Children are typically focused on themselves, but it is our responsibility as
parents, grandparents, Sunday School teachers, and friends to help them think
outside of their own needs and wants. Tell them the story Jesus told about serving
others.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed
by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the
world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me
drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed
me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then
the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and
feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger
and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or
in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you,
as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters you did it to
me.’” Matthew 25:34-40 (ESV)
When it comes to serving others, there are some things children cannot do such as
building a house for Habitat or driving someone to a doctor. But there are many things
they can do. Here are some ideas for you.
Children can serve God by serving the community and the world.
● Kids can give a portion of their money to God’s work.
A parent might provide three jars for their children. In the first jar labeled God’s
work, they put a tenth of their funds to give to the Church. In the second jar,
they put a portion for saving. In the third jar, they put the rest for spending at
their discretion. Each year our elementary children decide who receives the
offering
they gave during the previous year. Some past recipients are Heifer
International, Shrine Hospital for Burned Children, Children’s Activity Center,
Presbyterian Children’s Homes, and Medical Benevolence Foundation.
● Kids can select food at the grocery store for hungry people and put the food
in the baskets near the Sanctuary.
● Kids can sort through their toys and donate some to CCSC (Christian
Community Service Center). Summer is a great time for spring cleaning.
● Kids can donate outgrown clothes to the CCSC Back to School program.
Children can serve God by serving their church family.
● Kids can usher during the worship services with their parents.
● Kids can go with their parents and visit shut-ins.
● Kids can sing in the children’s choir.
● Kids can invite others who may be lonely to play with them.
Perhaps they can bring a friend with them to church.
● On Sundays, kids can help older people by going to get a bulletin for
someone who forgot, opening the door for an older person, or simply speaking
audibly and politely to an adult.
Children can serve God by serving their family.
● Kids can set the table or make beds.
● Kids can feed a pet.
● Kids can be nice to their siblings and parents.
Help a child you love learn to serve God by serving others.
