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Discernment

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Wisdom boot camp

Physical activity

Create a mini physical fitness camp for your kids.

Discussion point: Just as we train to be physically fit, we need to train to be spiritually strong too.

When you’re on a walk, running around at the park or out bike riding, talk about the concept of physical training for fitness and how we also need to “train” or exercise for spiritual growth.

You may also wish to create a learning opportunity by conducting a mini boot camp for your kids. For even more of a challenge, try doing the spiritual growth “exercise” of saying your memory verse while you are exercising physically.

Here are some suggested conditioning exercises for your boot camp. Search online for specific instructions for each exercise and plan to alternate strengthening exercises with cardiovascular challenges:

  • crunches or mini sit-ups
  • running laps or stairs
  • push-ups
  • tuck jumps
  • triceps dips
  • star jumps
  • wall sits
  • side-to-side jumps over a line
  • plank exercises
  • front-to-back jumps over a line
  • side bridge exercises
  • jumping jacks
  • lunges
  • burpees.

In the days to come, when you notice unpleasant behaviour in one of your children, remind your child that it’s time to do some “spiritual training” by praying and/or reviewing your memory verse.

Questions for discussion
  • What do we need to grow physically?
  • According to the Bible, in what ways did Jesus grow? (See Luke 2:52.)
  • How do we grow in wisdom?
  • What do you think it means to grow “in favour with God and man”?
  • How can you grow in favour with God and man?
  • Do you think God is more concerned about our spiritual growth or our physical growth?
Key concepts

The Bible compares the value of physical training with the importance of spiritual training. It says physical training is of some value, but godliness has value now and forever. The Bible says that Jesus grew in physical stature and in wisdom, and in favour with God and man. This means that God was pleased with Him and that other people also appreciated the way Jesus acted.

We can grow in wisdom too by spending time with wise people, by reading the Bible and by listening to God. God is happy when we show our love for Him by obeying His Word. Others feel respected and loved when we treat them as we would like to be treated ourselves.

Relevant Scripture

Luke 2:52 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”

John 14:23 “Jesus answered him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’ ”

1 Timothy 4:8 “. . .for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

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