Object Lesson: The Gold Coin

Supplies: Either a $1 coin (such as the recently issued gold coin) or a half-dollar coin. A small bag of dirt. A few miscellaneous objects, such as a pen or paper clip.

Lesson:

The teacher holds up the coin and asks the class,

“What is this?” (Wait for the class to answer: It’s a coin.)

“What is its value?” (Either a dollar or 50 cents, depending on the coin type.)

Teacher drops the coin on the ground. Kicks it. Steps on it.

Lifts up the coin again. “How much is it worth now?”

It’s still worth a dollar, isn’t it?

Teacher takes a pen or paper clip, and scratches the side of the coin. Covers it in dirt. Lifts it up. Asks again, “How much is it worth now?”

It’s still worth a dollar.

You are children of God with infinite value. You are worth an infinity of these coins. Please don’t forget this.

Some other people may forget this at times, and they may even tell you that because of things that have happened to you, or decisions you may have made, that you have somehow become of less value than before.

Those people are wrong. Nothing, nothing, can take away your infinite value as a child of God.