Part 2: My Body, God’s Temple: Respecting God | FREE Kid's Activities for Honoring God

Respecting God

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.” 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

Do what is best for the good of many as opposed to what is best for yourself. What if you are in the minority and the good for others is not what you think is the best for you? What if it seems like you are acting to your own detriment if you do what please others? Oh what a tough question. But Paul is very clear in the above verse. His work in doing what is to the advantage of others is not some self martyrdom act. He is not afflicting himself to a life dominated by others, or degradation himself. His eyes are on what glorifies God. So if he is diminished it is only because God is glorified.

If we teach our children that honoring God and bringing glory to his name should be our objective in every act, then we are never disadvantaged. Whatever earthly thing is lost will pale in comparison to what we gain in heaven. But we have a job to do here on earth. We are to use our skills, talents, hands, feet, mouths, minds and train our bodies to be of best use for those around us. Why because we are blessed to be co-laborers with God, to work that many may be saved.

When we use our bodies to do God’s work we respect the creation God gave us. When we adorn ourselves with apparel, attitudes, behaviors and mannerisms that would allow us to draw others attention to the Creator and not to be stuck on the creation, then we are respecting God. Perhaps one of the best examples I heard of relates to a well made item, be it clothes or tools, etc. You want to tell everyone about not just the one item of clothing or tool but about the designer, retailer or manufacturer so that they will know where to go to get the same thing. You introduced them to your source. Likewise, we are created in God’s image. Thus, we want to “present our bodies holy and acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1) by doing what he designed it to do, to introduce people to God, our life sustaining source.

Here are a few tips to teach children about honor and glorifying God:

Using manners. I often tell my kids manners is not about formality so you can sound good. It is about making others feel special, respected and important. When you treat them with respect and love, then they are willing to receive your message about God who loves them. So open the door for others, pull out their chair, eat as though you are not just concerned about the food but about the person in your presence. All these things are ways you can use your body language to open a door and share Christ.
Praising God. Helping children develop an appropriate respect for God required intentionality. When we praise God, we are being intentional about thinking about all God has done and thanking him for it. Check out our FREE kids activity for teaching children to praise God.
Being obedient. Obedience is a great way we can show our love and respect for God. There are several Bible stories that can teach children about being obedient to God. Some examples include: Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, Abraham, Moses, Balaam, Elijah, Jonah, Fiery Furnace, and Daniel, just to name a few. Check out our FREE Bible story activities to go along with the kids Bible stories about obedience.