In the age of Facebook we’ve all had the unpleasant experience of seeing a group of people we know having a wonderful time somewhere equally wonderful without us. If we’re any sort of normal we feel a little pang of hurt or jealousy, or both. No one- no matter how confident- likes to be left out. We all have this innate desire to be a part of a pack in some form.
Some of us find that this desire to be included comes from the fact that we ourselves are “includers.” We don’t like to see anyone left out. In some cases this is so true that we see it as our personal responsibility to include others…everyone. This can be both a blessing and a burden.
If you’ve been a believer for very long at all, you’ve most likely heard this argument… “If God is so loving then how can He leave so many people “out” by saying following Jesus is the only way to Him?”
Maybe the root of this argument is something as simple as those people are themselves includers and/or they know firsthand what it means to be left out. Those that pose what can feel like a very divisive question may be searching for real answers in Jesus, but their hearts are having a hard time accepting that someone – maybe someone they know and love- will be left out.
This is a tough topic, but one I felt very strongly the Lord wanted the kids to know and learn about. This past Sunday we tackled it. We learned that God is both inclusive (He loves the world) and exclusive (Jesus is the only way to Him). With hoola-hoops, stories of walking down different paths at Kennesaw Mountain, examples of being invited to a birthday party, and two important Scriptures (Matthew 7:13-14 and John 3:16), we tackled it.
For a topic that is even hard- and at times divisive- among adults, the kids grabbed hold. For this, I am so very grateful. God is faithful to reveal Himself to us…all of us- no matter the age. God wants us to tackle the hard topics. God wants to include us not just in a loose term sort of way, but in a very literal way.
We have a God Who invites us in; into His family and into what He’s doing. Are we doing the same for Him?
This Week’s Announcements:
What are you doing for Thanksgiving?
Want to say ‘thanks’ to those who serve your children? Want to give back in some way? It won’t cost you a thing…except a little time.
Sunday, November 30th is not only the Sunday after Thanksgiving, it is one of those rare (okay…four times a year is not that rare)- 5th Sundays. Since our volunteers are scheduled on a four Sundays a month schedule, this leaves us with some spots to be filled. If you are in town and willing to say “thanks for serving” by serving yourself, please contact Christina Busey at christina@stonebridgemarietta.org to see how you can serve on November 30th. *We will need help in all ages, so claim the spot and age group you want!
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view our lessons from 11/9.
This link is no longer available
Funny Things Kids Do and Say…
While making the point about God’s desire to “include” us to a group of 4k and Kindergarten children, I used the example of a birthday party; one where I would personally invite all of them. After describing this party in detail, complete with what we’d do, and how they had the choice to accept my invitation or not, one 4 year old raised her hand. Thinking she had a question about the Truth I had just very eloquently made clear for them, I called on her. Instead of asking a question, she announced that she would have to ask her mom for permission to come to my party. She was concerned that I wanted to play tag at my party because she didn’t know if her mom would let her play that game. This interaction reminded me just how humble kids can keep us!
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