hello world!

Every part is important

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Items needed

  • a ballpoint pen, from which you have removed the spring

I'm sure everyone knows what this is. Yes, it is a ballpoint pen.

What do you think the most important part of this pen is? Many of you said the "ink", that is a common answer. Let's see how useful this ballpoint pen is. I need someone to volunteer to write with this pen, and see if it works properly.

Let several kids try to use the pen. They will conclude something is broken, or perhaps some may realize the spring is missing. Take the pen back.

Yes, the reason this pen is not working properly is because it is missing a part. It may seem like an insignificant part, but the pen can't work without it. It is the spring! I have it here in my pocket.

Insert the spring back into the pen, and let a few children confirm that it is now working properly.

Even something as simple as a ballpoint pen needs all its parts to work properly. Some parts may seem more important, like the ink, while others may seem less important, like the spring, but they are all needed. In our church/class, each of our member's best efforts and talents are needed, too. Everyone has a job to do, whether it's conducting the meeting, teaching a lesson, singing, or simply sharing testimony by participating in class discussions. Some jobs may seem more important than others, but without everyone, the Church just wouldn't function.

The apostle Paul said: "But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary." (1 Corinthians 12:20-22).

This object lesson was inspired by one at KidsSundaySchool.com.

October 11, 2004
Scripture Reference:
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