Serving Challenge Kids: An 11-Day Adventure to Serve Like JesusSample

Why Should We Serve?

Today is all about our attitude, or mindset—how we think about serving. Our attitude is like the SEEDS from which a tree grows and the ROOTS that hold it in place.

God designed us to help others. Scientists who study the brain found that helping people stimulates the same part of the brain as when we win a prize or eat a delicious meal. So, when people say serving feels good, they are right!

Just as seeds come in different shapes and sizes and spread differently, there are many kinds of servants and ways to serve. The Bible talks about many servants, and each one is unique. Here are just two examples:

• Mary. When the angel told Jesus’s mother, Mary, that she would become pregnant with the Son of God, she described herself as a servant.

“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.”Luke 1:38 (ESV)

• Paul. The apostle Paul said he was a slave to everyone, even non-Christians.

“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible.” 1 Corinthians 9:19 (NIV)

Being a servant in this world may seem like a challenging job. But even if something is small, it is still powerful. Seeds teach us that. For example, one orchid seed pod holds up to three million seeds! And if you drive through an enormous forest, just remember: all those trees began as seeds. So, small things can do big things. A kid can change the world. God will make possible what seems impossible!

Challenge:

What might be keeping you from being a servant? Choose the top 3 below and/or add your own.

• I am small.
• I am young.
• I am quiet.
• I am shy.
• I am not smart.
• I can’t read.
• I don’t have friends.
• I don’t understand Jesus.
• I have doubts.
• I don’t like to talk to strangers.
• I get tired easily.
• I just like to stay home.
• I am not athletic.
• I don’t like to clean.
• I don’t like to volunteer.

God can take what you think is a negative and turn it into a positive. He can take what you think is wrong with you and use it to change the world. So, pray that God’s power will help you overcome these negative thoughts.