Midland Church of the Brethren
Midland Church of the Brethren

Weekly Family Devotional

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Read Together

1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV)

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'

Talk About It

When God calls us to be "holy," He's asking us to live in a way that reflects who He is. Think of it like wearing your best clothes to represent your family at a special event – you're still yourself, but you're showing honor to your family name. Being holy means our whole lives should show that we belong to God. It's not just about avoiding bad things; it's about actively choosing good things because our hearts have been changed by Jesus. When other kids are mean, we choose kindness. When it would be easier to lie, we choose truth. When we could be selfish, we choose to share. This happens because God has given us new hearts that want to please Him, not because we're trying to earn His love. God rescued us from empty ways of living with Jesus' precious blood, and now we get to live as His special children. When we live this way, people notice something different about us – they see Jesus shining through our actions, words, and attitudes. Being holy isn't about being perfect; it's about having hearts that long to be more like our perfect God.

For Parents to Explain

Dear God, You are perfectly holy and good. Thank You for changing our hearts so we can live like You.

Family Activities

Holy Living Challenge Cards

  1. Create cards with different everyday situations where you need to make godly choices.
  2. Include scenarios like: sharing toys, telling the truth when you made a mistake, being kind to someone who's mean.
  3. Take turns drawing cards and discussing what a holy response would look like in each situation.
  4. Keep the cards in a special box and practice one scenario each day this week.

Before and After Life Gallery

  1. Create a simple art gallery showing the difference between life before and after knowing Jesus.
  2. Draw or write examples of "futile ways" (empty things people chase) versus God's ways.
  3. Include how Jesus' blood rescued us from meaningless living to give us purpose and joy.
  4. Display your gallery where visitors can see how God has changed your family's values and priorities.

Family Prayer

Now take turns asking God to help you live in a holy way in one specific area where you struggle.