I hope this lesson will be of use to youth ministries, family devotionals and family home evening study. Today I discuss choices. This lesson could be abbreviated and presented in one lesson or you could expand the theme of God, Family, Community and nation to be four lessons with greater detail. Your choice.

Since childhood we learn what is important from the knees of our parents to the teachers we listen to at school. As we begin to mature we acquire new opinions by experience and through the people we interact with. Those teachings and life experiences bind us to how we will act in various situations.

Our parents can influence what directs us as children by what they teach and by example. The scriptures and listening to God’s messengers are good sources of gaining wisdom to support family values. Eventually, we become responsible for our own actions. Will we follow our parents’ path or take an alternative route that might complicate our lives with unnecessary hardships?

Collect all of binders from around the house. Examples might include clamps, paper clips, rubber bands, tape, string etc. Gather the family or class around and have everyone discuss how a certain binder might be useful for different circumstances. One example is that a bunch of utensils might be found by a rubber band. A binder might be useful in holding a bunch of papers etc. Now compare how the Ten Commandments, Biblical stories, honesty, dependably, family loyalty and other virtues can bind us to have better lives. Be specific in your brainstorming.

Now Go through various examples of how being bound to God can help us. Discuss what it means to be Christian. Is it a once a week thing or a life style and attitude? If time permits discuss some of your most favorite phrases and scritpures to stimulate a conversation.

What does it mean to be bound to family. We know each others greatest weaknesses and greatest strengths. Discuss how can family members support one another in shared goals and aspirations.

Community might not include being a good neighbor but being a good member of the church community and of the town and city where you live. Discuss living the laws of the land and involvement in community can help improve and sustain the community.

Country: I’ve always liked Kennedy’s quote of: “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” So the question is, how do we support our country? By being good citizens. By being informed citizens about local and national issues, obeying the law and voting to name a few. Branch out the dialog to whatever areas you feel are appropriate.

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/j/johnfkenn109213.html#JDmm71IwEvqALqiW.99