Ever heard the expression, “We stand tallest when we kneel?” Here’s a fun Family Home Evening lesson to introduce to children the concept of humility. Time for some FHE Fun!
Opening Song:#252 Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel
Opening Prayer: By invitation.
Emergency Preparedness Moment. What emergency preparedness activity would you like to do this week for your family? Make this a matter of prayer and you may be surprised at the promptings you can receive.
Devotional. A “favorite verse” moment can be a great way to jumpstart the actual FHE lesson. It helps settle the children for the more spiritual FHE learning time.
Lesson. Feel free to use the scriptures, quotes, and activities below in any order you prefer. We at Meridian Magazine offer you these lesson ideas, but do go to the Lord in prayer to learn what your family needs. You are entitled to inspiration for your sweet family (and it may be something quite different than this lesson).
Scripture. Alma 26:11-12 (or of your choosing):
11 But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.
12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.
Quote. “Humility is the catalyst for all learning, especially spiritual things. Those who engage in self-congratulation over a supposed strength have lost the protection of humility and are vulnerable to Satan’s using that strength to produce their downfall” Dallin H. Oaks, “Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,” Liahona, May 1995, 10.
Activity. Invite a volunteer to come forward. Ask him to jump as high as he can, but without bending his knees. After a few efforts, allow him to bend his knees before jumping.
Compare and contrast the impact and result of jumping with stiff legs versus flexible legs. When legs are stiff, it is difficult to achieve height while jumping. But when legs are flexible, greater heights are possible. Spirituality is the same way. “We stand tallest when we kneel.”
Some possible discussion questions might be: How does this activity compare to spirituality, humility, and asking for the Lord’s help? What happens when we are stiff-necked? Unwilling to yield? Why does a lack of humility impact our ability to feel the spirit?
After listening to the family discuss their thoughts, you may want to invite them to immerse themselves in prayer this week, making sure they kneel when doing so, and in any other activity they feel will bring the Spirit. Ask them to pay special attention to the feelings they have as they sing the closing song.
Closing Song:#130 Be Thou Humble
Closing Prayer: By invitation.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Here is the link to Elder Dallin H. Oaks’ complete beautiful talk, “Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall.”
Struggling with your teens? C.S. Bezas’ book is an essential help for parents and youth leaders. Powerful Tips for Powerful Teachers teaches you how to create long-lasting change. Visit your local LDS bookstore or get your copy online here.
