If you are doing class online, invite students to get a piece of paper and a writing utensil (or even the “notes” section of a phone or device) to use at home.

So far, we’ve learned that the things of this earth are unable to provide us with eternal fulfillment. The next step then, is for us to look to God for satisfaction and practice the ways in which we can achieve self-actualization in Christ.

Before we look to God to find fulfillment, we first have to identify what things we’re currently using to create that sense of purpose and meaning. For many, this can take the form of school, jobs, physical exercise, leisure activities, or relationships with family and friends.

If you are teaching in person, hand out index cards and pens/pencils. If you are teaching online, have students get their papers and writing utensils (or even the “notes” section of a phone or device).

Ask your teens to make individual ordered lists of the top five most important things in their lives. The items on their lists can be as specific as individual people/things or as broad as an entire community or feeling. Once finished, ask your students the following questions, instructing them to refrain from answering aloud and to instead record their responses on the same page.

• Is God at the top of your list?
• If so, are there any things that sometimes threaten to come between your relationship with Him?
• If not, what other things are you holding higher than Him? Why?

Guide your class to take their lists and responses and spend time in prayer and reflection with God, asking Him to reveal to them the things that are acting as a hindrance toward their pursuit of Christ. End today’s class by challenging your students to take one item that is keeping them from fully submitting to the Lord, and refrain from engaging with it throughout the coming week. Encourage your students to record how abstaining from this thing changes the way in which they are able to communicate and draw closer to Christ.

Close in prayer.