubit is 18 inches, how big was the ark?

(See Genesis 6:15.)

When overwhelmed by a big assignment, to Whom can you turn for the desire and strength to get it done? (See Philippians 2:13.) When was the last time you were given a big assignment? Were you willing to do it?

As you are diligent to complete an assignment, what are ways you and others personally benefit from your finishing the task thoroughly?

6. How many of God’s instructions did Noah finish?

(See Genesis 6:22.)

An assignment is often begun with great enthusiasm and purpose, but how well do you finish your task? Have you thanked God for the willingness, ability, and energy He has given you to diligently finish your work?

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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

Proverbs 22:3

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I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

Galatians 6:9

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E

E

S

P

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

I Thessalonians 2:7

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G

S

O

James 4:6

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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

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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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G

O

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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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