BCIC Flexibility Sample

Flexibility 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

A CHANGE IN PLANS FOR JOSEPH AND MARY “He took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt.”

MATTHEW 2:14b

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

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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 Flexibility in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

Lesson 1: Not Be Upset When Plans Change 8 Memory Verse: Proverbs 16:9

also people in the Bible who are repre-

9 Activity: Palm Tree Flexibility

sentations of poor character, and we can

Lesson 2:

Not Be Stubborn

13 Activity: Sticky but Not Stuck

Lesson 3:

See Change as Opportunity

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: Paul Meets New Opportunities

Illustrated in Life

16 Memory Verse: Colossians 3:2

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by

17 Activity: Create an Impromptu Story!

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

Lesson 4: Refuse to Compromise What Is Right 19 Bible Story: Three Friends Are Commanded to Bow 20 Memory Verse: Galatians 5:9 21 Activity: Crossword Puzzle

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patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were

12 Memory Verse: I Samuel 15:23

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written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: A Change in Plans for Joseph and Mary

11 Bible Story: A Captain Seeks a Cure

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ever things were written aforetime were

Additional Resources

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.

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 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 Flexibility?

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

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he operational 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 A palm tree’s flexible trunk and leaves flexible realizes allow it to endure storms, much like a that other people person’s flexibility enables him to adapt may have equally to life’s ever-changing circumstances. 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

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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 Willful resistance erects a wall his heart’s affection on between you and progress. “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).

Flexibility in Scripture

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

FLEXIBILITY KEY VERSE

see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

“Set your affection on things above, not on

Him so Christ can be seen through your life and

things on the earth.” COLOSSIANS 3:2

others will glorify God.

The Character of God

Flexibility in My Life

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.

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

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God rules over all, and nothing occurs outside of His sovereignty.

(See I Chronicles 29:11–12.)

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Jesus allowed the Holy Spirit to direct Him.

What might be the consequences of resisting my Heavenly Father’s plan for me?

(See Luke 4:1.)

(See Psalm 32:8–10, 68:6.)

Jesus was not upset by interruptions, and He welcomed opportunities to minister to those in need.

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Jesus made Himself available to those with illnesses who came to Him for healing.

Even though He was weary, Jesus offered “living water” to someone who was spiritually thirsty.

(See John 4:6–10.)

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What perspective of my time on earth will help me to set my affection on things above?

(See Hebrews 11:13, 16.)

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(See Matthew 4:23–24.)

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What should I do when asked to set aside something I want?

(See Mark 1:16–18, Luke 9:23.)

(See Luke 8:40–44, 47–50; Matthew 19:13–15.)

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What should I consider when planning ahead?

(See James 4:13–17.)

God is willing and able to reshape lives that submit to the loving guidance of His hand.

(See Jeremiah 18:3–6.)

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No matter what changes may occur, what is God’s goal for my life?

(See II Corinthians 4:7–10.)

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What attitudes are God’s will for me in every situation?

(See I Thessalonians 5:16–18.)

The Holy Spirit fulfills God’s plan by guiding believers according to the Father’s words.

When others’ decisions do not match my expectations, what is the honorable way to respond?

(See John 16:13.)

(See Ephesians 5:21, I Peter 2:18.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Not Be Upset When Plans Change

INTRODUCTION

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ave you 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.

A Change in Plans for Joseph and Mary

FLEXIBILITY Not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others 6

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1

A Change in Plans for Joseph and Mary

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n 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

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.)

Not Be Upset When Plans Change

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.

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.)

4. After Jesus was born, what did the angel tell Joseph to do? Why? (See Matthew 2:13.)

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.)

What attitude will help you accept God’s redirection in your life? (See Psalm 86:11.)

Are you willing to adjust your plans when asked?

Why does a flexible attitude encourage others?

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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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Philippians 2:20–21

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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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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

Proverbs 22:3

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I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

Galatians 6:9

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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

I Thessalonians 2:7

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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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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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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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