Lesson: James 3:4 (Ages 6-8)

📖 James 3:4 – Ages 6-8

Explanation

Just like a big ship needs a small rudder to steer it in the right direction, our words can steer our lives in different ways, too. The Bible teaches us that our words are powerful and can guide us in the way we should go.

Imagine your words are like the rudder of a ship. When you use kind and loving words, you can steer yourself towards happiness and good things. But if you use mean or hurtful words, you might end up in a not-so-happy place.

God wants us to use our words wisely, just like a skilled pilot guides a ship. By speaking kindly, encouraging others, and sharing love, we can steer our lives in a positive direction and make God proud.

Remember, even though words may seem small, they have a big impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. So let's choose our words carefully and always strive to steer towards goodness and love!

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a little squirrel named Sammy who loved to go on adventures in the forest. One day, Sammy found a tiny boat by the riverbank and decided to hop on board. As he sailed down the river, he marveled at how the boat moved so smoothly with just a small rudder guiding it.

Suddenly, a strong wind blew, and the boat started to sway wildly. Sammy panicked, thinking he would crash into the riverbank. But then he remembered the verse from the Bible: "Look at ships also: though they are so large and driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs."

With courage, Sammy steered the rudder in the right direction, and to his amazement, the boat sailed safely through the storm. From that day on, Sammy learned that even the smallest things can make a big difference, just like the tiny rudder on a ship.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for guiding us just like a small rudder guides a big ship. Help us to listen to Your direction in our lives, even when things around us seem big and strong. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Can you think of a time when someone said or did something small, but it had a big impact?
2. How do you think our words and actions are like the rudder of a ship?
3. Why is it important to think before we speak or act, just like a pilot guides a ship with the rudder?
4. How can we make sure that our words and actions are guided by good and kind intentions, like a ship being directed by a pilot?

Life Application

Just like a small rudder can steer a large ship, children can understand that their words and actions have a big impact, even though they may feel small. By being mindful of what they say and do, they can make positive choices that steer their lives in the right direction. Encouraging them to think before they speak or act, and to choose kindness and love, will help them navigate through their daily interactions with family, friends, and classmates. This verse reminds children that they have the power to influence situations and relationships for the better, no matter how small they may feel.

Craft or Activity

You can create a simple boat craft with the child using materials like paper, cardboard, or popsicle sticks. As you make the boat together, talk about how even though a boat is big and the wind is strong, it is the small rudder that guides it where the pilot wants it to go, just like how our words can guide our actions and impact others. This hands-on activity can help reinforce the message of James 3:4 in a fun and memorable way for the child.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

Just like a ship out on the sea,
A tiny rudder guides where it will be.
God is our pilot, guiding us each day,
Through storms and calm, He shows the way.

Songs or Videos

There is a wonderful Christian song called "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective that talks about how God is like a lighthouse guiding us through storms and darkness, just like how a small rudder guides a big ship. Another great song is "Thy Word" by Amy Grant, which is based on Psalm 119:105 and talks about how God's Word is like a light to guide us in our journey of life. Both of these songs beautifully illustrate the message of James 3:4 and can help kids understand the importance of being guided by God in their lives.

📄 Download as PDF