The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful
Why are Liz and Spike not friends any more? Why is Lucille so miserable? Who's behind all this?
Before You ListenLet's Get Started
Theme: What's on the Inside?
1. Proverbs 6:16-19 says, “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” Why do you think God hates these things most of all?
2. The Book of Proverbs has some very strong words for people who stir up trouble. Check out this long list: Proverbs 13:10; 15:18; 16:28; 17:19; 18:6; 20:3; 22:10; and 28:25. God hates those who purposely stir up trouble and cause problems between people. They tell people stories to get them on their side. They certainly aren’t the type of person that you want to hang around. The Bible says these people won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Think about what it means to stir up trouble as you listen to today’s program.
After you listen
Memory Verse
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community”
Quiz
A: He tried to scare Liz with a spider, to write a nasty note signed from Liz, and to put gum on Liz’s seat
Reflect
In this episode, Liz, Spike, Teddy, and Lucille learn that what’s on the inside—in our hearts—is far more important than what’s on the outside. And it’s a good reminder that God is always looking past our actions into our hearts.
How does God judge you? There's good news for you. God looks at your heart, but if you have followed Jesus as your Savior, God sees only good things. Do you know why? Jesus paid the price for all the bad in your heart. So when God really looks at you, he doesn’t see the bad—he only sees the goodness of Jesus.
Want to dig deeper about reflecting God’s image on the inside? Read Genesis 1:27 and 2 Corinthians 3:18.
Challenge
You know that a mirror shows you an exact image of yourself. Take out a mirror and look into it. What do you see (brown hair, green eyes, freckles, etc.)? What do people see of God when they look at you? Do they see that you’re caring, kind, humble, etc.? Discuss this with your family. Pass the mirror to each family member, then share with each other how you see God’s image reflected in them. Put a paper over the mirror. Can you still see yourself? No, of course not. When something is in the way of our relationship with God, it blocks others from seeing God’s image in us. What are some things that can block you from displaying God’s image (jealousy, anger, selfishness, etc.)?
Now try turning the mirror the opposite way. Can you see your reflection now? Of course you can’t! If you aren’t looking at or focused on God, you also can’t reflect his image to others around you. Spending time in devotion and worship will help you stay focused on him. Discuss these ideas with your family and pray together asking God to help you stay focused on him so you can reflect his image to others around you.
