Loyalty Ruth Chooses to Remain With Naomi INTRODUCTION Serving others shows our loyalty not only to them but also to God. Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me (Matthew 25:40). You show loyalty to your family when you choose their well-being over your own. Loyalty may call you to spend the afternoon helping an aging grandparent instead of playing with your friends. When your teacher steps out of the room and other children unwisely stop following her instructions, a loyal student will continue to follow the teacher's instructions. Being loyal may cost you your reputation, time, energy, or possessions. However, even as you encounter difficult times, God will enable you to continue serving your family and teachers faithfully. LOYALTY Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those whom He has called me to serve 1
Loyalty Overview What is Loyalty? Read aloud, study, and discuss what loyalty means and how it applies to life. The operational definition of loyalty is using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those whom He has called me to serve. Being loyal is easy when everything is going well. But what happens when there are disagreements, personality clashes, misunderstandings, or trials? Are you willing to work out differences? Are you there for others in times of need? When a friend strays from the ways of the Lord, A unified family is a beautiful picture do you lovingly bring of loyalty. Behold, how good and how it to his attention? pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1). (See Galatians 6:1.) When tragedy strikes, do you offer your help and support? (See I John 3:17.) When pressures come, do you make time to talk and pray together? (See James 5:16.) A loyal friend extends Christ s love, no matter the cost. Committed in good times and bad that is loyalty. The opposite of loyalty is unfaithfulness. Difficulties test our loyalty. When it is no longer convenient or beneficial for us personally, do we stay faithful to God s call or back out to escape inconveniences? Realizing how much God sacrificed for us challenges us that no sacrifice is too great to make for Him. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren (I John 3:16). One example of demonstrating my commitment to God is consistently spending time with Him. As you fellowship with God, you see His love for you and you want nothing more than to return His love. Are you taking time to read God s Word and talk to Him through prayer? An example of demonstrating my commitment to those God has called me to serve is being there for your family: giving them smiles and encouraging words throughout the day, lending a helping hand with the cleaning or groceries, praying for them and supporting the good decisions they make. Are you willing to demonstrate God s love and be committed to your family? Those who signed America s Declaration of Independence were loyal to America despite it costing them dearly. Five of them were captured and tortured by the British. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Four lost their children. Nine fought and died from wounds or the hardships of the Revolutionary War. Others died in poverty. Still they stood for America, and their loyalty birthed a free nation. 2
Loyalty in Scripture Read aloud and discuss each verse, question, and concept. Proverbs 2:1 6 says, My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. What a privilege to study the rich truths of God s Word, hide them in your heart, and apply them to daily life! These truths are priceless treasures, far above the value and beauty of rubies and diamonds. As you dig deeper into God s Word, see Who God is, and allow Him to work in you, your life will be a radiant expression of His love. He will be glorified as His character is seen in you. THE CHARACTER OF GOD We see examples of loyalty in God s character in the following ways: God kept His covenant and oath with Israel. (See Psalm 105:8 9.) God will not leave us. (See Hebrews 13:5 6.) Jesus was loyal to His mother by arranging for her care after His death. (See John 19:27.) Jesus was loyal to God instead of yielding to temptation. (See Matthew 4:10.) Jesus encouraged Peter in preparation for a difficult time. (See Luke 22:31 32.) Jesus was committed to His Father's will in difficult circumstances. (See Matthew 26:39.) The Holy Spirit in us is greater than the enemy and will empower us to withstand persecution. (See John 16:33 and I John 4:4.) LOYALTY IN MY LIFE Now let s examine some ways God wants us to live out loyalty daily. Genesis 39:2 4 How might the Lord use me, like Joseph, to cause my authorities to prosper? Proverbs 17:17 What could I do for my siblings when they are going through a hard time? Proverbs 27:10 Do I value my parents friendships as equally important as my own friendships? Romans 12:10 13 Who do I know that needs prayer, support, or hospitality? Romans 16:3 4 What sacrifices may I need to make for others? II Timothy 1:16 17 How could I, like Onesiphorus, help those who are going through a hard time? Malachi 4:5 6, Psalm 1:1, Proverbs 22:24 25 Am I avoiding influences that draw my heart away from members of my family? LOYALTY KEY VERSE Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. JOHN 15:13 3
Bible Story RUTH CHOOSES TO REMAIN WITH NAOMI The Moabitess Ruth was the widowed daughterin-law of Naomi. Ruth and Naomi experienced great tragedy that drew them closely together. Naomi clearly explained that she could offer no hope of a bright future for Ruth. However, Ruth s response revealed that she did not love Naomi because of what Naomi could give her; she loved Naomi unconditionally. Ruth proclaimed her commitment to go anywhere Naomi went, to follow Naomi s God (the one true God), and to even be buried where Naomi would be buried. Ruth s loyalty to her mother-in-law continued as they settled in Bethlehem. Ruth served Naomi by working long hours in the barley fields, gathering their necessary food. Ruth was God s gift to Naomi a daughter-in-law who was ready to help in difficult times. Ruth s unwavering loyalty did not go unnoticed and led to greater blessings than either she or Naomi could have ever imagined. Ruth would have her own family after all and become the great-grandmother of King David. She would even be named in the genealogy of the Lord Jesus Christ! (See Matthew 1:5.) BIBLE STORY QUESTIONS Read Ruth 1:1 2:17 and 4:6 17 together and discuss the following questions: 1. What family events occurred after Elimelech and Naomi moved from Judah to Moab? (See Ruth 1:3 5.) What hardships have happened in your family recently? How did you stick together? 2. Even though Naomi did not require her daughterin-law Ruth to return to Bethlehem with her, what was Ruth willing to give up in order to remain with Naomi? (See Ruth 1:16 17.) Who do you know or have heard about that gave up his goals, ambitions, or life in order to assist the ones that God called him to serve? 3. Once the two widowed women were in Bethlehem, what did they need and how did Ruth offer to meet that need? (See Ruth 2:2 3a.) In what ways do you offer to serve your family? 4. How long did Ruth work in the field? (See Ruth 2:7b, 17a.) When was a time you worked from morning to evening to serve your family? 5. Was Ruth s service to her mother-in-law a one-time event? (See Ruth 2:11.) When was a time you didn t feel like being loyal, but the Lord enabled you to keep helping your family? 6. Who else noticed Ruth loyally serving her mother-in-law? (See Ruth 3:11.) Are you encouraged when you see people serving widows and visiting nursing home residents? What opportunities do you have to serve the elderly? 7. Israelites honored their deceased relatives by raising children for them to carry on the family name. Which relative was willing to honor Ruth s deceased husband in this way? (See Ruth 4:6, 9 10.) When have you chosen to be loyal to someone when it cost you something? What might you need to give up to help your Mom s day go more smoothly? 8. What wonderful thing happened for Ruth as she remained loyal to Naomi and the one true God? (See Ruth 4:13 17.) How can faithfully serving at home, among your parents and siblings, be of eternal significance? 4
Memory Verse JOHN 15:13 Play the game together to help the children commit John 15:13 to memory. In the section Doers of the Word, have the children record how they will apply the verse to their lives. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. JOHN 15:13 MEMORY VERSE GAME Erase-A-Word Write the verse on a whiteboard. Read the verse aloud with the children several times. Each time, before repeating the verse together, have a child erase any two words in the verse on the whiteboard. Can they remember which words were erased and say them the next time through, even though the words are no longer visible? Repeat until every word is erased and the children have the verse memorized. DOERS OF THE WORD In the blank below, write how this verse could be applied in your life, e.g., give up my time to help Mom, or welcome my younger brother to join into the game everyone else is playing, or give my money to someone in need. Dear Lord, I yield to You and am willing to apply this verse. Help me to. I ask that You would develop loyalty in my life. In Jesus Name, Amen. When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply this verse, write it in your journal to later recall God s working in your life. 5 5
Activity CROSSWORD PUZZLE INTRODUCTION Enjoy meditating and thinking about the words of the loyalty memory verse and definition as you fill in the crossword puzzle below. Italicized words fit horizontally and underlined words fit vertically. One word is already done for you. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Loyalty Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those whom He has called me to serve 6
Craft STICKING WITH YOU MAGNET CRAFT INTRODUCTION This month we are asking the Lord to develop loyalty in our lives. What a privilege to respond to the work He is doing to change us into the image of His Son! Today we are going to make magnets that remind us to stick together and be loyal to our family and teachers. Just as Ruth was there to encourage and serve Naomi, God wants us to loyally support others. These magnets also make uplifting gifts for grandparents, friends, and family to let them know that you love and support them. Supplies: Scissors Craft magnets Glue gun and glue sticks Cardstock Crayons Permanent marker Decorations (such as pipe cleaners, curling ribbon, sequins, family pictures, yarn, paper clips, jar lids, etc.) Instructions On lids or cardstock write encouraging phrases, such as these: I m sticking with you, praying for you, thanks for being friends, or I love you. Use a glue gun to adhere your loyalty declaration to a magnet and then trim with ribbon, yarn, sequins, or other decorations. Enjoy seeing your craft on your refrigerator or give it as a gift to encourage someone else! 7 7
Ruth Chooses to Remain With Naomi 8 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God (Ruth 1:16).
Hymn History Jesus Calls Us Sing Jesus Calls Us and read about the loyalty of the hymnwriter, Cecil Alexander. The year was 1852, and the place was Ireland. The Reverend William Alexander and his wife, Cecil Frances Alexander, were discussing the sermon he was planning to preach on Sunday. Sunday would be St. Andrew s Day, commemorating when Jesus called His disciple Andrew to leave his nets and follow Him. Rev. Alexander planned to base his sermon on this Biblical account. Mrs. Alexander enjoyed listening to her husband preach. One of his previous sermons had inspired her to write a poem, The Burial of Moses. Already a published writer of children s hymns, her talent would soon be a blessing to her husband once again. As the couple discussed the upcoming sermon, Rev. Alexander asked his beloved Cecil Frances Alexander wife if she would write a (1818-1895) poem that he could read from the pulpit. Mrs. Alexander happily agreed and set to work studying the Scripture text. The Irish lass was inspired, especially as she read of Christ s call to us, too. The hymn Jesus Calls Us was completed, and Mrs. Alexander rejoiced hearing it read at the close of her husband s sermon the following Sunday. Mrs. Alexander demonstrated loyalty in her marriage. Loyalty is using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those whom He has called me to serve. At age 32, Cecil was already a famous, published author. She married the poor but Godly preacher, William Alexander. Choosing gladly to be a minister s wife a life of service and not riches she assisted him as his loyal helpmate. Her husband wrote that, From one poor home [in our parish] to another, from one bed of sickness to another, from one sorrow to another, she [Mrs. Alexander ] went. Christ was with her and in her, and hungry souls felt and appreciated her influence. The words of Mrs. Alexander s hymn describe well how Christ calls us to be loyal to Him: In our joys and in our sorrows, Days of toil and hours of ease, Still He calls, in cares and pleasures, Christian, love Me more than these. We are loyal to what we love. Jesus asked Simon Peter in John 21:15: Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? We need to ask ourselves that very same question. Do we love Jesus more than our hobbies, our activities, our friends? As we accept God s love for us and love Him in return, we will grow to trust Him and be loyal to Him and those He has called us to serve. 9 9
Cecil F. Alexander (1818 1895) &? 3 2 1. 2. 3. 4. 3 2 Je Je In Je - sus - sus calls calls us us o'er from the the tu wor - - mult ship Of Of our joys and in our sor - rows, Days - sus calls us: by Thy mer - cies, Sav - Hymn Sheet Music Jesus Calls Us William H. Jude (1851 1922) n our the of ior, &?. life's vain toil may.. wild, world's and we rest - less sea; Day by day gold - en store, From each i - hours hear of Thy ease, call, Still Give He our calls, hearts w n w w b n n His dol in to b sweet that cares Thine voice would and o - &? sound keep pleas be Hymn History Bibliography - eth, us, Say - ing, Say - ing, "Chris - tian, "Chris - tian, fol - love - ures, "Chris-tian, love Me more - dience, Serve and love Thee best low Me than of w Me." more." these." all. w Johnson, Guye, Treasury of Great Hymns and Their Stories, Bob Jones University Press, Greenville, SC, 1986, pp. 236 239. Osbeck, Kenneth W., 101 More Hymn Stories, Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, 1982, pp. 154 155. Petersen, Randy, Be Still My Soul, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, IL, 2014, pp. 154 155. 10