Pottery Class

I prepared this lesson for my youth group but I knew that I had to share it with others. This month we're looking at 'Creative Passion'. This is understanding that God created us for a reason and has birthed in us talents and gifts for His glory. Once we understand that we live, move and have our very being in Him and we were created for His glory, it tends to shape our perspective and life.

So, I started the session with an object lesson (divinely inspired of course). There were a list of materials for them to choose from namely:

Paper towel rolls          Rubber bands       Markers and pencils
Old newspapers           Glue
Scraps of cloth             Scissors
Coconut shells             Paper

The scenario was a simple one, They were shipwrecked on a deserted island and had the choice of two or three of the above listed materials to construct something that will help them to either survive or get off the island. Two of them chose to build objects that would aid in them leaving in the island (noteworthy).

Anyways, they built boats, rafts and food container. I liked the food container because I was able to use it as an example. This was a vessel just like we are vessels of Honour. God has ingrained in us varying gifts and talents which we must unearth, we first have to tap into Him to discover what they are.

Imagine, God in his chamber in heaven while creating us took raw materials (dust) and created us. He said, I will equip ___________ with a beautiful voice and dance skills for MY GLORY. He sits waiting for __________ to ask what are those said gifts, but they never ask. Now, although God may choose to bring these talents to the fore even before we ask we still ought to use them for His glory, because He made us and not we ourselves for His GLORY.

I went on to share with them how God created something out of nothing (Ex Nihilo). He spoke into the abyss that was the unformed universe and it was- no big bang could ever be an apt theory for me. Yet God wants to do the same with us but in this regard we are our own worst enemy. God wants to use us for His ultimate Glory that is why He gave us our gifts and talents but we refuse to live for Him.

Just as they made various vessels and objects so to are God's people diverse. Made with different skillsets- a pot pourri of races, cultures, personalities and gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Romans 12:4-8).

We then looked at (Jeremiah 18:1-12) where God gives Jeremiah His Rhema word. God wants to mold us and reshape us. It doesn't matter if we are broken, lumps of clay, messy or messed up, God sees beauty, purpose, fine pottery and a masterpiece. Will you allow God to shape and mold your life? Will you allow Him into your heart to change it and to take up permanent residence there? Or will you continue like Israel in Jeremiah 8 and turn from God unto your own idols and gods? Will you use your God-given gifts to further His kingdom or will you continue selfishly profiting from God's investment?

Lastly, I reminded my charges that even though they were blessed with gifts they must not chastise or make fun of others who do not have the gifts (differently abled), especially, if they are doing it unto the Lord. For the same way it was given it can be taken away. Also, don't bury your talent like the man with the one talent (Matthew 25:14-20). Do it all to God's glory.

Selah.

P.S: Watch this amazing video from Our Daily Bread Ministries.

Grace and Peace.