DEUTERONOMY 30:15-20

LUKE 14:25-33

Sermon with Children: The Path to God

September 5, 2004

The Bible tells us there are two different paths we can follow: “me, me, me” – ONLY thinking about ourselves is one path. Following God is the other path. If we only think about ourselves, our love for others shrinks; if we follow God, our love for others grows.

Hmm. Looks like there are two paths laid out on the floor here. Let’s follow this path and see where it leads. (Sheets of paper on the floor leading to the exit door by the organ are each covered by numbers.) Behind Paper #1: not sharing. #2: Not telling the truth. #3: Being mean to other people. #4: Never praying or coming to church.

Let’s count the steps on this path: one, two, three, four – we’re almost out the door – and this door leads out of church and away from family and friends. Not a good idea. Let’s try the other path.

The other path looks longer, which means more walking, but maybe it will get us somewhere good.

12 “steps”: Praying to God, loving others, telling the truth, being joyful, sharing, being peaceful, not stealing, being kind, not swearing, being generous, reading or hearing Bible stories, coming to church.

When we finish this path, we’re right in front of the altar, where God invites us to come together for our special little meal with Jesus, AND we can turn around and see our families and friends with us. What a happy place to be!

(The Rev.) Francis A. Hubbard

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church