BCIC Initiative Sample

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

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” ROMANS 12:21

REBEKAH SWIFTLY WELCOMES A VISITOR “And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.”

GENESIS 24:19

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Organizer

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 Initiative in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1:

Look for Ways to Help Others

7 Bible Story: A King Equips His Son to Build God’s House 8 Memory Verse: Hebrews 13:16 9 Activity: Initiative Binoculars

10 Lesson 2:

Seek His Direction

11 Bible Story: Turmoil at the Tower!

12 Memory Verse: Proverbs 3:5–6 13 Activity: Tower of Babel Pop-Up Card

14 Lesson 3:

Act Promptly

15 Bible Story: Rebekah Swiftly Welcomes a Visitor 16 Memory Verse: Psalm 119:60 17 Activity: Initiative Dash!

18 Lesson 4: Be Part of His Solution to a Problem 19 Bible Story: Abigail Steps In to Help 20 Memory Verse: Romans 12:21 21 Activity: Word Search

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Additional Resources

ever 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.

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.

22 Initiative GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Must I Go, and Empty-Handed?”

25 H ymn History: “Must I Go, and Empty-Handed?”

by Charles C. Luther 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 Initiative?

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

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he operational definition of initiative is “recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it.” How can you recognize what needs to be done?

First of all, remember what is expected of you and fully complete your assignments. Then, if you notice something that you should do, don’t wait to be told to do it! Can you discern what should be done and do it before Mom asks you to? When you are told to do a task and you do it, that is obedience. Doing what you should before you are told is initiative. After you promptly fulfill your responsibilities, look around and consider other ways God might want you to help or to offer a creative solution. The Lord may even use your cheerful willingness to rally others to action! When everyone takes initiative, Canada geese illustrate initiative by the whole day goes taking turns to break the wind and lead better because the flock in a “V” formation. schoolwork and chores can be accomplished more efficiently, and other practical needs can be met, such as refilling the toilet paper holder, folding laundry, or sharpening pencils.

The opposite of initiative is unresponsiveness. Unresponsiveness describes someone who is not communicating or taking action. Could you imagine the devastation that would result if firefighters did not respond to calls for help? Someone who is unresponsive ignores the needs around him and the promptings God gives

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him. He may be distracted, focused on something else, or selfishly ignoring people because he doesn’t feel like helping. Perhaps he is lazy and waits for someone else to act or lead. He may lack the desire, energy, and resolve needed to put helpful, good ideas into action.

To overcome unresponsiveness, he can repent and ask God to bring needs to his attention and give him the motivation and commitment to follow His lead.

When taking initiative, know when and how a task needs to be done. Consider your responsibilities before offering to help.

Unresponsiveness on a heart monitor Some needs can reveals a serious medical situation, just as be met quickly unresponsiveness to God and others reveals and the solution a lack of health in the Body of Christ. is obvious, such as wiping up a spill or opening a door for someone. On the other hand, some needs may require more of your time. For example, your church may request volunteers to help with a community service day. While this might seem like a great opportunity to serve, first ask yourself, “Do I have another commitment to fulfill during that time?” and “Have I checked with my parents before volunteering to help?” These questions will help you to know if this is a time for you to act. Be wise about when you take initiative. Make sure that you do not neglect your previous commitments or leave assignments undone when offering to help.

Initiative in Scripture

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

INITIATIVE KEY VERSE

see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” ROMANS 12:21

Him so Christ can be seen through your life and others will glorify God.

The Character of God

Initiative in My Life

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

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

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Before anything existed, God began and completed the creation of the world.

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(See Genesis 1:1, 26.)

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God initiated redemption and forgiveness while we were yet sinners.

(See Proverbs 3:27–28.)

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(See Romans 5:8, I John 4:19.)

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God’s Word is sure to perform what He sends it to do.

Jesus began a conversation with the woman at the well so He could give her the true knowledge of God.

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Jesus recognized people’s needs and met them according to the Father’s will.

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Jesus noticed Zacchaeus in the tree and announced that He was going to his house.

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The Holy Spirit moved Philip to approach the Ethiopian at the right time and place.

(See Acts 8:26–30.)

How can I be prepared for attacks from the devil?

(See Ephesians 6:11, 18.)

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(See Luke 19:5.)

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Who helps me to remember and apply Jesus’ words today?

(See John 14:25–26.)

(See Mark 6:34, Luke 13:12, John 5:30.)

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When I recognize that people need Jesus, what action can I take?

(See Matthew 9:36–38.)

(See John 4:6–7, 24–26.)

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When I become aware that I have offended someone, who should take the initiative to make things right?

(See Matthew 5:23–24.)

(See Isaiah 55:10–12, Jeremiah 1:12.)

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If I am able to help, what might God want me to do?

If I fail to do the good that I ought to do, what does God call my negligence?

(See James 4:17.)

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How can I take initiative to follow the Lord fully?

(Romans 12:1–2, II Corinthians 8:5.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Act Promptly INTRODUCTION

hen you see a need that requires immediate

attention, don’t delay! How important is it to act right away? For example, what may happen if you see your little brother running toward the street and you don’t stop him?

He could get hit by a car! Even everyday chores need to be done promptly. What happens when you procrastinate with taking out the trash? The trashcan could overflow or an odor develop! Keeping up with small tasks helps with harmony in the home. God may bring a situation to your attention because He wants you to act promptly. “I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments” (Psalm 119:60).

Sometimes you may need to ask an authority before meeting a need, but when you know what you should do and the situation is urgent, step in promptly and help!

Rebekah Swiftly Welcomes a Visitor

INITIATIVE Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it 14

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 3 Act Promptly

Rebekah Swiftly Welcomes a Visitor

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braham and Sarah were very old when God kept His promise to give them a son. They named their

baby “Isaac.” The couple rejoiced, knowing that God would continue to fulfill His covenant with Abraham through Isaac. After Isaac turned forty years old, an important task remained: finding him a wife. Abraham called his chief servant and entrusted him with the task of finding a bride. The woman must not come from the ungodly Canaanites living nearby but from among Abraham’s own people. Gathering camels and provisions, the faithful servant departed on the long journey.

One day as evening drew near, he arrived just outside the

1. Who came to the well before Abraham’s servant finished praying? What did he ask Rebekah?

(See Genesis 24:15–17.)

What are your chores? What other tasks could you offer to help with?

city of Nahor, where Abraham’s relatives lived. Stopping at a well, the servant prayed that God would show him the right bride for Isaac. Aware that women would soon come to draw water from the well, the servant prayed that the right young lady would offer him a drink . . . and also volunteer to draw water for his camels! What would happen even before the servant finished praying? How would God answer his prayer? Who would see the need and volunteer to water all the thirsty camels? Would she act promptly and cheerfully to complete the huge task?

Let’s read the Bible story in Genesis 24:15–32 and then discuss the following questions.

Why is it important to follow through when you offer to help? (See Proverbs 25:13, 19.)

6. What other questions did Abraham’s servant ask her? (See Genesis 24:23.) What was Rebekah’s response? (See Genesis 24:25.)

2. What was Rebekah’s response? Did she act quickly or reluctantly? (See Genesis 24:18.)

How can you promptly welcome others and show hospitality?

What attitudes and actions communicate an eagerness to help?

7. While Abraham’s servant waited at the well, how did Rebekah act swiftly to prepare her family for this guest? (See Genesis 24:28.)

3. What else did Rebekah notice? Did she offer to help without being asked? (See Genesis 24:19.)

When you finish a task, should you leave or should you offer to do something else? (See Matthew 5:41.)

4. If one thirsty camel drinks 30 gallons of water, how much water did Rebekah possibly draw?

(See Genesis 24:10.)

How can you maintain an energetic attitude when working on a mundane or challenging task?

(See Colossians 3:23–24.)

5. Did Rebekah take her time as she worked? Did she fulfill her commitment? (See Genesis 24:20–22a.)

When others are waiting on you, how can you make the wait time as short as possible?

8. Who else ran to help? What did he do?

(See Genesis 24:29, 31–32.)

Who may be motivated to serve when they see your example?

9. Was Abraham’s servant successful in his mission to find a wife for Isaac? (See Genesis 24:50–52.)

Was Rebekah prompt to follow God’s leading?

(See Genesis 24:58, 61.)

When can you be quick to extend hospitality?

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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

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Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

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I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

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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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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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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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