In this lesson, children learn that they should remember God and trust Him while they are young, because life goes by quickly. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God made you, and He wants you to remember Him every day, especially when you are young and strong. Remembering Him now helps you through every season of life.
Memory Verse
Ecclesiastes 12:1
Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw near, when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”…
(WEB)
Teach children to put one hand over their heart on the first word, then point up to the sky on the word “Creator.” Have them repeat the verse together while doing the motions, then whisper it and shout it. The movements help the words stick.
The Story: Ecclesiastes 12 for Kids
Long ago, a wise king named Solomon wrote a book to help people think about what really matters. He had seen many things in his life, including great success and great disappointment. In this chapter, he spoke like a loving grandfather who wanted children to listen carefully before it was too late.
Solomon described what happens as people grow older. Eyes become dim, hands shake, and legs grow weak. He used pictures from nature and from houses to show that the body slowly wears out. Those who once worked hard may find that the grinding of grain grows quiet because there are so few people left to do the work.
Then Solomon reminded everyone that life on earth does not last forever. He said that the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. He wanted people to understand that God is the one who gives life and who will one day judge all that we do.
Solomon said, in his own words, that many things in this world seem empty and quickly gone. Even so, he finished with a clear message: fear God and keep His commands, because this is what matters most for every person. He told his listeners that nothing we do is hidden from God, whether it is good or bad.
Read It Together
Ecclesiastes 12:13
This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.
(WEB)
Show children that this verse gives the most important idea of the whole chapter. Explain that to fear God means to respect and trust Him deeply. Ask them to name one of God’s commands they know well.
Ecclesiastes 12:6-7
6 Before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the spring, or the wheel broken at the cistern, 7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
(WEB)
Help children see that these verses describe how life changes and ends. Tell them that even though this part is serious, God is still in control. Remind them that God gave life, so we can return our lives to Him with trust.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you can do this week to remember God?
- Why do you think Solomon wanted young people to think about God early in life?
- How does it help you to know that God made you and cares for you?
- What are some ways you can show respect for God in your home or at school?
- When you feel scared or unsure, what can you say or do to remember that God is with you?
Activity Ideas
Create a Remember Heart Craft
You will need paper, crayons, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace and cut out a large heart, then write or draw one way they can remember God each day. Glue the heart onto a sheet of colored paper and display it in your room. Ask children to explain their picture to the group.
Play Follow the Leader Remember Game
Gather the children in an open space and choose one child as the leader. The leader makes a simple movement, like raising arms or clapping, and everyone copies it. Between each movement, pause and say, “Remember God.” This game helps children connect remembering with action and joy.
Make a Take-Home Reminder Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a hole punch with string or yarn. Ask children to write the memory verse or a short phrase like “Remember God” on the card, then decorate it. Punch a hole in the corner and tie the yarn so they can hang it on a bedroom door or mirror. Encourage them to read it each morning.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter speaks about the importance of living with God in mind from youth to old age. Solomon uses poetic images to describe the body’s decline and the certainty of death, and he calls people to remember that God is their Creator and Judge. The chapter ends with a practical call to reverence God and keep His commands.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the frightening images of aging and death. Keep the focus on God’s love and care, and do not let the lesson leave children feeling afraid. Emphasize that remembering God brings peace and purpose.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we want to remember You every day, especially when we are young and full of energy. Help us to love You, trust You, and obey Your commands. Thank You for making us and for caring for us in every season of life. Help us to live for You with joy. Amen.
