SCRIPTURE: Read Isaiah 58:7-10, Matthew 25:31-46

STUDY: As we look this week at taking initiative, it’s all about perspective.  For Christ followers, that means taking your eyes off of yourself and seeing things as God would.  When we do that, we begin having a heart like Jesus, which motivates us to action in helping people like He would.  Just as glasses help us see better, sometimes we need a different perspective and see with “new eyes.” 

CHALLENGE: Around the dinner table one night this week, have the kids pretend to put on glasses or look through binoculars as you talk about the following situations.  (You might even go to the dollar store and purchase a pair of reading glasses for children to have a clear and a fuzzy perspective).  How do we see people in need and what would it take to see them as God sees them?  What would God want us to do?

•    Your little brother or sister keeps pestering you to help them get a drink of water because they are too small to reach the cupboard for a glass.
•    Your neighbor is not feeling well and you notice that their garden is being overrun with weeds.
•    A classmate you hardly know has fallen off the monkey bars at recess and is hurt.
•    You really want to help people who will be sleeping outside in the cold nights but wonder what can one person do?  How about the whole family?
•    Your dad’s back really hurts and has asked you to go to bed early.

Is there something this week that the whole family could collectively take God’s initiative and help some people in your community, neighborhood or school?

During the week, check back periodically with the family to talk about how each person has taken initiative. 

KEY POINT: Initiative; Just Do Something!

PRAYER:  Almighty God, I want to have a heart for others like Jesus.  Help me to see others like you do; to care for them and help them like you would.  I don’t want to be selfish and to just think of myself, but I want to reach out with your love.  Thanks for loving and taking care of me and my family.