Using My Talents Object Lesson (1 Peter 4:10-11)

The New Testament features more than one parable about talents but this particular lesson focuses on talents being gifts. It may be a while before the children in your class or church step into ministry but it’s never too early to start thinking about how to use those God-given talents for kingdom service.
This object lesson begins with these verses: “ As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV)
Before class begins write a few activities on index cards like, “Drawing, Speaking, Helping Others, Playing Ball.” Spread the cards on a table, the words should be facing down. Share the verses with the class and talk about it. Let kids know that gifts can mean talents and that God wants us to use the gifts and talents He gave us to bring glory to Him. Even small things, like swinging a slingshot like David can bring glory to His name.
Say, “Just imagine. Little David slung that slingshot every day. He was so good at using it that he protected his sheep with it. Later, he would win a great victory and knock out a giant named Goliath with just one stone. Now that’s a talent! Some people think that God only uses people who can preach or sing or teach but that’s not true. God will use your special abilities to bring glory to His name!”
“I’ve got some cards here that have my special abilities on them. I’m going to give each of you two cards. Write your special abilities on the cards. I’ll put them here and we will pull them out and talk about them. No one will know it’s you so don’t be shy.” Collect cards and spread them out on a table. Pick up cards and talk about how they could be used for God. Have fun!
Read more from Mimi by following her blog at Tools for Kids Church.