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How to Encourage Cooperation

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All the children stopped and stared as a fellow classmate tripped over his shoelaces. And then, timidly at first, a little hand reached down and helped pull the boy up. Kind words were expressed and smiles exchanged. Encouraging cooperation will help our children take a step in the right direction on the narrow path of godliness. {Deuteronomy 5:32}

godlinessScripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12Exodus 17:8-13

Materials: a broom handle or walking stick

Free Poster:  Click on the image below and print.

godlinessBackground: Moses has led the Israelites out of Egypt. The people grumbled because they had no food and God sent manna from heaven. They grumbled again because they had no water to drink. Moses went to God about this and was told to strike a rock. He did, and water gushed out, enough for all the people to drink. Then the Amalekites attacked…

Object and Bible Lesson for Cooperation:

{Choose 3 volunteers. Have one be “Moses”. Have him hold the “rod” (broom handle) up in the air. While he is holding it, read the story. This story is short enough that it can be read straight from the Bible, or use the scripture below.}

Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. ~ Exodus 17:8-13

{Be sure to explain the meanings of these words: prevail and “hands were heavy”.}

{The “Moses” should be having a hard time holding up the rod. Ask the other two to stand on either side and help hold the arms. Give Moses a chair to sit in.}

Was it hard to hold the rod up by yourself? (At first it was easy, but then my arms started getting tired.) Do you think you could have held that rod up for a whole day? (No.) Moses couldn’t either. Who were his friends? (Aaron and Hur) Aaron was Moses’ brother and Hur was Caleb’s son. Both helped Moses lead the Israelites.

Was it easier to hold the rod once you sat down and had help? (yes)

Victory O Lord by John Everett Millais [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Victory O Lord by John Everett Millais [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Life Application for Cooperation:

Cooperation is important. No one can go through life alone. One of the things that might happen to people when they are in jail, or prison camps, is something called solitary confinement. This is when a prisoner is placed in a room by himself for an extended amount of time. They are not allowed to have any dealing with people except when given food and water. It’s awful.

People are meant to be in community with each other. God wants us to get along and cooperate with each other.cooperation

{Show the poster and talk about what it means. Be sure to define the words labor, companion, and woe.}

What are some examples of cooperating with other people? (Allow answers; some examples could be: sharing, working on projects with others, not being stubborn and wanting your own way all the time, helping someone up if they have fallen or gotten hurt, sports teams, giving clothing and food to those who might not have any, etc.)

What would have happened if Aaron and Hur had decided that they did not want to cooperate? Maybe they had other things to do. Instead, they were sensitive to the needs of their friend who needed them. They walked up the hill with Moses and stayed with him during the battle.

Success comes from working as a team. Some people think they can do everything all by themselves, but this is not what God wants. He wants us to help each other and cooperate so people can know about Jesus. Can you think of a friend who might need your help? Go help him! Make sure he isn’t by himself, and cooperate so everyone can win.

What can we learn from Aaron and Hur? If we want to be godly, then we must choose to cooperate and help others.

{Display the poster in the room throughout this series and read it each week.}

This lesson has been UPDATED and is a part of my book Walk This Way: Ethics and Sanctification Lessons for Kids. CLICK ———> HERE for more information.

godliness series for kids

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