For Kids · 3 min with a grown-up
Today we learn about staying close to God — and being brave enough to do what's right, even when others around us are not.
Today's Story
God's people had come so far together. God had given them food, and water, and so many promises. He just wanted one thing back: for them to stay close to Him and love Him most of all.
But some of the people began to wander away. Instead of following the one true God, they let other things pull their hearts in the wrong direction. Little by little, some of them forgot to keep God first.
That made God sad, because He loved them so much and He knew that wandering away always leads to trouble.
But not everyone wandered. A young man named Phinehas loved God with his whole heart, and he was brave. While others were drifting, Phinehas chose to stand up and do what was right. He did not just go along with the crowd. He stayed true to God.
And God noticed. He was so pleased that Phinehas cared about doing right and staying close. God promised to bless him and his family for being faithful.
It takes courage to do the right thing when others are not. But God always sees, and God is always pleased when we stay close to Him.
A Big Word
Talk About It
- Has there ever been a time when everyone was doing something you knew wasn't right? What did you do, or what could you do next time?
- Phinehas didn't just go along with the crowd. Why can it be hard to stand up and do the right thing?
- God was pleased when Phinehas stayed close to Him. What are some ways you can stay close to God this week?