Splink | Integrity in a Corrupt World

Who Are You?

Guess different items’ identities to talk about integrity.

Write each of the following items (any items would do) on a piece of paper or index card. (Items: washing machine, pencil sharpener, blender, lawn mower, coat, cell phone, etc.)

Invite someone to pick a card (not letting anyone see what is written on the card). The others are to guess the items by asking questions that can be answered with a YES or NO. (Will this fit inside my hand? Does it make a noise? Do I own one of these? etc.)

After all the items have been guessed, talk about it.
Was it hard to guess the items?

How did we guess these items? (By learning more about them—what they do; what noise they make; what size they are; etc.)

Read Proverbs 20:11. (This is the Bible verse elementary students are learning.)

How can others learn about us? (By the things we do; by the words we say; etc.)

When we say the name, Noah, what do you think of? (Ark; flood; rainbow; obeyed God; etc.) Noah had integrity and did what God told him even when the people around didn’t. Integrity is doing the right thing even if you are the only one doing it.

What about you? What do your actions show?

Peer Pressure

We saw how Noah did the right thing even when others didn’t. Is it hard for you to do what’s right when others around you aren’t? It’s hard for all of us.

Grab markers and paper and make three signs (to illustrate three ways) to deal with peer pressure.

KEEP OUT! Keep out of a situation that you know could lead to trouble. Avoid those people or situations!

WALK OUT! When one person or a group is trying to influence you to do something that is wrong, be prepared to walk out. It may not be easy to walk out or away, but remember you answer to God for your actions, not to them.

SPEAK OUT! Stick up for what you like or believe! Say something!
Brainstorm some things to say. Some suggestions:
– Everyone is different and that is a good thing.
– How would you feel if someone said that to you?
– I’m not comfortable with that. I need to go.
– Let’s change the subject; I don’t want to talk about that.
– I’m your friend and I don’t want to see you get into trouble.
– Think of a better idea and suggest that.

Did You See That?

One great way to teach your kids to have integrity is to have an ongoing conversation about what’s right—the truth. Seize teachable moments. For example, when you are watching TV and see things good or bad, talk about it.
– Do you think that was a good way to talk to his sister?
– Did you see the way he told that lie and then made a joke about it?
– Do you thinking having that toy would make you happy? Why or why not?

There are plenty of poor examples on TV for teachable moments.