Teaching obedience doesn’t have to be a challenge—make it fun and meaningful! On this page, you’ll find Bible-based stories, activities, and crafts that help children understand the importance of listening and following directions with a joyful heart. Explore creative ways to encourage obedience while building a strong foundation in faith.
You'll discover on this page:
Definition: Doing what you are told, right away, and with a happy heart without being reminded.
Opposite: Defiant, rebelling
Adam and Eve Disobey God (Genesis 3)
Adam and Eve's choice to eat the forbidden fruit teaches the consequences of disobedience and the importance of following God's commands.
Noah Obeys God (Genesis 6-9)
Noah obeys God's instructions to build the ark, demonstrating the blessings of obedience and faithfulness.
Jonah and the Big Fish (Jonah 1-3)
Jonah learns the hard way that disobedience leads to trouble, while obedience brings about God's mercy and purpose.
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)
Moses receives God’s rules for the people of Israel, showing the importance of obeying God's laws for living a righteous life.
The Walls of Jericho (Joshua 6)
Joshua and the Israelites obey God's unusual command to march around the city of Jericho, and their obedience leads to victory.
Samuel Listens to God (1 Samuel 3)
Young Samuel learns to obey God when he hears His voice, showing that even children can listen to and obey God's calling.
Elijah and the Widow (1 Kings 17:8-16)
Elijah and the widow both obey God’s instructions, which leads to miraculous provision during a time of famine.
Jesus Calls the Disciples (Matthew 4:18-22)
Jesus' disciples obey His call to follow Him, leaving their nets and showing the importance of immediate and willing obedience to God's call.
Daniel and the Lion's Den (Daniel 6)
Daniel’s obedience to God in prayer, despite the king's decree, leads to God's protection and deliverance.
Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego (Daniel 3)
These three men show obedience to God by refusing to bow down to the king's statue, even when threatened with being thrown into a fiery furnace. Their obedience is rewarded as God protects them from harm, demonstrating courage and faithfulness.
Mrs. Rosey Posey and the Fine China Plate by Robin Jones Gunn is a charming children's book that explores themes of patience, understanding, and the special purposes God has for each of us. In the story, a young girl named Natalie feels frustrated when her parents don't allow her to go to a movie with her friends. Mrs. Rosey Posey, a wise and caring figure, uses the metaphor of a fine china plate to illustrate how God sets us aside for His unique plans.
Originally printed in 1933, The Story about Ping by Marjorie Flack follows a little duck named Ping who struggles with obedience. When he is the last to leave the boat, he avoids his father's scolding by staying behind. This decision leads him on a solo adventure, where he realizes the importance of listening to his family and returning home. The story emphasizes that disobedience can lead to difficulties, while obedience brings comfort and safety.
What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick is a playful picture book that explores the concept of personal responsibility and the impact of individual actions on society. The narrative poses various scenarios where characters act thoughtlessly, followed by the question, "What if everybody did that?" This rhetorical question emphasizes the consequences of careless behavior and encourages children to consider how their choices affect others.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems is a humorous picture book that engages children through the antics of a very persistent pigeon. The story begins when the bus driver asks the reader to keep the pigeon from driving the bus while he steps away. The pigeon attempts to persuade the reader with various arguments and excuses, showcasing his determination and clever tactics to convince others to let him take the wheel. Mo Willems books are some of my favorites to teach pragmatics.
I Just Don't Like the Sound of No! My Story About Accepting No for an Answer and Disagreeing the Right Way! by Julia Cook is a children's book that addresses the challenges of accepting "no" as an answer. The story follows a young boy named RJ who struggles with hearing the word "no" from adults and peers, leading to frustration and feelings of disappointment.
Do you desire to parent or teach children the way that God desires? Watch this 3-part series to acquire the tools to build a solid foundation of biblical discipline for your family or classroom.
Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen is a charming story about a lion who visits a library and the friendship he forms with the librarian, Mrs. Merriweather. The lion loves the library and follows the rules—until one day he breaks a rule to help Mrs. Merriweather. This act of kindness leads to a heartwarming resolution, showcasing themes of understanding, community, and the importance of rules.
Franklin Is Lost by Paulette Bourgeois tells the story underscores the importance of obedience. When Franklin goes on an adventure with his friends, he strays away from the group, leading to feelings of fear and anxiety when he realizes he's lost. This experience highlights the necessity of listening to parents and sticking together with friends.
Little Critter's Just Go to Bed by Mercer Mayer, Little Critter is reluctant to follow his bedtime routine. As his father reminds him to brush his teeth and get ready for bed, he finds creative excuses to avoid each task. Ultimately, after a series of playful antics, he learns that going to bed is important, leading to a cozy end where he finally settles down for the night.
The Most Obedient Dog in the World by Anita Jeram tells the charming story of a dog, who is known for his impeccable obedience. The narrative follows the dog's obedience, which delights his owner and those around him. Through whimsical illustrations and simple language, the book emphasizes the joy that comes from being obedient.
That Rule Doesn't Apply to Me! by Julia Cook follows a young boy named Noodle who constantly believes rules don’t apply to him. Through various situations, Noodle discovers the consequences of not following rules and learns why they exist to keep everyone safe and happy. This fun and insightful book helps children understand the importance of rules in everyday life and encourages them to make better choices.
Shorten the verses as appropriate for the child's developmental level.
Tune: London Bridges
Don't just listen to God's Word. (shake head, point to ear, make book with hands)
To God's Word, to God's Word.
You must do-- what it says. (point, shout "What is says")
James one twenty-two. (make book with hands, one finger, two fingers)
Joshua 24:24 (NIV)
And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God and obey him.”
Jeremiah 7:23 (NIV)
But I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.
Jeremiah 42:6 (NIV)
Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the Lord our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the Lord our God.”
Colossians 3:20 (NIV)
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Hebrews 13:17 (NIV)
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
Do you desire to parent or teach children the way that God desires? Watch this 3-part series to acquire the tools to build a solid foundation of biblical discipline for your family or classroom.
Trust and obey (march in place and then salute)
For there's no other way (cross arms in front of body)
To be happy in Jesus (move fingers to make happy smile at mouth)
But to trust and obey (march in place and then salute)
Tune of "If You're Happy and Your Know It"
When God says obey, say "Yes, Sir!" (Yes, Sir)
When God says obey, say "Yes, Sir!" (Yes, Sir)
When God says obey just do it right away
When God says obey, say "Yes, Sir!" (Yes, Sir)
A musical story, Captain Patch and his crew embark on a thrilling adventure when they are shipwrecked on a mysterious island. The story tells about a boy named Silas who wants what he wants! Being selfish, Silas takes a trip to I-Land where he learns firsthand about Jesus' unselfish love.
This story is for elementary-aged children.
Introduce your preschoolers to the God's love with our fun and engaging Old Testament Curriculum. Filled with interactive Bible stories, play-based activities, and learning crafts, this Curriculum brings the teachings of the Old Testament to life in a way young children will understand and enjoy.
All Printables Free for Immediate Family Use or with a Current License Only
Extend the lesson of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego with this engaging craft! Paint "flames" on a piece of paper using red, orange, and yellow paint, then add a touch of blue at the top. Finish by adding the title, "I Will Obey."
Gather old red, yellow, and orange crayons. Remove the paper and break the crayons into small pieces. Fill muffin tin cups halfway full of a mixture of the broken crayons. Place the crayons in a 250 degree oven and wait. Because various brands of crayons are made of different ingredients, melting times will vary. Once the crayons are totally melted, remove the tin from the oven. Use a toothpick to swirl the colors together and then allow the crayons to cool. The crayon material contracts as it gets cold making the new crayons easy to pop out of the muffin tin.
Print the black and white I Will Obey" poster. Color or paint. Then glue on "O's" - fruit loops or Cheerios. Discuss how Noah, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, or other Bible characters obeyed with God's help.
Paint the bottom of the child's feet. On a large piece of paper have the child create foot prints. Add the title, "Beautiful Feet." Discuss how our feet are beautiful when they are walking in obedience.
Talk about how owls are often seen as wise animals, and explain that we want to be wise by obeying God.
Print the Wise Owl activity sheet. Color or paint the owl, and if you'd like, add feathers and a stick for extra fun!
Glue two circles onto two craft sticks - one with a happy face and one with a sad face. Give various scenarios and have the child decide whether the situation demonstrates a good or bad choice. Show the happy face for "good choices" and the sad face for "bad choices." Explain that Jesus is happy when we obey. It makes Jesus sad when we choose to not obey. Allow the child to create his own scenarios.
Play "Simon Says" to coincide with the obedience theme.
Use the following signs for each word:
Stop - hold arm straight out in front with palm lifted
Wait - wiggle all fingers out in front
Go - move one arm across the front of the body
Create a scenario and ask the child to choose whether it is best to stop, wait, or go. Have the child "tell" you with hand motions rather than her voice. Focus on activities that involve obedience and respect.
- Walking to a curb on a busy street (stop)
- Needing a drink at the water fountain but others are already in line (wait)
- You mom tells you to come and help set the table (go)
Play "Mother May I?" to practice obedience. Choose one player to be the "mother/father." Line the rest of the players arm-length apart on the opposite side of the room. The children will take turns asking "Mother/Father, may I ____?". For example, "Mother/Father, may I take five steps forward?" The mother/father either replies "Yes, you may" or "No, you may not do that, but you may _____ instead" and inserts his/her own suggestion. The players usually move closer to the mother/father but are sometimes led further away. Even if the mother/father makes an unfavorable suggestion, the child must still perform it. The first player to reach the location of the mother/father wins the game. Following the game, discuss how it is hard to do something we don't want to do. But by obeying and doing it right away we show our parents and God that we love them.
Select one child to be the leader, who will stand at the front of the line. The other children will line up behind the leader.
The leader then begins to move around, performing various actions like jumping, clapping, or walking in different directions, while the rest of the children must mimic those actions.
If any player fails to follow the leader's movements, they are out of the game. The last child remaining or the one who mimics the leader the best can become the new leader for the next round.
This game encourages physical activity, listening skills, and creativity as children try to match the leader's actions!
Discover what God has called you to do as a parent and why discipline is essential for your children's growth and development. This video will help you embrace your role and guide you in disciplining with purpose and love.
Learn what causes tantrums, how to prevent them, and effective strategies for handling them when they occur. This video offers practical tips for managing tantrums with understanding and calm.
Does your child immediately do as told? Learn how to teach first-time obedience through a fun game and positive rewards. This video provides simple strategies to encourage immediate, respectful compliance.
Parenting to Impress Blog Posts on ObedienceHow to Get Your Child to Pick Up Toys
What Rules Should I Have in my Home?
The Key to Effective Discipline
Are You on the Best Parenting Path?
Is First-Time Obedience Important?
Are You Raising a Selfish Child?
