Student Option

(5–8 minutes, easy setup)

Distribute index cards and direct learners to list the following items on their cards: school, reputation, future, friends, and activities/hobbies. Explain that many times we conjur up ideas of evil things that hinder us from Christ, but often “good” things squeeze Him out of our top priority. Encourage students to consider and discuss how each of these things on their list could take up so much time and energy that they have little or none for their relationship with Christ. After a few minutes of discussion, ask: What are some practical things we can do to choose Christ first in our lives? Encourage students to discuss practical ways to follow Christ above everything and everyone else. Suggest answers such as commiting to a time of personal Bible study, having an accountability time with a trusted friend, using good time management to work on school projects, or maintaining a respectful attitude with hostile friends while still being intentional to voice the difference Christ has made in one’s life. Invite students to look at the list on their cards and pick one or two areas that they know will be a struggle to reprioritize in their lives and then write specific ways they can begin to place Jesus first in those areas. After a couple of minutes, encourage students to seek God’s help this week as they begin to implement their new loyalty to Christ.