Spike the Rebel. Character Education Lessons

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1 Bible Edition Spike the Rebel Summary Spike proudly boasted, I m Spike the rebel, the troublemaker! He loved to see kids get into trouble. All the kids were afraid of him, except Mary. Mary warned him that one day he would get into big trouble because of his meanness. Spike continued to be mean at school, on the school bus, camping, and in the park. He thought that being tough and mean would make him happy. Instead, it made him unhappy and got him into all sorts of trouble. Spike went over a dangerous waterfall with a stolen canoe and survived. One day while riding his bike, he hit one of his traps that he had placed on a bike trail. He broke his leg and bled badly. Debbie, a girl he laughed at for falling off her bike in one of his traps, came with her mother and saved him. Spike s life was transformed. He said to Debbie, I thought being tough and mean would make me happy, but I ve discovered I m much, much happier having friends and helping others. Main Virtues Tolerance/Friendship/Cooperation Other Virtues Caring, Citizenship, Compassion, Courtesy, Forgiveness, Humility, Justice, Kindness, Manners, Obedience to Parents, Proper Work Ethic, Respect for Environment, Respect for Law, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, Trustworthiness, and Truthfulness Kindness Selfishness The Law of Sowing and Reaping Having Good Manners and Being Courteous Loving Others Tattletaling/Helping Others Telling the Truth Willingness to Work Kindness to Animals Stealing Safety and Foolishness Loving Our Enemies Willingness to Forgive Spike or Philip Test Questions Contents

2 Kindness When Debbie moved into the neighborhood, she politely introduced herself to the boy next door. My name is Debbie. What s yours? Spike, whose real name was Philip, stuck out his chest and growled, I m Spike the rebel, the troublemaker! Okay, whispered Debbie as she rode away on her bike. Here s the root of Spike s problem; he s a troublemaker. Proverbs 11:16-17 A gracious woman retains honor, But ruthless men retain riches. [17] The merciful man does good for his own soul, But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 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 12:25, Proverbs 14:21, Proverbs 14:31, and Proverbs 19:17, * The check is a recommended scripture to teach the particular lesson. All verses are from the New King James Version. Selfishness Spike was mean. All the kids were afraid of him, except Mary. She had an older brother who would protect her. After Spike had chased a group of kids, he said to Mary, I love to get kids into trouble. Mary pointed her finger in Spike s face and said, You re mean! The only one I care about is myself! Spike snapped back. Selfish people care only for themselves; God wants us to care for others. 1 Corinthians 10:24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other s well-being. Galatians 5:19-23 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, [21] envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told 2

3 you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. James 3:14-16 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. [15] This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. [16] For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. Additional verses: Proverbs 28:27, Philippians 2:3-7, James 4:1-3, and 1 John 3:17 The Law of Sowing and Reaping You d better watch out, warned Mary. One day you ll get into big trouble acting like that. Spike rode away laughing, Not me! I can always take care of myself. There is a law of sowing and reaping. If you do bad things, bad things will come back to you. If you do good, good things will come back to you. Proverbs 11:18 The wicked man does deceptive work, But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. 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 6:7-9 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. [9] And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not 3

4 lose heart. Spike the Rebel! Additional verses: Psalm 126:5-6, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 22:8-9, and Haggai 1:5-11 Having Good Manners and Being Courteous Spike s parents loved him. But whenever they tried to teach him how to behave, he got mad. Spike always wanted to do things his way. He never made his bed, he would not put his toys and clothes away, and he refused to do any work around the house. His parents constantly had to correct him for his bad manners: Don t reach across the table for food. Say Please if you want something. Eat with your fork, not with your fingers. Cover your mouth when you cough. Say Thank you when you receive a gift. But Spike refused to listen. 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits. Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. [32] And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. Philippians 2:14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, Hebrews 12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; Additional verses: Matthew 7:16-18, Philippians 2:3, Philippians 4:8, James 5:9, and Jude 1:16 Loving Others The only one Spike cared about was himself. When he rode the school bus, he loved to tease the girls in front of him. He poked them and pulled their hair. When younger kids passed by him, he often stuck out his foot to trip them. When they fell, he laughed saying, Don t be so clumsy! Don t you know how to walk? Often the bus driver had to report him for his bad behavior. Spike was a bully. He didn t love others, he cared only for himself. If he had fun, he didn t care about anyone else. God loved us so much that he sent His only begotten Son into the world to save us. So we also should love others. Luke 10:

5 So he answered and said, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. [28] And He said to him, You have answered rightly; do this and you will live. [29] But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor? [30] Then Jesus answered and said: A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. [31] Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. [32] Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. [33] But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. [34] So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. [35] On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you. [36] So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves? [37] And he said, He who showed mercy on him. Then Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Romans 13:8-9 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. [9] For the commandments, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, You shall not covet, and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 1 Thessalonians 4:9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; Additional verses: Leviticus 19:18, Mark 12:28-31, Philippians 2:3-4, and James 2:8 Tattletaling/Helping Others Spike was a tattletaler. It was not that he wanted to help his teacher or class; he wanted to see other kids get into trouble. When classmates did something wrong, Spike would shoot up his hand and yell, Teacher! Then Spike would gleefully tell the teacher what had happened. What is a tattletaler? Tattletalers are interested in getting others into trouble; they are not interested in helping others. Tattletalers hide behind the excuse that they are helping others. If someone is doing something dangerous, then that person should be reported. That is helping others. But to tell on someone just to get them into trouble, that is a tattletaler. Proverbs 6:12-15 A worthless person, a wicked man, Walks with a perverse mouth; [13] He winks with his eyes, 5

6 He shuffles his feet, He points with his fingers; [14] Perversity is in his heart, He devises evil continually, He sows discord. [15] Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; Suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. Proverbs 22:9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor. Spike the Rebel! Isaiah 58:7-11 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh? [8] Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. [9] Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, Here I am. If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, [10] If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday. [11] The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Luke 6:35-38 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. [36] Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. [37] Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. [38] Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Additional verses: Proverbs 25:21-22, Matthew 10:42, Acts 20:35, and Romans 14:10 6

7 Telling the Truth One day during playtime Spike stuck out his foot as a boy ran past him. The boy fell and hit his chin on the curb. Spike laughed and said, Don t you know how to run? When Mary saw what Spike had done, she looked him in the eye and asked, Why are you so mean? I saw you trip him! I didn t trip him, snapped Spike. He doesn t know how to run. Yes, you did! insisted Mary. I warn you, Spike. One day all the mean things you re doing will come back to haunt you. Spike was also a liar. Once you become known as a liar, no one can trust you. God wants us always to tell the truth. Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: [17] A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, [18] A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, [19] A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight. Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, Revelation 21:8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Additional verses: Proverbs 12:19, and John 8:44 Willingness to Work Summertime came and Spike s family packed their van to go camping. When it was time to unload the van and put up the tent, Spike disappeared into the woods. Spike hated to do any kind of work. After making sure the van was unloaded and the tent was up, Spike appeared with a few twigs for the fire. Where have you been? asked Dad. I ve been searching for firewood, he explained. 7

8 Spike, said Dad, there s firewood everywhere. You didn t have to spend that much time searching. Yes, I did, insisted Spike. It was hard finding wood where I looked. A person never learning how to work will never become successful. Proverbs 10:4-5 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. [5] He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. Proverbs 15:19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway. Proverbs 20:4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing. Matthew 25:26 But his lord answered and said to him, You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. Hebrews 6:11-12 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, [12] that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises Additional verses: Proverbs 6:6-11, 12:11. 13:4, 14:23, and 24:30-34 Kindness to Animals Billy took an empty can and placed it on a rock. Let s see who can hit the can the most, said Billy. Billy handed the BB gun to Spike so he could go first. They shot the BB gun a few times. Then Spike saw a bird in the tree. He quickly turned around and shot at the bird. But he missed. Don t shoot at birds! yelled Billy. What are you complaining about? said Spike. I didn t hit the bird. God wants us to be kind to animals. The wicked treat animals crudely. Deuteronomy. 5:12-14 Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. [13] Six days you shall labor and do all your work, [14] but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates, that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. Deuteronomy 25:4 You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain. Proverbs 12:10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, 8

9 But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. Spike the Rebel! 1 Timothy 5:17-18 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. [18] For the Scripture says, You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain, and, The laborer is worthy of his wages. Luke 14:5 Then He answered them, saying, Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day? Stealing The next day Spike took a walk through the woods. When he saw a canoe, he looked to see if anyone was around. Good! he exclaimed. I m taking this canoe for a ride. Spike pushed the canoe into the water and began paddling down the river. Spike stole the canoe. Exodus 20:15 You shall not steal. Leviticus 19:11-13 You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another. [12] And you shall not swear by My name falsely, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the Lord. [13] You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning. Mark 10:19 You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and your mother. Romans 13:9 For the commandments, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, You shall not covet, and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Ephesians 4:28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Additional verses: Proverbs 11:1, Matthew 15:19, Matthew 21:13, John 12:4-6, and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Safety and Foolishness As he paddled down the river, he saw a cable with a sign hanging across the river warning him not to go farther. The river can t be that bad, thought Spike. I m strong. I certainly can paddle this little canoe back. I ll just go a little farther. Spike lifted the cable and coasted down the river. Then he saw another sign, STOP! Dangerous 9

10 Waterfall! I can handle this, he boasted. Spike was foolish for not obeying the warning. God wants us to take care of our bodies and not do foolish things that hurt us. Deuteronomy 22:8 When you build a new house, then you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring guilt of bloodshed on your household if anyone falls from it. Proverbs 9:6 Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding. Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. Proverbs 14:7 Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. Proverbs 19:27 Cease listening to instruction, my son, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. 1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? Loving Our Enemies Debbie and Mary happened to be riding home on their bikes when they heard a faint sound coming from the woods. Stop! said Mary. I think I hear someone. They stood and listened. It s someone yelling for help, said Debbie. Mary frowned and sighed, I know who that is. That s Spike. I can always tell his mean voice. We ve got to help him, insisted Debbie. Mary sneered and said, I wouldn t help that guy. He s a cruel big bully! Besides, you know how he laughed at you when you fell and got hurt. I know he s a cruel big bully, argued Debbie. But we ve got to help him. He sounds like he s really hurt and in deep trouble. God wants us to love everyone, even our enemies. Debbie was mistreated by Spike, but she was still willing to show kindness to him. That s what the Lord wants us to do. Proverbs 25:21-22 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; [22] For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you. 10

11 Luke 6:27-31 But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. [29] To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. [30] Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. [31] And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. Luke 23:33-34 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. [34] Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. And they divided His garments and cast lots. Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:20-21 Therefore, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. [21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Additional verses: Exodus 23:4-5, Acts 7:57-60, 1 Peter 2:23, and 1 Peter 3:9 Willingness to Forgive Spike cried out and begged, Please, Debbie, come and help me! When Debbie saw Spike, she ran to him and said, My mother is coming to help you. Thank you for coming, whispered Spike as tears flowed down his cheeks. I m so sorry for being so mean to you. Please forgive me. I forgive you, said Debbie as she patted his head. Even though Spike was mean to Debbie, she was willing to forgive him when he asked for forgiveness. Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Him and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times? [22] Jesus said to him, I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Mark 11:25 And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. Luke 11:4 a And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. 11

12 Luke 17:3-4 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. [4] And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, I repent, you shall forgive him. Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. Additional verses: 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 32:1, and Psalm 86:5 Questions 1. How did Spike reply when Debbie said, My name is Debbie. What s yours? Spike stuck out his chest and growled, I m Spike the rebel, the troublemaker! Here s the root of Spike s problem; he s a troublemaker. 2. Why was Mary not afraid of Spike? Mary had an older brother who would protect her. 3. What did Mary do and say to Spike? Mary pointed her finger in Spike s face and said, You re mean! 4. What did Spike say to Mary? Spike said, The only one I care about is myself! 5. A. When Spike said, The only one I care about is myself, what was Mary reply? You d better watch out, warned Mary. One day you ll get into big trouble acting like that. B. Explain the law of sowing and reaping. If you do bad things, bad things will come back to you. If you do good, good things will come back to you. The Bible says, Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap (Galatians 6:7-9). This is the law of sowing and reaping. 6. How did Spike react when his parents tried to teach him? Spike got mad; he always wanted to do things his way. The Bible says in Colossians 3:20, Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Wise are those children who always obey their parents. 7. A. What were some of Spike s bad manners? 1. He never made his bed. 2. He would not put his toys and clothes away. 3. He refused to do any work around the house. 4. He would reach across the table for food. 5. He would not say Please if he wanted something. 6. He ate with his fingers. 7. He would not cover his mouth when he coughed. 8. He would not say Thank you when he received a gift. B. Explain why these are improper. 12

13 8. Why didn t Spike want to get a haircut? Spike felt his long hair made him look tough and mean. 9. What did Spike love to do when he rode the school bus? Spike loved to tease the girls in front of him by poking them and pulling their hair. When younger kids passed by him, he often stuck out his foot to trip them. When they fell, he laughed saying, Don t be so clumsy! Don t you know how to walk? 10. What did the bus driver have to do? The bus driver often had to report him for his bad behavior. 11. What did Spike do when his classmates did something wrong? Spike would shoot up his hand and yell, Teacher! Then he would gleefully tell the teacher what had happened. 12. Why did Spike want to tell the teacher his classmates did something wrong? Spike was a tattletaler. He wanted to see kids get into trouble. It was not that he wanted to help his teacher or classmates. 13. What is a tattletaler? Tattletalers are interested in getting others into trouble; they are not interested in helping others. Tattletalers hide behind the excuse that they are helping others. If someone is doing something dangerous, then that person should be reported. That is helping others. But to tell on someone just to get them into trouble, that is a tattletaler. The Bible teaches, But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. [36] Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful (Luke 6:35-36). 14. What did Mary say to Spike when he said he didn t trip the boy that ran past him? Mary said to Spike, I warn you, Spike. One day all the mean things you re doing will come back to haunt you. Spike was also a liar. Once you become known as a liar, no one can trust you. The Bible says, Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight (Proverbs 12:22). 15. What did Spike do when his family went camping and it was time to unload the van and put up the tent? Spike disappeared into the woods. 16. Why did Spike disappear into the woods? Spike disappeared into the woods because he hated to do any kind of work. Spike was also lazy. A person never learning how to work will never become successful. The Bible says, He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. [5] He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame (Proverbs 10:4-5). 17. What did Spike do when he was shooting the BB gun and he saw a bird in the tree? Spike quickly turned around and shot at the bird. We should be kind to animals. The Bible says, A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel (Proverbs 12:10). 13

14 18. What did Spike do when he saw a canoe in the woods? Spike took the canoe for a ride. Spike stole the canoe. The Bible says in the Ten Commandments, You shall not steal (Exodus 20:15). 19. What did Spike say when he saw a cable with a sign warning him not to go any farther with his canoe? Spike said when he saw the cable, The river can t be that bad. I m strong. I certainly can paddle this little canoe back. I ll just go a short distance. Spike was foolish for not obeying the warning. God wants us to take care of our bodies and not do foolish things that hurt us. The Bible says, Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding (Proverbs 9:6). 20. What did Spike yell as the river became narrower and the canoe went faster and faster? When the river became narrower and the canoe went faster and faster, Spike yelled, This is fun! Sometimes the biggest tragedies happen when we re having the most fun. 21. What did Spike boast as he walked back to his campsite after surviving going over the waterfall? While walking back to his campsite, Spike boasted, Nothing can stop me! I went over the waterfall and nothing happened. I m not afraid of anything! Some people learn from their tragedies, and some don t. Spike needed another tragedy before he would change. If Spike had obeyed the warning sign, he never would have gone over the waterfall. 22. A. What did Spike do with the BB gun? Spike took the BB gun and killed an eagle so he could get eagle feathers. B. Why was it wrong for Mike to shoot at the eagle and also the other bird? It is wrong just to kill birds for fun. Besides, eagles are protected birds. 23. What did Spike do when a notice came around from the park ranger stating that an eagle was shot with a BB gun? When a notice came around, Spike went to his dad and said, The family at the next campsite has a BB gun. 24. When Spike came home from camping, what did he think would make him happy? When Spike came home from camping he thought by being tough and mean would make him happy. Happiness does not come by being tough and mean. Happiness comes by being kind to others. Try it, and you ll discover this wonderful truth. 25. What was one of Spike s tricks that he did in the park? One of Spike s tricks was to set traps on the park bike trails. 26. What did Spike do when Debbie s bike hit the hole he made, and she tumbled over the handle bars and hit her head hard on the ground? When Spike saw Debbie fall, he came out from behind the tree laughing and saying, Don t you know how to ride your bike, Debbie? 27. What happened to Spike as he was riding down one more trail before he went home? As Spike rode down the hill, he hit a rock that he had covered with leaves. He went flying through the air and his leg hit a broken branch. When he hit the ground, he heard a bone snap in his leg. 14

15 28. What did Mary say to Debbie when she heard Spike s voice calling for help? When Mary heard Spike calling for help, she said, I wouldn t help that guy. He s a cruel big bully! Besides, you know how he laughed at you when you fell and got hurt. 29. What did Debbie say to Mary when she heard Spike s voice calling for help? When Debbie heard Spike calling for help, she said, I know he s a cruel big bully, but we ve got to help him. He sounds like he s really hurt and in deep trouble. Debbie was mistreated by Spike, but she was still willing to show kindness to him. That s what the Lord wants us to do. The Bible says, But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. [29] To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. [30] Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. [31] And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise (Luke 6:27-31). 30. What did Spike think about as he lay weak from the bleeding and the pain from his broken leg? As Spike lay there, he began to think of all the mean things he did to others. 31. What did Spike vow he would now do? Spike vowed, I ll never be mean again. I m making everything right. 32. What was the word that Spike said for the first time on his own? The word that Spike said for the first time on his own was, Please. 33. What did Spike groan when he heard Debbie say, I m coming. It s me, Debbie? When Spike heard it was Debbie, he groaned, Oh no! I ve been so mean to her. When she sees me she ll turn around and leave, just like I did to her. Spike was greatly mistaken. In spite of Spike s meanness to her, Debbie still was willing to show kindness. 34. What did Spike say to Debbie when he saw her? When Spike saw Debbie he said, Thank you for coming. I m so sorry for being so mean to you. Please forgive me. 35. What did Debbie say when Spike asked for forgiveness? When Spike asked for forgiveness, Debbie said, I forgive you. Even though Spike was mean to Debbie, she was willing to forgive him when he asked for forgiveness. The Bible says, For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:14-15). 36. What did Spike say to Debbie when she saw him in the hospital? When Spike saw Debbie in the hospital, he said, Thank you, Debbie for saving my life. Never again will I be mean. I m going to be just like you and help others. 37. Why do you think Spike had such a radical change of heart? Various answers: Spike s serious accident caused him to change. The kindness of Debbie even though Spike was mean to her. The doctor saying if it wasn t for Debbie he wouldn t have survived. 15

16 38. What did Spike say about his name change? Spike said to Debbie, To show that I ve changed, please don t call me Spike anymore; just call me Philip. 39. When Philip s leg got better, what did he say he would do? When Philip s leg got better, he said I m filling every trap I ve ever made. And if I see any stones or branches on bike trails that are unsafe, I ll remove them also, even though I didn t put them there. 40. What did Philip and Debbie begin doing? Philip and Debbie began helping poor kids in the neighborhood. 41. What did Philip say to Debbie about being tough and mean? Philip said to Debbie, I thought being tough and mean would make me happy, but I ve discovered I m much, much happier having friends and helping others. Spike or Philip Test Have students take the Spike or Philip Test. Go to and click on the book Spike the Rebel. There is a free copy to download and print. 16

17 Spike or Philip Test Are you like Spike or Philip? Spike Philip I don t say Thank you when I say Thank you when I get a gift. I get a gift. I don t cover my mouth I cover my mouth when when I cough. I cough. I don t have table manners. I have table manners. I avoid doing chores in my I do my chores in my home. home. I don t listen to my teachers. I listen to my teachers. I don t obey school rules. I obey school rules. I am a tattletaler. I am not a tattletaler. I am a bully. I am not a bully. I am not kind to others. I am kind to others. I never say I m sorry when I quickly say I m sorry I do wrong. when I do wrong. I don t respect the elderly. I respect the elderly. I tell lies. I tell the truth. I don t obey my dad and mom. I obey my dad and mom. Here are some other words Philip began to say. Excuse me, pardon me, you re welcome, and please. These are some compliments Philip gave to others. Very good, excellent, awesome, you re great, terrific, great job, and keep up the good work. I pledge that starting from today I will do my best to become like Philip. Name Date 17