Not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” COLOSSIANS 3:2
“He took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt.”
MATTHEW 2:14b
2 Introducton
2 How to Use This Curriculum
3 Goals and Objectves
4 Character Quality Overview
5 Flexibility in Scripture
6 Lesson 1: Not Be Upset
When Plans Change
7 Bible Story: A Change in Plans for Joseph and Mary
8 Memory Verse: Proverbs 16:9
9 Actvity: Palm Tree Flexibility
10 Lesson 2: Not Be Stubborn
11 Bible Story: A Captain Seeks a Cure
12 Memory Verse: I Samuel 15:23
13 Actvity: Stcky but Not Stuck
14 Lesson 3: See Change as Opportunity
15 Bible Story: Paul Meets New Opportunites
16 Memory Verse: Colossians 3:2
17 Actvity: Create an Impromptu Story!
18 Lesson 4: Refuse to Compromise What Is Right
19 Bible Story: Three Friends Are Commanded to Bow
20 Memory Verse: Galatans 5:9
21 Actvity: Crossword Puzzle
22 Additonal Resources
22 Flexibility GEMs
23 Journal and GEM Mine
24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Have Thine Own Way, Lord”
25 Hymn History: “Have Thine Own Way, Lord”
by Adelaide Pollard
26 Explaining Salvaton to a Child
27 Reproducible Coloring Pages
31 Recommended Resources
“The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical character is illustrated in this curriculum through both artwork and lessons from the lives of people in God’s Word. We most often benefit from the positive examples of faithful men and women. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were also people in the Bible who are representations 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.
“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.
The character of God is illustrated in Scripture. May it also be illustrated in our lives.
Read aloud and discuss what flexibility means and how it applies to life.
Theoperational definition of flexibility is “not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others.” Planning is a wise discipline, but what happens when your schedule is changed? How do you respond when a long-anticipated activity is unexpectedly delayed? Do you get upset when others dismiss your ideas and suggest their own instead?
A person who is flexible realizes that other people may have equally valuable opinions, suggestions, and methods. He also expects life to bring surprises and is willing to adjust accordingly. Because he steadfastly trusts God, the flexible person responds calmly to situations and reduces stress on others. The Lord gives wisdom and grace to understand that plans may need to be delayed, redirected, or cancelled in order to accomplish God’s best.
The opposite of flexibility is resistance. God reproved this sinful attitude in the Israelites, referring to them as a “stiff-necked people” because they refused to submit to Him. As a result of their rebellious hearts, God chastened them in the wilderness. (See Psalm 95:8–11.) A resistant person is self-centered and opposes change as he holds tightly to his own hopes and goals. He tends to seek fulfillment of his personal desires and control of his
own life. When change occurs, he often responds stubbornly because his affections are set on his own will, not God’s. Instead of recognizing the potential benefits, the inflexible person tends to react by complaining, pouting, or arguing. To get his own way, he may belittle a friend’s preference, beg his parents to agree, or dismiss a sister’s suggestion. His pride promotes frustration and resentment, thus disrupting harmony and preventing completion of the goal.
When Jesus called His disciples, He asked them to lay aside their plans and ambitions, and to walk with Him as He obeyed His Father’s will. A follower of Christ sets his heart’s affection on “things above,” meaning he values what is important to God. He obeys God’s instruction to honor others above himself and to submit to others in love. Humility enables a person to see God’s priorities more clearly and submit to His plans. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. “. . . Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (I Peter 5:5). A Christian will find that humble, obedient faith brings security in God and grace to follow Him wherever He leads. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalm 37:23).
As 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.
We see examples of how God invites us to join His plan, and how Jesus and the Holy Spirit fulfill the will of the Father.
• God rules over all, and nothing occurs outside of His sovereignty.
(See I Chronicles 29:11–12.)
• God is willing and able to reshape lives that submit to the loving guidance of His hand.
(See Jeremiah 18:3–6.)
• Jesus allowed the Holy Spirit to direct Him.
(See Luke 4:1.)
• Jesus was not upset by interruptons, and He welcomed opportunites to minister to those in need.
(See Luke 8:40–44, 47–50; Matthew 19:13–15.)
• Jesus made Himself available to those with illnesses who came to Him for healing.
(See Matthew 4:23–24.)
• Even though He was weary, Jesus ofered “living water” to someone who was spiritually thirsty.
(See John 4:6–10.)
• The Holy Spirit fulflls God’s plan by guiding believers according to the Father’s words.
(See John 16:13.)
“Set your afecton on things above, not on things on the earth.” COLOSSIANS 3:2
Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out flexibility daily.
• What should I consider when planning ahead?
(See James 4:13–17.)
• What should I do when asked to set aside something I want?
(See Mark 1:16–18, Luke 9:23.)
• What might be the consequences of resisting my Heavenly Father’s plan for me?
(See Psalm 32:8–10, 68:6.)
• What perspectve of my tme on earth will help me to set my afecton on things above?
(See Hebrews 11:13, 16.)
• No mater what changes may occur, what is God’s goal for my life?
(See II Corinthians 4:7–10.)
• What attudes are God’s will for me in every situaton?
(See I Thessalonians 5:16–18.)
• When others’ decisions do not match my expectatons, what is the honorable way to respond?
(See Ephesians 5:21, I Peter 2:18.)
Haveyou ever been disappointed when a special occasion was canceled? Maybe you were looking forward to playing outside after your schoolwork, but it began to rain. Perhaps Dad began to read you a story but was interrupted by an important phone call. When plans change, do you complain or feel sorry for yourself, adding more stress to the situation? Or do you humbly and cheerfully adapt? You can trust God, knowing He is in control and nothing happens apart from His loving will. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God . . .” (Romans 8:28). Why would you be upset if you know God is bringing good purposes through the situation? By adjusting willingly and helping others to focus on another activity, you encourage your family and uplift others who may also feel disappointed.
Not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others
In 37 B.C., the Romans conquered most of the known world. They brought a system of roads, peaceful rule, and a shared language (Greek) which would later advance the Gospel throughout the world. The Romans appointed Herod as king of Judea. Herod harshly taxed the Jews and rashly executed anyone he perceived to be a threat to his power. During Herod’s tyrannical reign, two humble Jews entered into a covenant for marriage. As Joseph and Mary joyfully anticipated their life together, their plans suddenly changed. An angel appeared to each of them with a significant message: God was coming to earth in human form! Mary rejoiced that she would birth the
Son of God! Both Joseph and Mary responded in faith and obedience. Together they adapted their plans to prepare for God’s Son. Not long after, the pagan Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus, ordered that a census (an official count of all citizens) be taken. Each citizen was required to return to his family’s hometown to be counted. Was this inconvenient decree in God’s plan? How would Joseph and Mary respond? What other journeys would they take and why? Would the couple become upset each time their plans changed, or would they follow God in faith?
Let’s read the Bible story in Luke 2:1–7, Matthew 2:13–15, 2:19–23 and then discuss the following questions.
1. To what city did Joseph and Mary travel? Why? (See Luke 2:1–5.)
In what ways might your plans be changed or your routine be disrupted?
2. Why was it especially inconvenient for Joseph and Mary to travel at this time?
(See Luke 2:5–6.)
How should you respond when you are inconvenienced?
3. What did Joseph and Mary do when there was no room at the inn? (See Luke 2:7.)
When you hear that plans have changed, is it better to complain or to adjust willingly? Why?
(See Proverbs 17:22, Philippians 2:14–15.)
4. After Jesus was born, what did the angel tell Joseph to do? Why? (See Matthew 2:13.)
What attitude will help you accept God’s redirection in your life? (See Psalm 86:11.)
What does God ask you to do with your desires rather than insist on your own way?
(See James 4:7–8, 13–15.)
5. How quickly did Joseph obey the angel’s command? (See Matthew 2:14.)
Why should you obey right away instead of saying, “Just a minute”?
6. What prophecy was fulfilled because Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem? (See Luke 2:4–5, Micah 5:2.) What prophecy was fulfilled when Joseph fled to Egypt and later departed at God’s command? (See Matthew 2:13–15, Hosea 11:1.)
How long has God had a special plan for His children? (See II Timothy 1:9.)
7. What warning did God give to Joseph once they entered Israel? Where did Joseph take his family to live instead of Judea? (See Matthew 2:19–23.)
Are you willing to adjust your plans when asked?
Why does a flexible attitude encourage others?
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Biblical Character Illustrated 49-Booklet Set
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Power for True Success
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Hymns for the Family, Volumes 1–4
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Character Sketches, 4-Volume Set
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