It’s easy for kids (and adults!) to judge things based on outer appearances or to consider them the most important element of who we are. However, we know from the Bible that God looks at heart attitude and intent, not at the outer trappings. These crafts celebrate the anointing of David by Samuel. God had to guide Samuel to His choice of Jesse’s sons rather than the most impressive-looking one. The craft highlighting the importance of inner beauty is a collage card, which could be used as a decorative reminder or something to give away. To recount the life of David, a mobile is suggested to review events of the king’s life.
Verses or Captions to Consider… (Main Text: 1 Samuel 16:1-13)
- For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” -1 Samuel 16:7
- Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. -1 Samuel 16:13
- Man looks at outer appearance…but GOD looks at the heart!
- What’s on the inside counts!
- Beauty inside means loving God!
- From a shepherd…to a giant slayer…to a king! David had a heart for God and trusted Him for everything!
More Teaching Ideas:
- Watch the video of this children’s lesson and the related Sunday School craft ideas
- Compare our full “God Looks at the Heart” Sunday School Lesson
- Compare an alternate lesson plan on 1 Samuel 16
Craft one: “Look on the Inside” Collage
You will need:
- Construction Paper/cardstock
- Magazines/catalogs
- Glue or tape
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Other decorations (jewels, stickers, etc.)
Procedure:
- Browse magazines for pictures that represent “outer beauty.” Cut out several images.
- Glue the “pretty people” pictures to the outside of a piece of paper or cardstock.
- On the inside of the card/decoration, place a heart shaped piece of paper or drawn heart.
- Add captions and decorations to both sides of the card.
- Choose whether you’d like to give the card away as a helpful reminder or hang as a decoration.
Craft Two: “The Life of David Mobile”
You will need:
- Small paper plates
- Paper (construction)
- Markers or crayons
- Glue and/or tape
- String or pipe cleaners
- Scissors
- Jewels (and other decorations)
- Hole punch
Procedure:
1. Decorate the first paper plate to represent David’s “Shepherd phase” with cotton ball sheep.
2. Glue a small rock and rubber band or string to the second plate to represent the slaying of Goliath. Add a caption to each plate.
3. On the third plate, draw a crown or add jewels to represent a crown.
4. On the final plate. Draw or cut out a heart to show that David had a heart for God.
5. Punch holes in the plates and connect them with string, ribbon, or pipe cleaner.
6. If desired, add a magnet, string or pipe cleaner for hanging. You may also wish to hang them from a traditional clothes hanger. Enjoy!