Every child is climbing.
Not a literal mountain—but something just as real. They’re navigating friendships, choices, influence, and identity every single day.
And whether they realize it or not, who they’re tied to matters.
This week in our ROCK SOLID series, we’re teaching a truth that will impact kids long after they leave our ministry:
You are only as strong as the friends you choose.
That’s not just a clever phrase. It’s a spiritual reality.
Proverbs reminds us that walking with the wise makes us wise—but the companion of fools suffers harm. Kids may not quote that verse, but they live it every day at school, on the playground, and in their neighborhoods.
Here’s the challenge for us as ministry leaders:
We often focus on behavior… when we should be paying just as much attention to influence.
Because behavior is often downstream from friendship.
If a child is constantly surrounded by negativity, pressure, or poor choices, it will shape them. But when they’re surrounded by encouragement, truth, and godly influence, they grow stronger.
That’s why this week isn’t just about choosing good friends.
It’s about becoming one.
We introduced kids to a simple way to understand what a true friend looks like:
A real friend C.A.R.E.S.
They Challenge you in your walk with God
They Accept you as you are
They Respect you
They Encourage you
They Stick with you—even when it’s hard
Simple. Memorable. Actionable.
But kids don’t just need a list.
They need a vision.
They need to see that friendship isn’t just about who is fun—but who helps them follow Jesus.
So this week, don’t just talk about friendship.
Create moments where kids:
- Encourage each other
- Include someone new
- Practice being the kind of friend they’re learning about
Because one day, a child will face a decision—and the voices around them will matter.
Our job is to help make sure those voices pull them closer to God—not away.
This week’s idea comes straight from my ROCK SOLID Bible Curriculum—an 8-week adventure that helps kids climb upward and onward with Jesus. It’s packed with fun, practical teaching that sticks long after Sunday. (From itBibleCurriculum.com
