Do your children know what it means to be lazy? Here are some definitions found on dictionary.com for this word:

1. stay lovingly

2. move slowly and idly, making stops without purpose in the course of a trip, trip, errand

3. to fool around or waste time at work

Hmm. Definitions like these give loitering a bad rap, and with good reason. As Christians, the last thing we want to do is wander aimlessly through this purposeless life. God has work for each of his children and “no idleness allowed.” Here is a fun Bible object lesson to teach your children this important truth.

This is what you do:

The object you will use for this lesson will be a “No Loitering” sign. In fact, you can go to Google Images and type in “no loitering sign” and it will bring up a lot. There’s a big one there with the same sentiment, which says: If you don’t have anything to do, please don’t do it here. You may even want to print several different ones to show your kids. Laminate them for long-term use and maybe even attach them to paint bars so the kids can hold them.

Ask the following questions to help stimulate discussion:

1. What am I holding? (Expect a response such as “a no loitering sign”).

2. That’s right. What does lazy mean? (Wait for responses.) The dictionary says that loafing means

– stay aimlessly

– move slowly and idly, making stops without purpose in the course of a trip, trip, errand

– to fool around or waste time at work

3. Why would stores or certain places put up this sign? (Wait for responses.)

4. Loitering can cause problems for some people. If you’re not working or doing something specific, chances are you’ll end up doing something you shouldn’t be doing. Take for example the story of the parable of the workers in the vineyard.

5. Share this story found in Matthew 20:1-7.

6. Say the following: In verse 6 of our story, Jesus asks an important question: “Why haven’t you been working today?” (NLT) You see, if you’re a Christian, God has called you to do his work. Let’s learn a little more about this portion of Scripture and how it teaches us to live our lives for God. Here are 3 important points about this truth.

Article 1: We’ve learned that loitering is just a fancy word for standing around doing nothing. You may see a “No Loitering” sign in front of a store or on a street corner. The cops can even force you to keep going if you’re loitering where you shouldn’t be.

Article 2: God doesn’t want us to slack off either. He needs you and all of his children to be doing his work so that the people of this world can learn how much he loves them.

article 3: There are many stories in the Bible about people who worked hard for God. There are also many wonderful stories today about missionaries and pastors and Christian workers and kids like you who have also worked hard for God. Why not? you be one of God’s workers? This world needs Jesus. Don’t just stand there, go and tell them about God.

This 3 Point Bible Object Lesson for Kids was inspired by my reading of CH Spurgeon’s devotional on Matthew 20:6 from his book Morning and afternoon. You too can be inspired by your favorite Christian authors and create your own 3 point sermon for kids.