Taking up our responsibilities

Jesus talks about “taking up your cross” in today’s lesson. Some think that means picking up a physical cross like the one Jesus was crucified on, but that is not what Jesus was saying. “Taking up your cross” means pick up your responsibilities as Christians. Do what God is calling you to do.

It’s hard for kids to know what God wants them to do. Adult are always encouraging kids in one direction or another, and sometimes they forget to listen to what the kid wants. Churches do that too. They tell children what they should do but don’t listen to what children want to do or what they find interesting.

One way to hear God is through meditation. Prayer is when we talk to God. Meditation is when we listen. Find a quiet time in a special spot and close your eyes. Then listen to the sounds around you for a little while. Relax your body and say “God, I’m listening.” You might hear nothing out of the ordinary, or you might have a word come to mind, or feel a voice say something behind you. If you do, spend time thinking about that word or what the voice said.

When you are finished meditating, you can keep the words to yourself or tell an adult you trust. Perhaps they have an idea that might help you figure out what God is calling you to do.

It’s okay if you don’t hear anything. Sometimes God speaks to our hearts instead of our ears and mind, and your heart will feel what God wants from you.