The end of 2021 has finally arrived and while there is much excitement for 2022, we know that in a few days our kids will be back in school. School is stressful too and kids face a lot of challenges every day. Some fear for their safety, the stress to pass, the stress of making new friends, self confidence, Time management, ect.
Before school starts, take some time to teach your kids about the armor of God. This is how:
Bible reference: Ephesians 6:10-17
Items needed: Belt, helmet, sword, shield, shoes, breastplate (you can make these from paper or cardboard or use toy versions or use the cutout below)
Start by explaining to your kids that no one goes anywhere naked. Illustrate how clothing protects us, for example: "we wear shoes to protect our feet from thorns, or a shirt to protect against sun burn, or a jacket to protect us against the cold, ect"
After teaching your kids about the importance of clothes, tell them that God has His own special clothing and it's so cool, it's invisible and unbreakable!
Now, read Ephesians 6:10-17
:10 - "Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." You are strong, because God is mighty and He lives inside you.
:11 - "Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." We put on God's clothes and it protects us from bad things that we cannot even see.
:12 - "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Explain how sometimes we feel like we are not good enough and that the thought is from the devil (add as many examples as you like). Explain that we can't see the devil but we fight against him.
:13 - "Therefore take to yourselves the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Tell them that because they put on this armor, they will win over every situation.
Ok, let's get dressed!
:14 - "Therefore stand, having your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness" Let your child put on his/her breastplate. This is a shield of good decisions. It help you to be kind and loving and caring towards your friends, teachers and even to your schoolwork.
:15 - "and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." Let your child put on his/her shoes. The spirit inside you is not afraid, it's peaceful and it teaches good things about Jesus to all people.
:16 - "Above all, take the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." Let your child raise his/her child and throw pieces of paper at it, showing that nothing passes this special shield. This shield helps us believe that God's word is true and with Him nothing is impossible
:17 - "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God," Let your child put on his/her helmet and raise their sword. Because we believe God's word is true we know that His word is like a sword and it can defeat anything! If we believe that what God said is true then we believe that we are saved and therefore we put on the helmet of salvation.
I would recommend doing this everyday but it's not always possible so try to do it at least once a week. It gives your child reassurance and courage to face the day and it also makes them feel loved. Making time to do this regularly is a way of showing them that you are there for them and value them. Remember, the armor is invisible, so you don't have to physically put it on every day. It's a special, invisible armor, made by God himself!
Sources - https://ministry-to-children.com/back-to-school-bible-lesson/
