In this lesson, children learn that being thankful for what God gives is better than always wanting more. It is built for children about 5 to 11 years old and takes 20 to 30 minutes, with a short story, a memory verse, and a few activities you can do before or after class.
Big Idea
God gives us what we need, and we can be happy with that. Wanting more stuff is not the way to be truly happy, but loving God and being thankful is.
Memory Verse
1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, cupped like you are holding a gift. Slowly bring them to your heart while you say the verse together. Then open your hands wide as if you are thankful for everything in them.
The Story: 1 Timothy 6 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to his friend Timothy. Timothy was a young leader in a church, and he had many people to take care of. Paul wanted Timothy to remember something very important about God and about how to live.
Paul told Timothy that some people only wanted to get rich. They thought being religious was a way to get more money and things. Paul said that was wrong. He wrote that we did not bring anything into this world, and we will not take anything out of it when we leave.
So what should we do? Paul said that if we have food and clothes, we should be happy with them. Being thankful and loving God is the greatest treasure of all. Paul even said, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Being content means being happy with what you already have.
Paul also warned about the love of money. He said that when people want money too much, they can get into big trouble and be sad. Paul told Timothy, “But you, man of God, flee these things.” That means run away from wanting more than you need.
Paul wanted Timothy to follow what is right and good. He asked him to love others, be faithful, and be gentle. Paul also asked rich people to share what they had with others and to do good things, because real riches come from helping people and trusting God.
Read It Together
1 Timothy 6:7-8
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. 8 But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.
(WEB)
Point out that we did not bring anything into the world and we cannot take anything with us. Ask the children what they think it means to be content with food and clothing, and help them see that God provides what we need.
1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
(WEB)
Explain that the verse is about loving money too much, not about money being bad. Help the children understand that when we care more about money than about God and people, our hearts can get hurt and in trouble.
1 Timothy 6:17-18
17 Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; 18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share…
(WEB)
Show the children that God wants us to trust him, not our money, and to share what we have. Ask them to think of one way they could be generous with someone this week.
Talk About It
- What is something you have that you are really thankful for?
- Why do you think Paul said we cannot take our toys or money with us when we die?
- What is the difference between needing something and just really wanting it?
- How can we show God that we trust him to give us what we need?
- What is one way you could share something with a friend or family member this week?
Activity Ideas
Thankful Treasure Box
You will need a small shoebox, construction paper, markers, and scissors. Have each child decorate the box and cut out little paper slips. On each slip, they write or draw something God has given them, like family, food, or a home. Put the slips in the box and talk about how these gifts are worth more than any money.
Contentment Freeze Game
Play music and have the children dance around the room. When the music stops, they freeze and name one thing they are happy to have. Keep the game moving and let everyone take a turn. This helps children practice noticing and thanking God for what they already have.
Thankful Jar at Home
Gather an empty jar, some small slips of paper, and a pen. Place the jar somewhere the family sees every day, like the kitchen table. Each evening, family members write one thing they are grateful for and drop it into the jar. Read a few notes together at dinner once a week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter teaches that godliness joined with contentment is a real and lasting gain. Paul is not saying money is evil, but that the love of money can pull a heart away from God and lead to much trouble. Christians are called to be grateful, generous, and anchored in trust in the living God rather than in uncertain riches.
With children, avoid suggesting that being rich is always sinful or that God promises a wealthy life to those who are good. Keep the focus on trusting God, being thankful, and sharing, since the passage speaks of God’s character and faithfulness rather than guaranteed outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for all the good things you give us, like food, clothes, our families, and our homes. Help us to be happy with what we have and not always want more. Teach us to share with others and to trust you every day. Amen.
