Using the game of “Earth!” “Water!” “Air!” or “Fire!” youth will discuss how our actions affect our testimony for Christ.
Preparation
- Position the youth in a circle of chairs facing inward.
- Take a handkerchief and knot it at one end so it can be easily thrown back and forth between people.
What to do
- Give the handkerchief to one of the youth instructing him/ her to throw it into the lap of another youth else in the circle. As he/she throws it he/she must call out “Earth!” “Water!” “Air!” or “Fire!”
- If “Earth!”, “Water!” or “Air!” is called, the one into whose lap the handkerchief has been thrown must name some bird or animal that lives or moves about in that environment. For example, if “earth” is shouted then the one into whose lap the handkerchief falls might answer: “Worms!” It would be just as correct however for him to name any beast which lives upon the earth. The same animal cannot be used again.
- As soon as a handkerchief lands in someone’s lap the one who threw it begins to count rapidly to 10. If the animal is not given to for “Earth”, “water”, or “air”, then that person must answer a question before passing the handkerchief on to the next person.
- However, if the handkerchief is thrown, and the one who throws it calls out “fire!” then the one into whose lap it falls must remain perfectly silent. If he/ she does not remain silent he/she must answer one of the questions before passing the handkerchief on to another player.
Questions
The questions are related to the topic of “personal testimony.” The questions that youth must answer all involve whether the action, attitude, characteristic stated:
- harms one’s testimony or
- benefits one’s personal testimony or
- has no effect on a person’s testimony.
A reason must be given for the answer. Then continue the game. You may do the questions in order or have youth pick a number between (1-66). Mark off numbers as they are used! Some of the choices involve things that happened to Paul. Others involve things to which a typical teen might be exposed.
- Dancing
- Cheating
- Responsible
- Integrity
- Trust
- Going to church
- Trials
- Being a follower of the Way
- Envy
- Belief in an afterlife
- Lust
- A clear conscience
- Going to a party
- Loving one’s enemies.
- Having fun!
- Having to appear in court
- Having a consistent devotional life
- Making good grades
- Having personal problems
- Wealth
- Drinking
- Being falsely accused of a crime
- Sharing your belief with someone else
- Athletic
- Serving others
- Speaking to a leader with great authority
- Taking responsibility for your actions
- Insisting on your rights
- Giving gifts to the poor
- Being ceremonially clean
- Listening to country music
- Listening to Rock music
- Theft
- Reading one’s Bible to the class
- Telling Jokes
- Pointing out the sins of others
- Hanging with the wrong crowd
- Obeying parents
- Going to an RA movie
- Smoking
- Being shy
- Being serious about life
- Being in Jail
- Losing your temper
- Listening to ONLY Christian music
- Praying daily
- Saying table grace
- Rudeness
- Anger
- Thinking about your sexuality
- Taking a stand for what you believe
- Showing your answers on a test to someone
- Being challenged to fight someone
- Sneaking out of the house to go to church
- Causing a public disturbance
- Telling the truth, even if it hurts someone
- Gossip
- Preaching
- Kissing someone in public
- Dating
- Good looks
- Memorizing your testimony
- Singing all the time
- The clothes you wear
- Your nationality
- Helping those in need
Take it to the Next Level
Make it Spiritual
Paul present his testimony in Acts 24:10-21. In fact, some of the statements in the list are references to parts of Paul’s testimony as presented in this passage. Paul shares more insight on his motives, and his actions as related to being a testimony to the gospel of Christ in 1 Corinthians 9:1-23 and 1 Corinthians 10:23-33. Two key principles are evident.
- While all things are permissible, Paul holds himself to a stricter standard so that he might be better witness for the Gospel, that is testimony might reach more people.
- Paul gives up some of his rights so that others might be saved.
Make it Practical
Discuss some of the issues regarding Christian freedom, God’s forgiveness, and our our actions, words and attitudes affect our testimony as Christians.
Make it Personal
In what ways might you personally be a better testimony for the Gospel for your family, friends, and those who know you?