Leader Guide
Game
- Humble-Proud Sign Patterns
- Twelve bouncy balls, tennis balls, or any small balls that bounce well; optional: if you don’t have balls, you may make paper wads to throw instead of bounce
- Four medium-size boxes, buckets, or other clean containers, all the same size
- Scissors
- Two towels or pillows
- Tape
- Two sixth grade helpers or other volunteers to gather the balls
Make one copy each of the two Proud and Humble Sign Patterns, cut them apart, and tape one to each of the four containers.
Optional: Instead of using the signs, write “Proud” on two containers and “Humble” on two containers.
Place six balls in each of the two “Proud” containers and put them on the floor near one end of the room. Leave about 6 feet between the containers.
Place a pillow or towel in the “Humble” containers. This keeps the balls from bouncing out.
Place each “Humble” container about 10 feet away, directly in line with a “Proud” container.
I would like three people to each raise a hand and tell me how someone in the Bible story displayed a humble attitude.
We just watched how Naaman had to let go of his pride and learn to be humble. When he did, God gave Naaman grace and healing. In this game, we are going to do what Naaman did. We are going to empty our pride and fill up with humility! To do this, you will take a ball from the “Proud” container and bounce it toward the “Humble” container.
Divide the class into Team 1 and Team 2.
Each team’s players form a line behind a “Proud” container.
One player from each team plays at the same time, bouncing one ball to try to get it to land in the “Humble” container. The other players on the team clap and cheer for each attempt.
After their turns, players move to the back of the line and the next players take a turn. Game play must be continuous and fast-paced. One player bounces the ball; the next player immediately steps up to take a turn.
The helpers must quickly gather any missed balls and return them to the “Proud” containers without interrupting play.
Conclusion: It was not easy for Naaman, a mighty warrior, to let go of his pride and learn to be humble. It is a challenge for us to be humble when we experience success, victory and praise in our lives. It is very easy to start bragging and to think we are better than others. Part of being humble is putting the interests of other people in front of our own. When we do this we find joy and happiness and blessing.
We are all winners when we show love and encourage one another. God is pleased when we are humble, and He gives us His grace! What is grace again?
The free and undeserved blessings and favor of God in Christ!