Step One of this lesson also on video!

• How many of you have heard of the YouTube channel MrBeast? (Among those that have, ask a volunteer to describe the type of content that this channel features.)

MrBeast has exploded in 2018, climbing from 2 million to 12 million subscribers in just 12 months. The channel features videos made by one Jimmy Donaldson and typically depicts attention-grabbing stunts usually involving some bizarre form of philanthropy. Since the channel started gaining traction in 2017, Donaldson has given away hundreds of thousands of dollars to Fortnite streamers, friends, people experiencing homelessness, strangers, and waitstaff.

Here’s an excerpt from the MrBeast Wikipedia page that well encapsulates his genre of altruism, “Donaldson has been described as ‘YouTube’s biggest philanthropist,’ and often vlogs about his extreme acts of charity that include…giving three million pennies ($30,000) to his 3 millionth subscriber, and tipping a pizza deliveryman $10,000. In another instance, Donaldson reportedly tipped a waitress $10,000 for serving him two glasses of water.”

At first glance, it seems like Jimmy Donaldson may be a refreshing departure from the self-centered YouTubers of late. But before we all start smashing that subscribe button, let’s take a look at one of MrBeast’s most popular videos and determine for ourselves where his motivations lie.

Play the following clip for your students [4:18].
Tipping $10,000 for Water

• What do you think of this video? Do you think Donaldson’s intentions are pure? (Without actually being able to interact with him in person, it can be difficult to assess where his motivations lie, but there are a few elements of the video that can cause us to question his motives.)

Extreme donations like MrBeast’s have long been a staple of wealthy socialites, but the rise of social media has proliferated their appearance in the media to new levels. The prominent radio DJ, Peter Rosenberg, had this to say about this new era of giving, “Isn’t it a little bit cheap to use those emotions of, ‘Look at this person in need getting something good,’ and transfer those emotions onto yourself?”

• What are your thoughts on the Rosenberg quote? Do you think people are more willing to serve others when they can post about the act? (Acts like these can boost social currency and public image, potentially corrupting the motives behind service.)

• Donaldson makes anywhere from $780,000 to $12,500,000 per year in income based on the number of viewers he is able to pull in. How do you think that would motivate when and how he performs these acts of service? Explain your answer. (Answers will vary.)

Today, we’ll see that God has called us to serve one another, but it’s important to be aware of the motivations behind why we are serving others and how we go about it. In this week’s lesson, we’ll learn that God gives us the ability to serve, and we will consider ways He wants us to use these abilities to serve others.

Additional Resources:
https://www.crosswalk.com/church/pastors-or-leadership/ask-roger/6-questions-you-need-to-ask-yourself-to-discover-your-spiritual-gift.html