Camouflage: Don't Lie

This week in KidzBlast we talked about the Nineth Commandment found in Exodus 20.16: "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor."

Results of a study done some years ago showed the American public admitted to lying, by deception or outright untrue statements, many times a day! How much damage must be done to human relationships by lifestyles of consistent lying-not to mention people's relationship with God. Lying is a common problem among children because it can protect them from punishment, help them in a tight situation, or make them seem important to someone else. This week we talked about the story of the Gibeonites with Joshua and how they tricked Joshua into making a peace agreement with them just so they could live. You can read about it in Joshua 9.1-27. As you recap the story with your student(s) this week, ask them these questions:

• How did the Gibeonites trick the Israelites into making a peace agreement?
• How were the Gibeonites punished for their lie?
• What would happen to the Israelites if they broke their promise with the Gibeonites?
• Who is the Father of Lies?
• Who does the Bible say is "The Truth?"
• How is "Lying" like a "War?"
• What are the two different voices in life that we will hear? Who decides which one we'll listen to?

Just for kicks...here's a new piece to the story kids that you can check out! The Israelites actually ended up breaking their promise with the Gibeonites many years later. You can read about it in 2 Samuel 21.1-9. All I gotta say is: "It wasn't pretty!" Remember...Delight in God, keep His Commandments and you will be rewarded!

Have a great week!
Pastor Carrie