Think back to Christmas or your last birthday. What was it that you really wanted? Did you get it? Do you even remember what it was? You may still be really excited about what you got this year but chances are, the further back you go, the harder it is to remember what you got. Whether it’s a new car, the latest Apple product, or those shoes that make your friends jealous, it will eventually break, get lost or go out of style. Nothing lasts forever so we have to keep looking for the next “thing” to make us happy. But what if we didn’t? What if we trusted that God, our perfect and loving provider, really did give us everything we needed? Then we could be satisfied with our stuff because we know that our ultimate, unfading treasure is in heaven.
CONTENTMENT: Satisfied With Yourself, Your Stuff, and Your Circumstances
MEMORY VERSE: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." PHILIPPIANS 4:12-13 (NIV)
This Week’s Finish Line: Knowing God Has Given You Everything You Need is the Secret to Being Satisfied With Your Stuff
In Matthew 6, during His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talked to the people about real, lasting treasure, treasure that can’t be found here on earth, only in heaven. We may worry about having the right clothes, eating the right food or having the right stuff. Our hearts often seek after these temporary things, but they will never fully satisfy. Jesus calls us to seek first His kingdom and only when we trust and believe that God’s given us everything we need, can we find real contentment in Him.
Family Questions:
- Read Matthew 6:19-34. What does Jesus say about real treasure? How can we find it?
- What do you think He means when He says to “seek first His kingdom?”
- What do you spend a majority of your time thinking about? What does this tell you about where your heart is?
- Is it easier to be content with what God’s given you if you have a lot or a little? Why?
Bring it Home Conversations & Activities:
* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.
Teacher: SS CHALLENGE #3: SERVE - Unstick Your Stuff
Read: Matthew 6:19-34
Talk:
- Where should we store up treasures? What do you think that means? (God considers treasures to be how we love and serve others not the stuff we collect.)
- Do you believe that God will supply you with all that you need? Is there a difference between need and want?
- How does knowing that God will give you all you need help you to be satisfied with what you already have?
Challenge: Stuck with a bunch of stuff? Sometimes getting rid of things can help us be reminded that the “stuff” isn’t where life is found. Have each family member grab a bag and fill it up with stuff you are willing to give away that would bless someone else. Don’t get rid of broken/unusable things, give away things that would be helpful to someone else. Take a pic with those bags and post on your team page!
Friend: Wish List
While in the car with your family this week, challenge your kids to remember everything they got for Christmas or their birthday this year. Can they remember what they got last year? Are they still as excited about those presents now as they were then? Why not? What’s on their wish list now? Discuss with your kids what eventually happens to all of the stuff they try to collect. Talk to them about the difference of storing up treasures on earth versus storing treasures in heaven. Remind them that true treasure is from God and can never fade, break or be stolen.
Counselor: No Worries
As your family is getting ready for bed, read them Matthew 6:25-34. Remind them that God loves them so much more than birds and flowers. Just as He gives the birds food and makes the flowers beautiful, He will give your family what you need for whatever tomorrow will bring. Whether you have a lot or a little, your true treasure is in heaven.
Coach: A Grateful Heart
As you are getting your family ready for the day, remind them that God loves them and will give them what they need for the day. Instead of wishing for things they don’t have, challenge them to find ways they can share what they do have with others or to make a list and thank God for all the things He has already given them. Being thankful and generous can help us be content with whatever God has given us.
Prayer
Thank God for providing for your needs because of His love for you. Ask Him to help you seek His kingdom first and have your heart set on His treasures, not those on earth.
Looking Ahead
Next week we will continue the month of June with the godly characteristic trait of CONTENTMENT. We will be learning that knowing God is always in control is the secret to being satisfied with your circumstances.
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