Humility
Set up an obstacle course of soft pillows, then try to make it through blindfolded. Discussion point: Pride makes us blind to our sinfulness, and to wisdom from God and others.
Set up a room as a “pride obstacle course” by padding the floor with cushions, mattresses and blankets. To illustrate how pride causes us to be “blind” to our own sins, begin by blindfolding one child. Have each of your children try to walk from one end of the room to the other without falling over the soft obstacles in their path. If a child is not comfortable wearing a blindfold, have them simply walk through the room with their eyes closed.
After each child has tried the “pride obstacle course,” discuss how pride can make us “blind” to our own sinfulness so that we see no need to repent of our sin before God. Refer to your choice of the Bible verses below before proceeding on to the second part of this activity.
Relevant Scripture
Psalm 36:1-2 “An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin.”
1 John 1:9-10 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word has no place in our lives.”
Proverbs 18:12 “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.”
To further illustrate humility and the importance of taking advice, have your children take turns walking through the room with your guidance. Some children will prefer to hold your hand, while others will enjoy the challenge of being guided verbally. After this experience, use the “questions for discussion” to compare the two outcomes and to review the importance of being willing to admit that we are sinful and that we need help from God and others.
Relevant Scripture
Psalm 25:9 “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.”
Proverbs 13:10 “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”
Proverbs 16:20 “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.”
Psalm 18:27 “You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.”
Proverbs 19:20 “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.”
Questions for discussion
- According to Psalm 36:1-2, what is pride?
- How can you tell when someone is proud?
- What does the Bible say will happen to those who are proud?
- What does the Bible say about those who listen to advice?
Key concepts
The Bible talks about the sinfulness of the wicked, beginning with a lack of respect for God. Pride can be defined as thinking so highly of ourselves that we do not even notice our sin. We can often tell when a person is proud because they will not admit that they do anything wrong; they always think they are right and refuse to take advice from others. God tells us that He will cause those who are proud to be “brought low” (or humbled). On the other hand, He promises to teach those who are humble His ways and that those who accept instruction will grow up to be wise and prosperous.
- Acceptance
- Adaptability
- Attentiveness
- Christmas
- Compassion
- Confidence
- Consideration
- Contentedness
- Cooperation
- Courage
- Courtesy
- Discernment
- Easter
- Faithfulness
- Forgiveness
- Generosity
- Gentleness
- Gratitude
- Harmony
- Honesty
- Humility
- Joy
- Kindness
- Obedience
- Patience
- Perseverance
- Respect
- Responsibility
- Reverence
- Righteousness
- Self-control
- Thanksgiving
