Bright Lights, Big City

Your middle schooler tends to think concretely in this phase of development. That can make grasping abstract concepts — like shining the light of Jesus with their life — more difficult to understand and apply. Try to give some framework for how they may already be doing this. How they live, the choices they make, the way they treat others, the gifts they have—these are all ways they can shine the light of Jesus every day.

WEEK 1: God made you to shine. (Matthew 5:14-16, Philippians 2:15, 1 John 1:5)

WEEK 2: God's light in you brings order to chaos. (Genesis 1:3-5a, Ephesians 5:13-14, Luke 11:36)

WEEK 3: God's light in you brings light to others. (Matthew 6:22-23, Matthew 5:16)

REMEMBER THIS
"In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Matthew 5:16, NLT

DO THIS
Morning Time
As your middle schooler starts their day, tell them: “You were made to shine.”

Drive Time
While on the go this week, ask your kid: “Who is someone that you admire and want to be more like? What is it about them that you admire?”

Meal Time
At a meal this week, have everyone answer this question: “What is something in your life that brings you great joy to do?”

Bed Time
Pray that you and your middle schooler will not be afraid to shine.