Monday, June 22
Challenge #3: Code Name: Take Out the Trash

Directive: Get rid of garbage in your life.

Armor: Philippians 4:8

Basic Training

Ask kids if they’ve ever forgotten to take out the trash and only remembered when it started stinking. Rotten trash can change the dynamic of an entire room — and not in a good way.

Tell kids that the same thing happens when we let “trash” enter our minds and hearts; it starts to invade every part of our lives, leaving little room for anything else. If we instead fill our minds with the things God loves, we can keep our hearts and minds in line with Jesus and in turn, impact those around us for good.

Bring in a small bag of garbage from home. Pour the garbage into a flat box or pan and tell kids that they’re going to categorize the trash by what’s good trash and what’s bad. (You can provide gloves if you want, or just have kids look at it to create their categories.)

When finished, ask kids: What makes trash good or bad? What makes something good or bad to have in our lives? When does something good possibly become bad for us?

Read the Scripture. Ask: How can the filters in this verse determine what’s good or bad?

Covert Ops Challenge

In their “Operation: Faith Challenge” journals, have kids list their favorite music, video games, and TV shows. Then have them list all the words from Philippians 4:8 in their journals. Challenge kids to spend time this week determining if their favorite things fit each filter in this verse.

Have kids write Philippians 4:8 on a 3×5 card. Challenge kids to tape the card to their stereo, television, or video game console for the week. Challenge kids to use the card as a filter for what they’re allowing to enter their minds and hearts. Pray for God’s guidance in showing kids what brings them down rather than builds them up.

Mission Accomplished

When kids return, challenge them to select any shows, songs, or games they’ve decided they need to toss out with the trash. Have them write these items on separate sheets of paper. Then play a game of Trash Can Hoop Shoot where kids try to make a “basket” as they throw away the garbage.