Middle School Week 1 (May 21): Choices, Choices
Series Overview – Live Like “Next” is “NOW”
When it comes to living “built different,” few things matter more than the choices we make. And we make dozens of them every day.
Choices about what we do. Choices about where we go. Choices about who we spend time with.
What we’re choosing is what we’re chasing. So let’s take a look at the choices we’re making, and then ask ourselves a very important question — are those choices leading to what God wants for us?
Series Verses:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” (Psalms 1:1-3)
“You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.” (Deuteronomy 14:2, NLT)
Discussion Goal: Pay attention to your choices.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter)
If you could only listen to one musical artist for the rest of the year, who would you choose and why?
Think It Through (and Talk It Out)
Leader Tip: Choose questions that resonate with your group’s age, experiences, and current understanding. There’s no pressure to cover all the questions — pick the ones that fit your group the best.
Think about some choices you’ve recently made. What do you think your current choices say about what’s most important to you right now?
Read the story of brothers Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25:27-34. Esau gave up something important for something small and temporary, and it eventually led to a big family conflict. What would you have done if you were in Esau’s place?
What do we learn about our choices from this story?
Have you ever made a choice you thought was small or not important, but later regretted it?
We’re called to live like “next” is “now,” which means we need to think about our future (“next”) when we make decisions in the present (“now”). Do you find it easy or hard to think about the future when you’re making daily choices?
Why do you think it’s so easy to believe our “now” choices don’t matter that much?
This week, how can you remind yourself to pause and think before making a quick decision?
Pray: God, we want to make more choices that help us become who You’ve called us to be. Please give us the wisdom, courage, and strength to make decisions that honor You and show those around us who You are. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Additional Questions
Why do you think God cares so much about the choices we make? What does God say about choices in Proverbs 14:12 and Proverbs 19:21?
What’s something you’re tempted to “trade” your future for right now? (e.g., scrolling on social media instead of spending time with your family, spending money you were saving, binge-watching shows instead of sleeping before a big test, starving your body so you fit in, etc.)
What are some choices you currently make that help you grow closer to people in your life or love them well (e.g., spending time together, doing things they enjoy, speaking kindly, etc.)?
How could you apply those same choices to grow in your relationship with God?"