I Am A Lion! Character Education Lessons. Main Virtues Self-Esteem/Respect for Parents/Assertiveness. Bible Edition. Summary. Other Virtues.

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1 Bible Edition I Am A Lion! Summary To grow up to be big, little lions have to learn survival skills, but the cub Sangu didn t want to listen to Papa and Mama s lessons he just wants to play. Getting lost while escaping a charging rhino, Sangu learned how unprepared he really was to be out on his own. Befriended by some kind gazelles, Sangu didn t have the slightest idea as to what a lion should be. Sangu finally learned some valuable lessons the hard way. In a powerful story with superb illustrations, Carl Sommer teaches children to be assertive, to value learning, to respect their parents, and to respect themselves for who they are. Main Virtues Self-Esteem/Respect for Parents/Assertiveness Other Virtues Appreciation, Caring, Citizenship, Compassion, Courage, Friendship, Generosity, Kindness, Obedience to Parents, Perseverance, Positive Mental Attitude, Self-Reliance, and Tolerance Complaining Getting Wisdom The Law of Sowing and Reaping Kindness Learning to Accept Oneself Judging Others Listening to Parents Learning Not to be Ashamed of Who You Are I AM NOT ASHAMED I AM A CHRISTIAN! Questions Contents

2 Complaining Whenever Papa would try to teach Sangu how to hunt, he would always complain, My friends don t have to work so hard. Why do I have to? Whenever Mama tried to teach Sangu how to use the sky as a map so he would not get lost, Sangu was never interested. He would always complain, My friends don t have to learn this boring stuff, he would always complain. Why do I have to? When it came to learning, Sangu always complained. God wants us to do everything without complaining. Exodus 16:7-8 And in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord; for He hears your complaints against the Lord. But what are we, that you complain against us? [8] Also Moses said, This shall be seen when the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to the full; for the Lord hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the Lord. Psalm 106:24-27 Then they despised the pleasant land; They did not believe His word, [25] But complained in their tents, And did not heed the voice of the Lord. [26] Therefore He raised up His hand in an oath against them, To overthrow them in the wilderness, [27] To overthrow their descendants among the nations, And to scatter them in the lands. 1 Corinthians 10:7-10 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. [8] Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; [9] nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; [10] nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 1 Corinthians 10:10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. * Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without complaining and disputing, [15] that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, Additional verses: Numbers 14:27-29; James 5:9; Jude 1:16 * The check is a recommended Scripture to teach the particular lesson. All verses are from the New King James Version. 2

3 Getting Wisdom Sangu would never listen to his papa and mama. He wanted only to play. Sangu did not desire wisdom. Smart people want to learn. God s word has much to say about the importance of desiring wisdom. Proverbs 2:1-6 My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, [2] So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; [3] Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, [4] If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; [5] Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. [6] For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; Proverbs 3:13-15 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; [14] For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. [15] She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Proverbs 4:5-7 Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. [6] Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. [7] Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. Proverbs 19:8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. Additional verses: Psalm 90:12; Proverbs 1:7; 2:12; Proverbs 5:1; Proverbs 21:30; Proverbs 28:26; Proverbs 29:15; Luke 2:52; Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:5 3

4 The Law of Sowing and Reaping When Sangu discovered he was lost, he groaned, Oh, how I wish I had listened to Mama when she tried to teach me how to use the sky as a map. Now I can t find my way home. Then he sat down on a rock and cried. Sangu didn t listen to his parents, so now he reaps what he has sowed. Proverbs 11:18 The wicked man does deceptive work, But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. Romans 2:3-10 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? [4] Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? [5] But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, [6] who will render to each one according to his deeds : [7] eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; [8] but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath, [9] tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; [10] but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 2:6-10 Who will render to each one according to his deeds : [7] eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; [8] but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness indignation and wrath, [9] tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; [10] but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. [8] For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Additional verses: Job 4:8; Proverbs 1:28-33; Proverbs 22:8; Haggai 1:5-11; Kindness When a young gazelle saw Sangu crying, he suggested, Why don t we go and try to help him? The kind gazelles invited Sangu to join them. Proverbs 14:21 He who despises his neighbor sins; But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he. 4

5 Proverbs 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; Additional verses: Proverbs 11:16-17; Proverbs 12:25; Proverbs 14:31; 1 Corinthians 13:4 Learning to Accept Oneself A young gazelle asked Sangu, Why do you look so funny? Your feet are big, but your legs are short. Your body is small, but your tail is long. Sangu hung his head in shame. He was embarrassed. That s because I m a lion, he whispered. Well then, one of the gazelles snickered, lions sure are funny looking. Then they all began to laugh at Sangu. I can t help it, groaned Sangu. He bowed his head and walked away. He was sad because he looked so funny and different. We should never be ashamed of the way God created us. Genesis 1:26-27 Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. [27] So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Psalm 104:24 O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions. I Am A Lion Psalm 139:13-14 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother s womb. [14] I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 5

6 Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Additional verses: Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 12:24; Revelation 15:2-3 Judging Others As Sangu looked up at the moon and stars, he thought about Papa. Sangu said, And where s Papa? Papa must know how foolish I am. That s why he never came looking for me. He probably forgot about me! Sangu judged his father. But Sangu was totally wrong. His father and mother were spending every waking moment looking everywhere for him. Matthew 7:1-2 Judge not, that you be not judged. [2] For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:37 Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge another s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. Romans 14:10-13 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. [11] For it is written: As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God. [12] So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. [13] Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother s way. Additional verses: 1 Corinthians 4:3-5; Colossians 2:16; James 4:11-12; James 5:9 Listening to Parents Sangu wondered why he was always doing the wrong things and why he was so funny looking. Mama said to Sangu, Gazelles don t know anything about lions. But we do. That s why you should listen to us. Sangu s problem was that he was listening to others instead of his parents. 6

7 Proverbs 1:8-9 My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; [9] For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck. Proverbs 3:1-2 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; [2] For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: [3] that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Additional verses: Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 4:1-15; Proverbs 6:20-21; Proverbs 13:1; Proverbs 15:5; 1 Timothy 3:4 Learning Not to be Ashamed of Who You Are Papa said with a loud and strong voice, Sangu, you are a lion! Don t ever be ashamed of who you are! This time Sangu listened. He raised his head, stuck out his chest, and took a deep breath. Then he let out a loud roar that thundered throughout the mountains, I AM A LION!!!!! Some people are ashamed of the color of their skin or how they look. We should never be ashamed of the way God has created us. Others are ashamed of what God has done in their lives. God wants us never to be ashamed of Him. Mark 8:38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 2 Timothy 1:12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 1 Peter 4:16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. Additional verses: Psalm 71:15-16; Psalm 119:46; Acts 1:8; 5:41; Philippians 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 12:1-3 7

8 I AM NOT ASHAMED As Christians we should never be ashamed of the way God made us. When you are finished reading this story, tell the children to say with a loud voice: I AM NOT ASHAMED OF WHO I AM! I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE COLOR OF MY SKIN! I AM NOT ASHAMED OF MY RACE! I AM NOT ASHAMED OF WHERE I LIVE! I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE WAY I LOOK! I AM NOT ASHAMED OF MY PARENTS! I AM NOT ASHAMED OF CHRIST! I AM NOT ASHAMED OF BEING A CHRISTIAN! I AM A CHRISTIAN! Then tell the children to say with a loud voice, I AM A CHRISTIAN!!!! Have them say this a few times. Then tell the children: Christians don t lie, we tell the truth. Christians don t steal, we give. Christians don t curse, we praise God. Christians don t disobey the laws of the land, we obey them. Christians don t disobey parents, we listen to them. Christians don t fight, we love. Christians aren t afraid, we trust God. Christians don t skip church, we worship the Lord. Christians don t neglect God s Word, we read it. Christians aren t ashamed of Christ, we proclaim Him to the world. Questions 1. What did Sangu always complain about when Papa wanted to teach him how to hunt? Sangu would always complain, My friends don t have to work so hard. Why do I have to? 2. What did Sangu always complain about when his mom tried to teach him how to use the sky as a map so he would not get lost? Sangu would always complain, My friends don t have to learn this boring stuff. Why do I have to? When it came to learning, Sangu always complained. God wants us to do everything without complaining. The Bible says, Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:14-15). 8

9 3. What would Mama say to Sangu when he complained about learning? Mama would say, You are a lion. You need to pay attention so you can learn to be a leader, instead of acting like your friends. Sangu would never listen to his papa and mama. He wanted only to play. Sangu did not desire wisdom. God s word has much to say about the importance of desiring wisdom. Proverbs 3:13-15 says, Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 4. What did Mama cry out to Sangu when the rhino attacked her? Mama cried out, Run, Sangu! Run! 5. What did Sangu wish he had done when he discovered he was lost? Sangu wished, Oh, how I wish I had listened to Mama when she tried to teach me how to use the sky as a map. Now I can t find my way home! Then Sangu sat down on a rock and cried. Sangu didn t listen to his parents, so now he reaps what he has sowed. The Bible says, Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life (Galatians 6:7-8). 6. What did the kind gazelles say to Sangu because they felt sorry for him? The kind gazelles said, You can stay with us. The gazelles were kind to Sangu. God wants us to be kind to others. The Bible says, And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32). 7. What did Sangu want to do with the snake? Sangu wanted to eat the snake. I Am A Lion 8. What did the biggest gazelle shout to Sangu when he wanted to eat that snake? The gazelle shouted, Don t eat that snake! It will make you terribly sick! 9. What did the gazelle insist that Sangu should eat so he would be strong and healthy? The gazelle insisted, Eat grass! 10. What new place did Sangu go to when he was playing hide and seek? Sangu climbed up a giant tree. 11. What did an older gazelle demand when he saw Sangu up in a tree? The gazelle demanded, Sangu! Get down from there right now! It s dangerous to climb trees. You could fall! Don t ever again be so foolish! 12. What did a young gazelle say to Sangu about him looking so funny? The young gazelle said, Your feet are big, but your legs are short. Your body is small, but your tail is long. 13. What did Sangu groan when all the gazelles laughed at him for looking so funny? Sangu groaned, I can t help it. 9

10 14. What did Sangu do after he groaned, I can t help it? Sangu bowed his head and walked away. Sangu was sad because he looked so funny and different. We should never be ashamed of the way God created us. God s word says, For You formed my inward parts; you covered me in my mother s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well (Psalm 139:13-14). 15. What did the gazelles yell at Sangu when he started to run toward the jackals in order to protect his friends? The gazelles yelled, Stop! Run away as fast as you can! 16. How did Sangu feel when the gazelles told him the jackals could have eaten him? Sangu was so scared that he shook all over. 17. That night as Sangu looked up at the moon and stars, what did he think about his: A. Mama? Sangu said, Mama must be dead. B. Papa? Sangu said, And where s Papa? Papa must know how foolish I am. That s why he never came looking for me. He probably forgot about me. Sangu judged his father. But Sangu was totally wrong. His father and mother were spending every waking moment looking everywhere for him. The Bible says, Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you (Matthew 7:1-2). 18. As Papa and Mama Lion were searching for Sangu, what did Mama often say to Papa? Mama often said to Papa, Sangu could have found his way home by now, if only he would have been as eager to learn as he was to play. 19. When Sangu became happy, what did he do that caused the gazelles to jump for fright? Sangu let out a great big Roarrrrrr! 20. What did the gazelles say to Sangu for roaring? The gazelles yelled, Don t ever do that again! That sounds terrible! You never hear us making sounds like that! 21. What did Papa and Mama Lion do when they heard the faint sound of a roar that echoed through the jungle? With lightning speed Papa and Mama Lion raced toward the sound of the roar. 22. What was Sangu doing that shocked Papa and Mama Lion? Sangu was eating grass. 23. What did the gazelles do when Papa Lion let out a loud, Roarrrrrrrrr? The gazelles dashed away as fast as they could. 24. What did Sangu do when Papa Lion let out a loud, Roarrrrrrrrr? Sangu froze. 10

11 25. What did Sangu do when he turned around and saw that it was his father? Sangu yelled, Papa! and ran as fast as he could to his father. 26. What did Papa do when Sangu ran to his father, Papa grabbed Sangu and hugged him tight. 27. What did Mama do when she got to Sangu? Mama hugged Sangu and kissed him. I Am A Lion 28. Sangu asked, Why am I always doing the wrong things, and why am I so funny looking? My legs are short, but my feet are big. My body is small, but my tail is...? What did Papa say as he looked straight into Sangu s eyes? Papa said, Sangu, you re not a gazelle! You re a lion! 29. What did Papa tell Sangu about friends? Papa said, You ve just been hanging around with different friends. You can t let others who don t know you tell you who you are. 30. What did Mama tell Sangu about friends? Mama said, Gazelles don t know anything about lions. But we do. That s why you should listen to us. Sangu s problem was that he was listening to others instead of his parents. The Bible says, My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother (Proverbs 1:8). 31. What did Papa tell Sangu about: A. Eating? Papa said, Lions don t eat grass. We hunt. B. Climbing? Papa said, Lions aren t afraid of height. We climb. C. Enemies? Papa said, Lions don t run away from their enemies. We face them. 32. What did Sangu do after Papa Lion told him, You are a lion! Don t ever be ashamed of who you are! Sangu moved next to Papa and Mama. He raised his head, stuck out his chest, and took a deep breath. Then he let out a loud roar that thundered throughout the mountains, I AM A LION!!!!! Some people are ashamed of the color of their skin or how they look. We should never be ashamed of the way God has created us or of the Lord. The Apostle Paul says, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek (Romans 1:16). 11