As students file into the classroom, hand out supplies and have them begin to make a list of people in their lives they go to for advice and guidance. They can write beside each one what makes that person stand out as a trusted confidant. After they’ve had a chance to think and write, ask:
- Who do you go to for guidance in your life? Why? (Let students share their lists; if time is a factor, choose a few volunteers.)
- How do you choose the right person to listen to? (Some possible answers: You choose someone you think is smart and who makes good decisions for themselves; choose someone older; etc.)
Sometimes it can be tricky to know which voices to listen to. How do we really know who’s telling us good information and who isn’t?
Recently, Utah reporter, Morgan Saxton’s news report went viral after a mystery animal appeared walking toward her during her live broadcast. Morgan remained calm and claimed it was a dog while she was live on the air. However, thousands of people have differing opinions after watching the video. She’s been told by many it was a mountain lion and yet others are sure it was a dog. Whatever it was, it gave her a scare. No one can agree, yet everyone has an opinion, and they are all certain they have the correct answer. Who is right?
It’s your turn to decide. Which animal do you think interrupted this news reporter’s broadcast? Let’s watch to find out. You may need to play this brief video more than once to give your students an opportunity to make their own decision [:25].
Dog or mountain lion?
After playing the video, tell your students that many viewers weighed in on the debate and all of them were 100% certain their answer was correct. Read the following quotes from viewers:
“No question that’s a dog.”
“That’s 100% a mountain lion.”
“Very clearly a dog. The tail and ears and how it walks give it away.”
“…seriously, that’s a mountain lion/cougar.”
Have your students take a vote to decide what animal they think it is. After voting, tell them so many people had an opinion on what they thought the creature was, that the Utah Division of Natural Resources got involved to solve the mystery for everyone. Let’s watch to see what happened.
Play the following clip [1:29].
Did a Mountain Lion Just Photobomb This Reporter’s Live Shot?
- How many of you were positive you were right in your decision, even if you were wrong? Why were you so sure? (Answers: I just knew what it was; I had a feeling; I can’t believe I was wrong—I was so sure, etc.)
- Did you listen to anyone around you or what other viewers thought before making your own decision? (Answers: I listened to everyone’s thoughts before deciding for myself; no, I decided on my own without help, etc.)
We have so many voices in our lives pulling us in all different directions and every voice is convinced their way is the best way. How can we know for certain? Which voice is right? None of us want to make a bad decision. So, how do we live life making the right ones?
In today’s lesson we’re going to see how Abraham’s servant dealt with this same dilemma. He was in charge of making an important decision and wanted to make sure he received God’s guidance in the matter. The servant couldn’t get this decision wrong, it was too big. Let’s see how the servant was able to decipher God’s direction from his own and what that means for you and me.
