Remember the homeless man who found and turned in $2,000 and was rewarded with close to $5,000 for his honesty and kindness? Here is what he did with the reward money. After hours of searching for the man, the police were finally able to tell the man about the money waiting for him. Instead of the man collecting the $5,000 he donated it to a food service provider for homeless people in his city. Instead, all he wanted was a job.

• Why do you think the homeless man donated the money? (Answers will vary but might include: he appreciated the help he received from the shelters and soup kitchens; he wanted to help others the way he had been helped; he placed more value on giving than receiving; through his homelessness, he learned to be content with few material things; he wanted to work to earn his own money, etc.)

For each item (share your screen or show the Step 1 list) that we thought the man might buy, come up with something else of more value—something that money cannot buy (i.e.: honesty, giving, kindness, helping, love, work, family, friends, service, etc.). Each time a student shares something that money cannot buy, cross out one of the material items and write the intangible item near it. Be sensitive to students whose families are going through difficult situations.

To help us remember to be content with what we have and keep priorities straight, we are going to make reminders of valuable things money can’t buy. 

Use your Bible as a guide to write the memory verse on the first card or piece of paper (“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.”—Hebrews 13:5). On each card or slip of paper, write valuable things we just listed on the board. Stack the cards together with the Bible verse on top. This week, choose a different slip each day. Then, throughout the day, focus on thanking God for what you have and for the gift of ________ (whatever is on the slip of paper).

• What non-material blessing are you most thankful for today? (Answers will vary but may include family, friends, God, church, etc.)

Close in prayer asking God to help us all learn to be content with what we have.

Be sure to find time during the week to text students. Check in with them to see how they are doing and what they are thanking God for that day. You may even remind them that you are thanking God for them!