- Screwdriver
- Bandaid
- Lipbalm
- Hammer
- Iron
Have the items on display prior to FHE starting. Once it is time for the lesson to start, ask the kids what each item does. (If you do not have these items, feel free to substitute.)
If desired, have the kids play charades with each item to show its purpose.
Once they are finished, ask them what would happen if you tried to use a screwdriver to flatten clothes or if you used an iron as a hammer. Why? What would happen if you tried to use an iron as a hammer? That’s right; it would shatter. Then you would need to take it to a repair shop to get it fixed!
Next, ask what purpose does our body serve? After listening to the family’s responses, read the following quote:
“If you become preoccupied with manipulating or adorning your body, for what purpose are you using your gift? The purpose of the body is to help us learn, progress, serve, and glorify the Giver of the gift: God” (Diane L. Spangler, “The Body, a Sacred Gift,” Liahona, Jul 2005, 16).
Application:
In summary, read the following scripture:
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Bear testimony to your children that the Lord has a distinct purpose for their body. As we live His commandments, our body will help us know joy. But if we ignore our body’s purpose and use it incorrectly (as in an iron being wrongly used to hammer), we will break our body’s ability to experience joy. At that point, we would need to take our body to the “repair shop” and seek help from the only One who is able to repair shattered things: the Savior Jesus Christ.
Witness that while He has all power to heal, it is far easier to simply listen to the prophets and obey the standards contained in the “For the Strength of Youth” pamphlet!
Closing Song: #98 Repentance
Closing Prayer: By invitation.
Refreshments: These “Andes Mint Surprise Cookies” not only are delicious, but the surprise they contain is similar to the astonishment felt when one experiences the full joy the Lord has waiting for them. Let your children know that seeking joy through obedience is worth all effort!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Diane Spangler’s article “The Body, a Sacred Gift” is an excellent source of information regarding the following four points: 1) The body is Godlike and helps us progress; 2) The body is a sacred gift; 3) The body is a temple; and 4) Satan will do anything to get us to hurt our bodies.
