BCIC Orderliness Sample

Orderliness Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” I CORINTHIANS 14:40

NEHEMIAH CLEANSES THE TEMPLE “Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.”

NEHEMIAH 13:9

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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Introduction 2 3 4 5

How to Use This Curriculum Goals and Objectives Character Quality Overview Orderliness in Scripture

6 Lesson 1:

Eliminate Clutter

7 Bible Story: Nehemiah Cleanses the Temple 8 Memory Verse: I Corinthians 14:33, 40 9 Activity: Away with This Mess!

10 Lesson 2: Put Things Where They Belong 11 Bible Story: Creation Displays the Order of God 12 Memory Verse: Genesis 1:9 13 Activity: Word Search

14 Lesson 3: Use Things Only for Their Intended Purposes 15 Bible Story: From Symbol of Mercy to Object of Idolatry 16 Memory Verse: I Corinthians 6:19–20 17 Activity: Right Use, Wrong Use

18 Lesson 4:

Establish Priorities

19 Bible Story: The Pharisees’ Misplaced Priorities 20 Memory Verse: Matthew 6:33–34 21 Activity: Putting First Things First

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Additional Resources 22 23 24 25

Orderliness GEMs Journal and GEM Mine Hymn Sheet Music: “This Is My Father’s World” Hymn History: “This Is My Father’s World”

by Maltbie D. Babcock 26 Explaining Salvation to a Child 27 Reproducible Coloring Pages 31 Recommended Resources

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.

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.

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Orderliness?

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

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he operational definition of orderliness is “prepar-

spent searching to find the articles you want. However,

ing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve

if you maintain a system of tossing your dirty laundry

the greatest efficiency.” Being efficient means you do a

into the hamper and keeping your clean clothes hung

task successfully, without wasting time or energy. Your

in the closet or neatly folded in a drawer, you will save

desk is one of your “surroundings.” You can prepare

time and bring order to your room! An undisciplined

this place to be productive by organizing your school

and disorganized person does not realize that clutter

supplies so you can quickly find what you need for each

is a thief of his time, space, and peace.

assignment. The kitchen is another surrounding you can arrange so that you work more efficiently. You can keep stirring spoons next to the stove or store dishes near the dishwasher to avoid unnecessary trips around the kitchen. Another way to prepare for efficiency is to organize your time.

Taking a few moments in the evening to tidy your room, choose your clothing, and plan the next day will help you save time and effort in the morn­ing.

Once you make the effort to establish order in your Consistently keeping your belongings organized will help develop a habit that will bring peace and harmony to your life.

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home, you will be amazed at how much extra time you will “find”!

The goal of orderliness, however, is greater than gaining more time and a better system of organization. The more significant reason for ordering your life is so you are more productive in serving God and others. Keeping this in mind will help you guard against frustration when your schedule is interrupted. What seems like an interruption may actually be God redirecting

When your possessions are left in disarray, you demonstrate ungratefulness, unconcern, and disrespect for what God and others have given you.

you to serve Him differently than you had planned.

Company may unexpectedly stop by, or you may be asked to get a tool to help your Dad with a project. God

The opposite of orderliness

may bring someone along who needs a listening ear

is disorganization. When your room is untidy and your

or moment of prayer. Rejoice in what He allows and

day chaotic, your whole life can feel out of balance!

calmly trust that He always brings what is best. An

Leaving your clothes on the floor of your room may

orderly home will help you be ready for these changes.

seem easier than taking the time to put them where

When everything is in its place, you will be ready to

they belong. But, as the piles grow, more time will be

jump in with a smile and meet the needs around you.

Photos courtesy of Caitlin Compton

Orderliness in Scripture

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

ORDERLINESS KEY VERSE

see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

I CORINTHIANS 14:40

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

The Character of God

Orderliness in My Life

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

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

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God, at the beginning of Creation, organized time into day and night, seasons, and years.

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(See Genesis 1:5, 14.)

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God set clear boundaries between what is holy and what is unholy.

(See Luke 12:15, II Timothy 2:3–4.)

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(See Leviticus 10:9–11, Exodus 30:34–38.)

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God ordained a schedule of annual feasts so that Israel would have regular opportunities to draw near to Him. Jesus will one day establish and order His Kingdom on earth, ruling forever with a wholly just government.

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Jesus, before distributing the food, organized the crowd of 5,000 people into groups of fifty.

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Jesus, knowing His time on earth was limited, arranged His schedule to make helping and healing people a priority.

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The Holy Spirit organized the first century church by appointing leaders who would take care in the spiritual feeding of the flock of believers.

(See Acts 20:28.)

In addition to keeping my appearance and surroundings tidy, how can I keep my heart and conscience cleansed?

(See II Corinthians 7:1, Psalm 19:12–14.)

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(See John 9:4.)

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Does the beginning of my day include seeking the Lord’s direction?

(See Psalm 37:23.)

(See Luke 9:13–15.)

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Do I work at making my penmanship easy for others to read?

(See Habakkuk 2:2.)

(See Isaiah 9:7.)

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When I find an item that someone has lost, what should I do with it?

(See Deuteronomy 22:1–2.)

(See Leviticus 23:4–44.)

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What excess possessions do I need to eliminate from my life and why?

What should my priorities be and why?

(See Matthew 6:31–33.)

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Am I careful not to let good works and good character displace my “first love,” Jesus Christ?

(See Revelation 2:2–5.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Eliminate Clutter INTRODUCTION

H

ave you heard the saying, “Too much of a good

thing?” How can a “good thing” be harmful? Shoes are a good thing. You probably have school shoes, church shoes, and play shoes. They each have their place to fit neatly in your closet. What if you had twenty pairs of shoes all over your closet floor, and you couldn’t even get to your clothes and other belongings?

The shoes have become clutter and are no longer a good thing!

Just as physical clutter can hinder your surroundings, so “spiritual clutter” can reduce your effectiveness for God’s Kingdom. When a person becomes busy with Bible studies, fellowships, and other “good” activities but neglects his daily time with God, then the excess “good” has become harmful. Ask God to help you see any clutter that would keep you from His best.

Nehemiah Cleanses the Temple

ORDERLINESS Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency 6

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1 Eliminate Clutter

Nehemiah Cleanses the Temple

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ehemiah, a Jew carried away captive to Babylon, served as the Persian king’s cupbearer. Nehemiah

joy and singing. Nehemiah served as Jerusalem’s governor for the next twelve years and then returned

loved Jerusalem and grieved because the city lay in ruin.

to his duties in Babylon. After Nehemiah left, the people

After prayerfully seeking God and securing permission

began to violate the laws of God they had promised

and funding from the king, Nehemiah returned to

to obey. When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem after

Jerusalem to organize the city wall’s repair. While

some time, he found that there was no room in the

rebuilding the wall, Nehemiah experienced great

Temple to store what God had ordained to be kept there.

opposition from two enemies: Tobiah the Ammonite and

What disorder did Nehemiah find in the Temple? What

his ally Sanballat. The determined leader did not allow

“clutter” had crept into the hearts of the people and

their mocking to deter him. In only fifty-two days, the

displaced their love for God? Would Nehemiah be able

protective, stone wall around Jerusalem was finished!

to eliminate the clutter and restore order in the land?

At the dedication ceremony, Ezra the scribe read aloud from God’s Law, and the people celebrated with great

Let’s read the Bible story in Nehemiah 13:1–22 and then discuss the following questions.

1. What had the high priest Eliashib done for Tobiah the Ammonite? (See Nehemiah 13:4–5a.) Why was this wrong? (See Nehemiah 13:1–2, 7.)

5. What had happened to the Levites? What did Nehemiah do to reestablish the care of the keepers of the Temple? (See Nehemiah 13:10–13.)

What unnecessary possessions or activities are you allowing in your life?

Who has God placed in authority over you to help you learn to maintain order?

2. What had God ordained to be kept in that large room? For whom were these items reserved?

(See Nehemiah 13:5b.)

6. What were the people doing on the Sabbath?

(See Nehemiah 13:15–17.) Why was this practice unacceptable? (See Nehemiah 10:31.)

What things are important to keep? How can you make room for the more essential items you need?

What good items can create disorder when kept in the wrong place or used at the wrong time?

3. What did Nehemiah do when he learned about Eliashib’s action? (See Nehemiah 13:8.)

7. How did Nehemiah eliminate the buying and selling on the Sabbath? (See Nehemiah 13:19.)

What books, movies, music, and activities distract you from hearing God? What changes might you need to make in your life?

How can you guard against clutter among your possessions and your time?

4. What was done after Tobiah’s possessions were removed? (See Nehemiah 13:9.)

How does your family prepare the living area for company or family times together?

8. What else did Nehemiah do to guard the Sabbath from distractions? (See Nehemiah 13:20–22.)

God’s order of time provides for a day of rest and worship. (See Exodus 20:8–11.) What activities may detract from those purposes?

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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

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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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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

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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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E

S

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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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G

S

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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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

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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

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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

E

Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

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

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Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Discover this unique tool that uses the stories in Scripture to illuminate character qualities God wants to develop in the lives of His people. This curriculum contains multiple ways to teach character to kids and give them a vision for building character through faith in Christ!

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OTHER BIBLICAL CHARACTER RESOURCES

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Insightful, Biblical studies on all 49 character qualities

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