Too often we get caught up in what we want to become and what we want to accomplish that we fail to see the need right before us now.

 

Have the students write down their life goals and plans. What do they want to accomplish? What do they want to be? How much money do they want to make? What stuff do they want to own? And then, ask them if they plan on helping anybody with the life and fortune they amass? Ask them how they plan to help. 

 

Transition into this next set of questions: Why do you want to wait to help someone? Is there a need NOW that can be met in our community? Is there someone who they can step in and make a difference for now? Do we really have to try to accumulate wealth before we start making a difference in someone’s life?

 

Tell the students that they are going to listen to one of Casting Crowns latest hits called “The Very Next Thing.” Have them write down images they get as the song plays and place them in the section called What’s Next?

 

Have students read each passage and work through the sets of questions for each section.  Discuss the passage and their answers. Have the students record their answers on their sheet in the section titled The Plan.

 

• What does verse 16 say that love looks like?

• Why do you think the passage calls for us to show love through action instead of words?

• How does verse 17 speak about our typical outlook on helping people?

 

James 2:14-26 – This is the “faith without works is dead” passage. Be sure to illustrate to your students that we cannot earn salvation, but we work because we are saved.

• How is this passage similar to the passage in 1 John?

• What do you think “faith without works is dead” means?

• How can you put this faith into practice in your community?

 

• What is the common theme between the two commandments that Jesus called the greatest?

• Why do you think Jesus taught that love is so important?

• How is serving others showing love?

• How can you love and show love to your community?

Have the students brainstorm about ways they can reach their community and love on their community now. Put a plan in place to get outside the walls of the church and reach people with the love of Christ and then have them pray asking God to show them the very next thing.