Scripture: Matthew 5:13-18
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn the importance of salt and light in our world.
- Students will learn why God wants His people to be salt and light.
- Students will learn ways they can be salt and light in their worlds.
- Students will participate in a service project to support those affected by natural disasters.
Guiding Question: How can students serve those affected by disasters?
Materials: Flashlights, lanterns, batteries, (other materials depending on the group’s needs)
Procedure: Review the Salt and Light story. Remind students that God wants us to be salt and light to others to help them know God and grow in Him. Ask students how they think they could be salt and light in school, after school activities, running errands, etc. Allow students to share and also give examples of when they have been salt and light to others before. Explain that God often places people/opportunities in our life to be salt and light to and we need to be aware and open to what God brings in our life. Who could God have in our life right now that is light for us? Explain that our words and our actions reflect God to others and we should have a Godly attitude with those we interact with. As we serve as role models, we spread God with others.
Introduce the service project. Talk with the students about different types of disasters that can occur and how they can affect those living in the area. You can discuss any natural disasters that may have occurred in your community and how the community was impacted. Have the students collect flashlights, lanterns and batteries for disaster relief if the supplies are going to people currently in a disaster situation (rather than to a relief group).
Additional Questions: How can students encourage those affected by natural disasters?
Supplemental Activity: Have the students create encouragement cards for those being supported by disaster relief groups that include an encouraging Bible verse and encouraging words.