Fitting In

Most kids have a natural desire to be liked and accepted by their peer group. This desire can be a driving force for kids’ decisions, for good and for bad. Some kids view being “different” as a negative thing and go out of their way to blend in. You may have observe your kids begging to act “too cool” for certain activities. Typically, that attitude reflects a desire to fit in. In this week’s Brite lesson, kids will learn how David’s own wife made fun of him for his expressive worship of God. Seek ways for your kids to foster safe friendships focused on Jesus. One of the best ways to do that is to be consistent in your church and keep kids plugged into ministry there. They can build relationships with other kids who love Jesus.

Here’s how we discussed this topic and how you can discuss it at home: 

Discuss: How important is it to kids your age to feel like they fit in?

Discuss: Does living life God’s way ever cause you to feel like you are different from other kids? Does that feel good or bad? Why?

Discuss: What do you think God has to say about that?

Say: Some kids are afraid that if they live for Jesus, others will think they are weird or not cool. Some kids are afraid to be different from others. There are times that you will be different from everyone, but that’s not a bad thing. Sometimes we get very focused on wearing certain clothes or saying the right things or acting a certain way that we lose focus of being who God wants us to be. Galatians 1:10 says: For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. When being popular is our priority, we will end up getting hurt. Friends’ opinions can change. Jesus, however, never changes, and His love for us never changes. He sees who we really are. He cares about our heart and who we are on the inside.