BCIC Responsibility Sample

Responsibility Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” ROMANS 14:12

MIRIAM WATCHES HER LITTLE BROTHER “And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. . . . Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?”

EXODUS 2:4, 7

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 Responsibility in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1:

Be Faithful in Small Things

written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: Miriam Watches Her Little Brother

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: Luke 16:10

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

9 Activity: The Right Hat for the Job

also people in the Bible who are repre-

10 Lesson 2:

Stop Making Excuses

11 Bible Story: The King, the Excuse, and the Consequence 12 Memory Verse: I Samuel 15:22 13 Activity: No Excuses Here!

14 Lesson 3: Take Good Care of Things Entrusted to Me 15 Bible Story: David Tends His Father’s Sheep 16 Memory Verse: Romans 14:12 17 Activity: Word Search

18 Lesson 4:

Remember He Is Watching

19 Bible Story: Silver, Gold, and a Babylonish Garment 20 Memory Verse: Job 34:21 21 Activity: What God Sees

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ever things were written aforetime were

Additional Resources

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 us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

22 Responsibility GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning” 25 H ymn History: “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning” by Philip P. Bliss 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 Responsibility?

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

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he operational definition of responsibility is “knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me.” You can know what God expects from you by reading His Word. As you obey His Word, you will also fulfill your duties toward others, such as loving them, forgiving them, and meeting their practical needs. When an assignment is given to you by your parents, they trust that you will complete it. Once you thoroughly finish the task, you have shown responsibility. You knew A responsible person finds joy what you needed to do in pleasing both God and his and you did it. Sometimes authorities as he accomplishes the responsible choice what is expected of him. involves sacrifice, such as waiting to play until you have finished your schoolwork or setting aside a planned activity so you can help someone else. However, responsibility reaps the invaluable rewards of a good name, greater privileges, and a clear conscience. (See Proverbs 22:1.)

The opposite of responsibility is unreliability. A person who is unreliable does not consider his assignments important, so he does not think through what is required to fulfill them. His tasks are often late, incomplete, or forgotten. He may think: “This job can wait until tomorrow. I’ll play now!” At other times, he may not pay attention or understand what is expected. Rather than ask for help or clearer instructions, he may use his lack

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of understanding as an excuse to delay doing the job. An unreliable person may quickly offer to help someone but then fail to follow through. Because others cannot rely on him to finish his tasks, they must often remind him of his duties. Greater freedoms or opportunities are not granted to him because he has not been faithful with smaller tasks. The irresponsible person will regret the way he foolishly handled his earthly assignments when he stands before God to answer for himself.

Knowing and doing what God expects of you prepares you for the day of accountability. Romans 14:12 says, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Do you search God’s Word and yield to what He would have you to think, say, and do? As you approach each situation or task, do you apply yourself with a good attitude? Do you complete your responsibilities wholeheartedly, knowing that you serve the Lord and that He is your An unreliable person, like an unstable Rewarder? If so, bridge, does not give others confidence when your works that he will do what he is expected to do. are tried, you will be able to joyfully receive lasting rewards from your Savior. (See I Corinthians 3:13–15.) No praise will bring greater joy than hearing Christ say: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:21).

Responsibility in Scripture

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

RESPONSIBILITY KEY VERSE

see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

“So then every one of us shall give account

Him so Christ can be seen through your life and

of himself to God.” Romans 14:12

others will glorify God.

The Character of God

Responsibility in My Life

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

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

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God is faithful to deal lovingly toward His children, just as He said He would.

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(See Psalm 89:33–34, 119:65.)

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God always keeps His promises.

(See Joshua 21:45.)

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God will fully accomplish the sanctifying work He begins in the believer at salvation.

(See I Thessalonians 5:23–24.)

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Jesus said and did only what His Father wanted Him to say and do.

(See John 5:30, 12:49.)

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Jesus, the Son of God, did not owe earthly taxes, yet as the Son of man, He respected the civil authorities by paying what was expected.

(See Luke 16:10–11.)

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As He died, Jesus made sure that His mother would be cared for by transferring the responsibilities of a son to His disciple John.

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The Holy Spirit fulfills His role, convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.

(See John 16:7–8.)

What should I do before I make a commitment and why?

(See Luke 14:28–30.)

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What does God expect of those who serve Him? (See Micah 6:8, Romans 13:8.)

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When I do not complete my tasks, how does that impact those relying on me?

(See Proverbs 25:19.)

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What will result when I am not responsible to do my work or I waste time?

(See Proverbs 10:4–5, 18:9.)

(See John 19:25–27.)

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For what will God hold me responsible on the Day of Judgment?

(See Matthew 12:36–37, II Corinthians 5:10.)

(See Matthew 17:27.)

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When am I ready to be entrusted with greater responsibility?

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Who gives me the strength to accomplish my God-given tasks?

(See Philippians 2:12–16.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Be Faithful in Small Things

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INTRODUCTION

ave you ever wanted your parents to give

you something, only to hear, “Maybe when you are older”?

Perhaps you dreamed of owning a pet or using your dad’s tools. With every new privilege comes greater responsibility. Even as a child, you are responsible for how you interact with others, care for your possessions, and fulfill your tasks. Proverbs 20:11 says: “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” You may not see great value in taking out the trash or washing dishes, but consistent dependability in everyday tasks will win the trust of your authorities. They will then be ready to give you greater responsibilities and privileges. As you faithfully complete smaller tasks, keep in mind that God is preparing you for greater ones!

Miriam Watches Her Little Brother

RESPONSIBILITY Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me 6

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1 Be Faithful in Small Things

Miriam Watches Her Little Brother

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uring a severe famine, an Egyptian ruler had

ing that every Hebrew baby boy be found and thrown

welcomed Joseph, Jacob, and their families to live

into the crocodile-infested Nile River! During this

in his country. At that time, their group numbered

time of harsh persecution, a Hebrew couple named

seventy people. Now, after their families had increased

Amram and Jochebed gave birth to their third child, a

greatly, a new pharaoh came to power. He feared the

baby boy. Jochebed successfully hid her newborn son

Israelites because they outnumbered his own people!

for three months from those who sought to kill him.

Pharaoh tried to limit their growth by enslaving them

The time soon came when she could no longer keep

to hard labor. When this harsh plan did not weaken

him quietly hidden. Would Jochebed and her daughter

them, Pharaoh next gave horrifying orders: He

Miriam be able to protect the baby? Could Miriam’s

commanded the Hebrew midwives to kill the infant

faithfulness in a small task save her brother and,

boys as soon as they were born! But the midwives

ultimately, her nation?

feared God and did not obey the cruel demand.

Let’s read the Bible story in Exodus 1:22–2:10 and

Pharaoh’s new orders went throughout Egypt, declar-

then discuss the following questions.

1. What did Jochebed make for her son and why?

Why was it important that she make it waterproof? (See Exodus 2:3.)

4. What did Pharaoh’s daughter tell Miriam to do?

Did Miriam follow through on her offer?

(See Exodus 2:7–8.)

What tasks in your home do you see that need to be done? Why should you do even the smallest task well? (See Colossians 3:23–25.)

2. How did Miriam show loving concern for her baby brother Moses? (See Exodus 2:4.)

In what ways can you show special care for your brothers and sisters?

3. Who found the baby? Did Miriam wait to be called upon, or did she step forward to offer help?

(See Exodus 2:5–7.)

When you see a mess in the kitchen or someone carrying in groceries, how might you help? Do you wait until you are told to help or do you offer willingly?

When you offer to do a job, do you follow through?

5. What did the daughter of Pharaoh tell Jochebed to do? (See Exodus 2:9.) Some time later, what difficult task did Jochebed fulfill as was expected of her? (See Exodus 2:10.)

Which responsibilities do you find difficult to fulfill? Who can give you the grace to accomplish them? (See Colossians 1:11.)

6. How did God use young Miriam’s faithfulness to later affect the future of the entire nation of Israel? (See Numbers 33:1.)

Can you always foresee the impact of being faithful in small tasks? As you fulfill your responsibilities, Whom should you please? (See I Thessalonians 4:1.)

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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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