“Watch your mouth!” This phrase has been uttered by many parents, teachers, and Children’s Leaders when dealing with children. Too often, children speak WAY before they think!
More often than that, the words that are spoken do a lot of damage to others. Learning to control the tongue is one of the hardest things a child can learn. In this lesson, the children will learn that our words have power! We should never just let them fly. We should always "T.H.I.N.K." before we speak.
Through the story of Creation, they will learn the power of God’s words to create the world. In the same way, our words have the power to build up or teardown. We must choose to "T.H.I.N.K." before we speak!
T = True
September 14, 2024 • Pastor Tyler Loy, SLAM
In this world, it’s very common for people to lie. People lie all the time. They try to cover up their mistakes,
keep people from knowing what REALLY happened, or keep people from finding out who they REALLY are; however, as Christians, we are commanded to live differently.
The children will learn from the story of Ananias and Sapphira the importance of telling the truth. They will learn in their lesson that half- truths are WHOLE lies, that lying is the opposite of Jesus, and that they must speak the truth - all the time, to everyone! The children will learn the importance of making sure every word that leaves their mouth is 100% true.
H = Helpful
September 21, 2024 • SLAM, Pastor Tyler Loy
Nobody enjoys being around a gossip or complainer. Complaining comes from a bad attitude. Gossip never helps anybody - only hurts! When someone gossips and complains, the words they are saying may technically be True, but they are not helpful. Gossip and complaints never help anybody. These kinds of words come from a bad spirit and a horrible attitude.
In this lesson, the children are going to learn about someone who paid a high price for their gossip and complaining! From the story of Korah in Numbers 16, they will learn all about the dangers of using our words to gossip and complain. It’s so important to “T.H.I.N.K. Before You Speak” and ensure that every word uttered is truly Helpful.
I = Inspiring
September 28, 2024 • SLAM, Katie Espejo
This world is full of people who have plenty of discouraging things to say. It doesn’t take much looking to find discouragement in this world. However, as Christians, we’re called to be encouragers - to lift people up. It may take a bit of work sometimes, but it’s our job to encourage and inspire others!
In the lesson, the children will learn to look for the good in the world and in others, to say the good they see, and to be encouraged as they encourage others. When you lift others up, you’ll be lifted up, too! It’s so important to “T.H.I.N.K. Before You Speak” and ensure that every word uttered is truly Inspiring to those who hear them.
N = Necessary
October 5, 2024 • SLAM, Pastor Tyler Loy
Ever known someone who talks too much? It’s like they have so much to say, but often their words are not well-placed or well-timed. When our words are many, the opportunity to say the wrong thing at the wrong time increases. Often, we (and others) would be better served by listening more and talking less.
In this lesson, the children will learn from the example of Jesus when He was arrested. Though He had every right to speak up and defend Himself, He was serving a higher purpose. He chose to limit His words to a few and only speak what was necessary. Learning to T.H.I.N.K. before we speak is not easy. If we will choose to ask ourselves, “Do I need to say this, now?”, we will save ourselves and others much heartache.
K = Kind
October 12, 2024 • SLAM, Pastor Tyler Loy
We live in a world that seems to celebrate when people disagree sharply with others. Arguments, fights, and disagreements dominate the daily news cycle. People use their words to tear others down, speak in anger, and more. This is not how Christians are supposed to conduct themselves. We are to use our words to bring healing to others. We should always choose kind words when we speak.
In this lesson, the children will learn how to speak kind words. They will continue to T.H.I.N.K. before they speak and ask themselves, “Is what I am about to say Kind?” If not, then they will choose not to say it.
