Week 4

Cornerstone Connection Lesson

 


Supplemental Youth Sabbath School Ideas

 


 


The Sabbath School materials for the topic “Identity Theft” contain a Student Lesson and a Teacher’s Guide. In addition to these materials provided by the General Conference Sabbath School Department, the North American Division Youth Department is providing supplemental materials you may choose to add to this lesson. Think in terms of your specific setting and the young people at your Youth Sabbath School. As you seek to involve them in the study and application of the Bible for this week, prayerfully pick and choose the components that will form the Youth Sabbath School for your young people. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit as you make your plan, and then continue to be sensitive for the Holy Spirit to guide you during the Sabbath School.

Session 4 Identity Theft

Scripture passages:

Overview

As a person discovers and becomes the person God created them to be (identity), they will no longer simply copy or steal the identity of someone else.

Read the Student Lesson as well as the Teacher’s Guide. This may provide everything you need for the Youth Sabbath School. 

 

 

 


 

 

Download Lesson 4


Following are additional components that you can pick and choose, use “as is” or adapt to your specific Youth Sabbath School. These supplemental ideas provide more options for this topic. Hopefully you will have more than you need and more than you can use, so you end up picking what will work the best for your Youth Sabbath School. Here’s a brief description of the seven supplemental materials:

  1. Opening activity
    An icebreaker or something to get people focused as you begin.
  2. Video clip and follow-up questions
    A short video clip and an idea for you to create your own video on this week’s topic, plus a few questions to follow up with discussion.
  3. Music
    It’s best if you create your own and choose what’s best in your setting. We are not endorsing a particular style or even a specific song. Select songs related to this week’s lesson. We’ll suggest several different songs with lyrics that relate to the topic for this week. Sing along with a prerecorded track (YouTube is a good source) or better yet, ask youth with musical talent to play instruments and lead the singing.
  4. Bible study guides for Scripture for this lesson
    This is another approach to the same topic found in Teacher’s Guide, but approached from a different angle. Expect activities to illustrate the topic, followed by some questions.
  5. Application ideas for living out this lesson this week
    Let this spark your ideas to move from talk to action by living out the lesson in practical ways in your life this week.
  6. An outreach or world mission component
    If Sabbath School is just for us, we will spiritually die. We must share what we’ve been given. This can be done locally and/or globally. We’ll suggest several options over 3-4 weeks on reaching out.
  7. Youth leader tip for the week
    This bonus is just for the youth leader—a quick tip and an illustration to enhance your youth leadership. You may already know this, or you may learn it through trial and error. Here’s a way to get it with a quick infusion.

And here are those seven supplemental materials in more detail for this week’s lesson: “Identity Theft”


​1. Opening Activity

An icebreaker or something to get people focused as you begin.

True or False Trivia Quiz

You have a 50-50 chance of getting these right. The following quiz questions can be gleaned from this “Buzzfeed” link: https://www.buzzfeed.com/perpetua/i-know-this-much-is-true#.jdq0gezo8L

True or False?
If your large intestine was removed and straightened it would be equal to twice your height.

False
Your large intestine is about 5 feet long. Your small intestine is about 22 feet long.


True or False?
Maine is the closest US state to Africa.

True
Check a map. The northern part of the United States stretches to the east, which takes it closer to Africa than Florida.


True or False?
France was still executing people with the guillotine when the first “Star Wars” film came out in 1977.

True
France was still executing people with the guillotine when the first “Star Wars” film came out in 1977.


True or False?
October 10 falls on a Tuesday each year.

False
Check any calendars from 3 consecutive years.


True or False?
The sun comprises 99.8% of the mass of our solar system.

True
Hard to believe, but true. We’re not that much (and neither is our largest planet, Jupiter, at .1% of the mass of our solar system).


True or False?
Brick buildings can never be more than 10 stories high or they will collapse from the pressure of the bricks from the upper floors.

False
That’s just silly.


True or False?
Oxford University in England predates the Aztec Empire.

True
Oxford University began in 1096 and reached university status in 1249. The Aztec Empire began in 1325.


True or False?
Oreo cooking have existed longer than chocolate chip cookies.

True
Oreos were first made in 1912. Chocolate chip cookies started in 1938.


True or False?
Cocaine is, on a molecular level, almost exactly the same as a potato.

False
What have you been snorting? Potatoes?


Transition

As we consider “Identity Theft” today, think about what is true about you, and what is false—what others might say about you, or what you might project to others for whatever reason. If we posted several statements about you, how many people would know if they were true or false? How would they know? Would it be different from four years ago? Would it be different four years from now?  


​2. Video Clip and Follow-up Questions

A short video clip and an idea for you to create your own video on this week’s topic, plus a few questions to follow up with discussion.

Option 1

Create a video clip that illustrates our world today and how those connected to God live in such a world. Ask someone in advance to create follow-up questions based on these video clips. 

Option 2

You can use one of the following two YouTube video clips: “Lie to Me” (less than 3 minutes) OR a short talk by youth pastor Jeremy Wong from Worthington, Ohio called “Sabbath School Video” (about 3 ½ minutes). You’ll find follow-up questions provided for each YouTube video (or create your own questions for either one after you preview these short video clips). 

“Lie to Me”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBPlmkdsPbI

Follow-up questions

  1. Would you tell a lie if you thought it would save somebody else’s life?
  2. Thinking of the people you know, when are they most likely to lie?
  3. When have you seen things turn out good because somebody lied?
  4. When have you seen things turn out bad because somebody lied?
  5. What, if anything, goes through your mind before you lie?

“Sabbath School Video”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=liACty9tJLU

Follow-up questions

  1. If one of your friends described you to a new person at your school, what would you want them to say?
  2. If you had to say five things that define who you are, what five things would you choose?
  3. Prioritize these in the order of importance to you:
  1. When has your identity changed? Why did it change?
  2. What does it mean to be a “child of God”?

​3. Music

It’s best if you create your own and choose what’s best in your setting. We are not endorsing a style or even a specific song. Select songs related to this week’s lesson. We’ll suggest several different songs with lyrics that relate to the topic for this week. You can choose 3-5 of these or choose other songs. Sing along with YouTube or better yet, ask youth with musical talent to play their instruments and lead the singing. Lyrics can also be found simply by “Googling” a song title.

Here are 10 songs related to the theme of today’s lesson: “Identity Theft.”

Who Am I

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBcqria2wmg

Who am I, that the lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt?
Who am I, that the bright and morning star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart?

(Chorus)
Not because of who I am
But because of what you've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who you are
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still you hear me when I'm calling
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling
And you've told me who I am
I am yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again?
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me?

(Chorus, repeat)

I am yours
(Whom shall I fear, whom shall I fear?)
'Cause I am yours
I am yours

Good Good Father

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqybaIesbuA

Oh, I've heard a thousand stories of what they think you're like
But I've heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night
And you tell me that you're pleased
And that I'm never alone

(Chorus)
You're a Good, Good Father
It's who you are, It's who you are, It's who you are
And I'm loved by you
It's who I am, It's who I am, It's who I am

Oh, I've seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I've known we're all searching
For answers only you provide
Cause you know just what we need
Before we say a word

(Chorus)

Cause' you are perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways to us, aah
You are perfect in all of your ways
Oh, you're perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways to us

Oh, it's love so undeniable
I, I can hardly speak
Peace so unexplainable
I, I can hardly think
As you call me deeper still
As you call me deeper still
As you call me deeper still
Into love, love, love

(Chorus, repeat)

You are perfect in all of your ways
It's who you are, It's who you are, It's who you are
And I'm loved by you
You are perfect in all of your ways
It's who I am, It's who I am, It's who I am

Remind Me Who Am I

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSIVjjY8Ou8

When I lose my way and I forget my name
Remind me who I am
In the mirror all I see is who I don't wanna be
Remind me who I am

In the loneliest places
When I can't remember what grace is

(Chorus)
Tell me, once again
Who I am to You, who I am to You
Tell me, lest I forget
Who I am to You, that I belong to You
To You

When my heart is like a stone
And I'm running far from home
Remind me who I am
When I can't receive Your love
Afraid I'll never be enough
Remind me who I am

If I'm Your beloved can You help me believe it

(Chorus)

I'm the one You love, I'm the one You love
That will be enough, I'm the one You love

(Chorus)

Who Am I

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBcqria2wmg

We are a chosen generation
We've been called forth to show His excellence
All I require for life, God has given me
And I know who I am
(Repeat)

(Chorus)
I know who God says I am, what He says I am
Where He says I'm at, I know who I am
(Repeat)
I'm working in power, I'm working miracles
I live a life of favor, for I know who I am
(Repeat)

We are a chosen generation
We've been called forth to show His excellence
All I require for life, God has given me
And I know who I am
(Repeat)

(Chorus)

Oh-ooh-oooh, oh-ooh, oh-ooh-oooh
I know who I am
(Repeat 3x)

I am holy, and I am righteous oh-ooh…

I am so rich, and I am beautiful!...

I'm working in power, I'm working miracles
I live a life of favor, for I know who I am
(Repeat)

Take a look at me, I’m a wonder
It doesn't matter what you see now
Can you see His glory?
For I know who I am
(Repeat)

Oh-ooh-oooh, oh-ooh, oh-ooh-oooh
I know who I am
(Repeat)

How many of you know who you are?
Come on, come on
Let the world know who you are

Oh-ooh-oooh, oh-ooh, oh-ooh-oooh
I know who I am
(Repeat)

In your workplace
Going out and coming in (Oh-ooh-oooh, oh-ooh)
Declare it (Oh-ooh-oooh)
Say I know (I know who I am)
Every day I (Oh-ooh-oooh, oh-ooh)
Going out and coming in (Oh-ooh-oooh)
Say... (I know who I am!)
I know!

Definition of Me

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPlxSlj8Hf8&index=0&list=RDrPlxSlj8Hf8

Here come those words again
I run for cover, I'm dodging them
But still they seem to find their way
Around my best defense

Here come those little thoughts
Of all I ought to be but I'm not
I try talking to myself
But I'm still not convinced

I'm good, I'm bad, I'm everything in between oh
I'm this, I'm that, but really God we both know

(Chorus)
It is Your love that defines me
And Your love that reminds me
It's not what I do
This life I live, You have given
And in You I am hidden
This is what I know is true
That the definition of me is You

This ladder never ends
I climb up then we slide down again
Still they say you've not arrived
Until you reach the top
But Your kingdom's upside down
It is the servant who wears the crown
First is last and last is first
And You're all that I'm not
'Cause I'm weak, You're strong, I'm empty 'til You fill me
I sing this song to keep myself remembering

(Chorus)

I have been made by You
I have been saved by You
All that I am is all because of You
I'm weak, You're strong, I'm empty but You fill me
I'm singing this song to keep myself remembering

(Chorus)

Who You Say Am I

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcC1Bp13n_4

Who am I that the highest King would welcome me?
I was lost but He brought me in, Oh His love for me
Oh His love for me

(Chorus)

Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am

Free at last, He has ransomed me his grace runs deep
While I was a slave to sin Jesus died for me
Yes He died for me

(Chorus)

I am chosen, not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me, not against me
I am who You say I am
I am who You say I am
(Repeat)

(Chorus)

In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
(Repeat)

I am chosen, not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me, not against me
I am who You say I am
(Repeat 2x)

Oh, I am who You say I am
Yes, I am who You say I am

(Chorus)

In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God
Yes I am

Children of God

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pn6Ry46KOc

Praise to the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ
Our God and our King, to Him we will sing
In His great mercy, He has given us life
Now we can be called the children of God

(Chorus)
Great is the Love that the Father has given us
He has delivered us
He has delivered us
Children of God, sing your song and rejoice
For the love that He has given us all
Children of God, by the blood of His Son
We have been redeemed and we can be called
Children of God
Children of God

A mystery is revealed to the universe
The Father above has proven His love
Now we are free from the judgment that we deserve
And so we are called the children of God

(Chorus)

We are the saints
We are the children
We've been redeemed
We've been forgiven
We are the sons and daughters of our God
(Repeat)

Children of God, sing your song and rejoice
For the love that He has given us all, oh, whoa
Children of God, by the blood of His Son
We have been redeemed and we can be called
Children of God
Children of God
Children of God
(We are the sons and daughters of our God)
Children of God
(We are the saints)
(We are the children)
(We've been redeemed)
(We've been forgiven)
Children of God
(We are the sons and daughters of our God)

We are the saints
We are the children
We've been redeemed
We've been forgiven
We are the sons and daughters of our God

Identity

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK-gyCPrhBw

We won't be told who we are
By the nation or the stars
We won't believe in all the lies
We know the truth inside
Won't question how we're made
No, it wasn't a mistake
And it's not up for debate

(Chorus)
We are the chosen
We are royalty
We are Your children
You set us free
You alone are our identity

We won't be moved by demands
We know the truth and we will stand
We know there's so much more
Than what the world is living for
We won't be shaken, we are sure

(Chorus)

Oh, whoa
We are
You alone are my identity
We won't be told who we are
By the nation or the stars
We won't be moved by demands
We know the truth and we will stand

(Chorus)

Yeah
We are, we are
My identity, my identity
You set us free
You alone are my identity

I Can Only Imagine

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LonOTKVmkeo

I can only imagine what it will be like
When I walk, by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
When you face is before me
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

(Chorus)
Surrounded by You glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine when that day comes
When I find myself standing in the Son
I can only imagine when all I would do is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine
I can only imagine

(Chorus, repeat)

We are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcW3U9ljdP0

We are climbing Jacob's ladder
We are climbing Jacob's ladder
Soldiers of the cross


Ev'ry round goes higher, higher
Ev'ry round goes higher, higher
Soldiers of the cross

We are climbing higher, higher
We are climbing higher, higher
Soldiers of the cross

Sinner do you love my Jesus
Sinner do you love my Jesus
Soldiers of the cross

If you love Him why not serve Him
If you love Him why not serve Him
Soldiers of the cross

Rise, shine, give God glory
Rise, shine, give God glory
Soldiers of the cross


​4. Bible Study Guides for Scripture for this Lesson

Another approach to the same topic as the Teacher’s Guide, but just a different way of looking at it. Expect activities to illustrate the topic, followed by some questions.

“Identity Theft”

Scripture passages

Here’s one way of studying the lesson this week »


Identity Changes (Based on Genesis 25:23-34; Genesis 27:1-45)

Materials needed

“What’s your name?” is a common way people start to get acquainted. In Bible times, the name given to a child indicated a parent’s desire for certain qualities in their newborn. Today it’s not unusual to name a child after a father or another relative. There might be someone in your class who shares the same name as a father, such as “John” or “John Junior” or just “Junior.” While sharing the same name, there’s also a need to be able to differentiate between the two people. Even if you share the same name as another person, you’re certainly not that person. 

Do you know what your name means? You can easily check it out online. Here’s one website where you can just type in your name and get its meaning: www.behindthename.com. Do this as part of your Sabbath School class. Some in your group probably already know the meaning of their name. But they might be challenged to see how that relates to who they are right now, or if that’s even brought up in conversation these days. 

We’re more apt to associate certain memories or personalities or the way people are with a name. Just mention a name and see what comes to mind. We each have our own associations based on who has impacted our lives. On a larger scale, it’s common for celebrities, musicians, and other well-known figures to go by just one name rather than a first and last name. What comes to your mind when I say the following name? (Pick 4-5 names of your own, or choose from these and ask what comes to mind):

With the birth of a baby, the parent(s) must come up with a name. Looking at lists of names results in most being passed over either because they seem too unfamiliar, they just sound bad, or — and this shows individual taste and experiences—“I once knew somebody by that name and I’ll never name my child that name!” You might know already some names that you would never name your child because of your association with that name. 

Our passage for today includes the story of the gestation and birth of twin boys — Esau and Jacob; or do you say it the other way around: Jacob and Esau? Let’s read it in Genesis 25:19–34. (Read it aloud in the group; have people take turns reading the different verses until you complete the passage.)

Questions

Teens go through natural moments when they can change their identity. For example:

Do this during Sabbath School in a playful way by doing facial distortions. There are apps that allow you to do this for photos or for videos. For example, Wombatica Software, Face Warp, or even add-ons like Face Camera or Face Swap. Have one of the young people who is into this type of thing take pictures in advance and then doctor them up. Have those in the group try to guess who the new or distorted or face swapped face is.

Another option is to do a dress-up game by having individuals dress up in costumes and then have people guess who they are. Add some zest to this activity by having them walk out of the youth room in their “new look” and walk through the church one time and see if there are any reactions to them. Hopefully someone will say something priceless like, “Who do you think you are?” Going to a thrift store in advance is one way to get some outrageous outfits at a low price, or there might be someone in your church who has a collection already and would be willing to share with you for this one Youth Sabbath School program. If so, invite them come and be part of this experience.

Then transition to a very serious version of this by reading together Genesis 27:1–45. It’s a familiar story, but encourage those in your group to pay attention to details that often are missed or forgotten or give additional clues to this story. (Read by taking turns in the group.)

Questions

Here’s another way of studying the lesson this week »


Give and Take (Genesis 25:23-34; Genesis 27:1-45)

Materials needed

Based on who you are, what you’ve been given, your interest and desires, God’s directing in your life, luck, and hard work, rank the following professions from 1 (most likely) to 10 (least likely) for you to become. There are actually two sets to rank — one traditional and general and the second one being more specific and unique. (Hand out “Guess What I’m Going to Be” and something to write with for each participant. You can do just one list or both of them. The question at the bottom is optional — at the leader’s discretion. Do this anonymously so you have the option of having others in the group guess who completed each handout just by looking at the priorities.)

Questions

Although we might be able to analyze or guess what we might be in the future, many people are surprised along the way. Think of your own parents, aunts, and uncles. Were there any surprises that affected who or what they became? You might have older siblings or seemed to head one direction, and then went another direction for certain reasons. You’ve been given certain talents, but what you do with them varies depending on your motivation, environment, and opportunities. When hardship comes, some people crumble while others rise. Some have eternal optimism or endurance, while others are pessimistic or quit easily or get distracted. Have you noticed any trends like this in your life so far?

And then there’s the whole question of God’s guidance or intervention; or is it just luck (or bad luck)? In the story of Jacob and Esau, was this predestined by God, or did God simply know the future and name it in advance—something we can’t do with much accuracy?

Let’s illustrate this by playing a game you probably played many times when you were younger. We’ll adjust it some for our Youth Sabbath School lesson to illustrate how many of us are trying to do the same thing, but we’re given different talents and opportunities, plus, how we respond can also differ from one person to another.

Do you remember the game of “Steal the Bacon”? We’ll Adventise the name to be “Steal the Stripples” for the fun of it. We’ll have two teams with both teams facing each other in a line, with the “Stripples” (a handkerchief or cloth) in the middle. I’ll call out a number, or maybe more than one number. The object is to grab the “Stripples” and get back across your line without being tagged by the person from the other team. If you make it, you get a point. If you get tagged, the other team gets a point.

Our adaptation will be based on how each one of us is different, so some people will be given an advantage, while others will be given a disadvantage. For example, some of you are dressed in a way that would be difficult to play this game at full speed. And some of you are so competitive that you’ll play all out no matter what, right? And some of you just don’t care about silly games like this. I’ll be the one to call out the number(s) as well as to choose the advantages and disadvantages for each of you.

Activity Instructions

  1. Divide the group into two teams. If you have less than six people, you might need to combine with another Sabbath School group for this activity, or have one athletic person compete against the rest of the youth. A group of 8–14 is ideal, with 4–7 on each side, facing each other in a line in which each team stands side-by-side. If you have more than 20 participants (10 on each side), have two sets do this simultaneously in different parts of the room. 

  2. Put a colorful handkerchief (or cloth) in the middle and call out a number (like “number 3”). At that point, person number 3 from both teams leaves their line and goes near the “Stripples” (handkerchief) in the middle. At some point one of them needs to make an attempt to grab it and get back across their team line before being tagged. If neither person attempts a grab, feel free to call another number to join them (such as “number 1, go get it!”).

  3. After one or two tries, start making some adaptations. For example, put the “Stripples” much closer to one side than the other. Or put it toward the end of the line and call a number close to it (on one side), such as “number 1”), which is at the other end of the line on the other side. Add a blindfold to one or two people as their handicap. Put high heel shoes on another person. Tie a person’s ankles together so they can only hop. Feel free to come up with your own ideas. The purpose is to illustrate how each of us is given different talents and opportunities. At the same time, how we deal with what is given to us also makes a difference. 

  4. Play until one team reaches eight or ten points. Feel free to adapt this for the purpose of experiencing the activity. That’s more important than actually winning the game (although the teens might not know that yet). 

Questions

Read Genesis 25:23–34. Have half of the group pretend they are Jacob from birth, and the other half pretend they are Esau from birth. After your group reads Genesis 25:23–34 out loud, ask some of the questions from the previous “Steal the Stripples” debriefing, but in response to the passage you just read. 

Now read the longer passage, Genesis 27:1–45. Do the same thing—read the passage out loud as a group, with half identifying with Jacob and half identifying with Esau. Then ask some of the questions from the previous debriefing.  

Here are some additional questions to add to your options for asking: 

Questions


​5. Application Ideas for Living Out this Lesson this Week

Let this spark your ideas to move from talk to action by living out the lesson in practical ways in your life this week.

The following applications relate to the corresponding “Bible study guides for Scripture for this lesson” above.

A. Think of three of your current heroes or role models. What is it about their identity that you admire? What are small steps you can take this week to make some of those admirable traits part of your identity.

Repeatedly in Scripture God refers to His people as His children (for example, see 1 John 3:1-4; Galatians 3:27–29; John 1:12). Take at least 5–10 minutes at the start of each day this week to reflect and meditate on your identity as a child of God. Then take that perspective and apply it to how you relate to the people you expect to come in contact with that day. Pray that God will remind you of that perspective of your identity throughout your day.

B. Go to your parent(s) and thank them for specific things they have given you. Don’t limit this to tangible things like a cell phone or clothing or paying for your education. Include intangible things like disciplining you when you needed it, providing encouragement and a place that is safe, listening to your stories and concerns, etc. Then ask your parents (possibly giving them some time to think about it in advance) to give you their input on where they see you being 5 years from now; 10 years from now; and 15 years from now. Make it a dinner date and get their input. Ask them to tell you (again) about how things went for them from your age to where they are currently (a short, 5-minute version of the story). Close with prayers of thanksgiving, requests, and hope for you and for your parents.

C. This week find a place to be your “Bethel” (house of God). Dedicate this as a place where you will meet with God on a regular basis. This could be a specific spot in your room, or maybe a place where you can get away and be alone, uninterrupted. Another option to live out this lesson this week would be to start a contract/covenant with God. List the expectations you have of God in one column, and then list the expectations God has of you in the other column. Ask a few other people (friends, family members, mentor) to do the same. Compare your contracts/covenants with each other after a week; make adjustments; sign them; then put them someplace where you can refer to them periodically.


​6. An Outreach or World Mission Component

If Sabbath School is just for us, we will spiritually die. We must share what we’ve been given. This can be done locally and/or globally. We’ll suggest several options over 3-4 weeks on reaching out.

With the topic of “Identity Theft” the whole question of one’s identity can take a person back to their beginnings, and beyond to ancestors. Luke 3 traces the ancestry of Jesus all the way back to Adam who was “the son of God” (Luke 3:38). 

You don’t need to go back that far, but take a little bit of time to compose a message to a relative older than you who may have influenced your identity. Choose a relative who lives close enough that you have contact with them. Try handwriting a letter and mailing it the old fashioned way. Tell the relative of their influence in your identity and what your identity is now. Close with a short, written prayer, thanking God for this relative and what they did for you. Then get the mailing address, pay for a postage stamp, and mail it. Don’t expect an immediate answer, but you can continue to pray a prayer of thanks for your relative. And then pass along that influence to your other relatives who are younger than you. 

Make this service beyond your immediate vicinity by writing another letter to a relative who lives a long distance from you. Compose an individualized letter for them in the same way you did it for someone who lives near you. If the mail is international, you may have to pay a little bit of extra postage, but it shouldn’t take all your finances; just your thanks and a little bit of time and reflection and prayer. 


​7. Youth Leader Tip for the Week

This bonus is just for the youth leader—a quick tip and an illustration to enhance your youth leadership. You may already know this, or you may learn it through trial and error, or maybe you just need a reminder of something you already know. Here’s a way to get it with a quick infusion.

 

Teens naturally go through changes to their identity. Their bodies changed, and their thinking enters new territory. What others think of them starts to become more important that what their family thinks of them. It’s quite common for teens to have multiple identities, based on who they’re around at the time. So when they see adults acting differently in different settings, it really bugs them. Without realizing it, their own inconsistency makes them feel repulsed by an adult who they expect to be more consistent. So they will quickly demonize the adult “hypocrite” even though they could easily be more hypocritical than the adult. If you’re the adult, be real, and be real consistent. And come clean (repent, confess, and ask for forgiveness) when you’re a hypocrite. This builds credibility over time and it is a great example for teens to do the same.


Activity 

Guess What I'm Going to Be

Following are 10 different professions. Based on…

Rank these from which is most likely (1) to which is least likely (10), so your final list will have 1-10, from most likely to least likely for you.

Do the same thing with this list of 10 professions that are not as traditional.

What do you think you’ll be doing 15 years from now?

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