“We believe in being HONEST , true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men . . . If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things” (Articles of Faith 1:13).
Four-year-old twins reciting this scripture . . .
Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are TRUE whatsoever things are HONEST, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
BE HONEST IN “THOUGHT”
“Be ye kind one to another” (Ephesians 4:32).
#1 THINK KINDLY.
Thinking kindly is choosing not to think mean or jealous thoughts about friends and siblings. Children can replace negative thoughts with Christlike principles. One gospel principle is “kindness.”
– Jealousy is a normal feeling when someone else has success. You want it to be a positive thing by rejoicing in their success. You have your own talents and good things to be thankful for, so there is no need to be negative. A good sign of mental health is to rejoice in the success of others. So, be happy for someone who achieves. Your reaction to their success can turn your world upside down or right-side up.
Download Kindness Begins With Me – Upside-down Turn’em-around game (HERE or below).
. . . Honest In “THOUGHT”
“They were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted” (Alma 53:20).
#2 BE TRUE TO YOURSELF.
Being true to yourself is acknowledging personal feelings and always striving to live by personal standards, even when no one else is watching. President Thomas S. Monson highlighted the principle of integrity by stating, “Be the same person you are in the dark that you are in the light,” during the April 2014 General Conference.
WHAT is your TRUE self? As a child of God we have a divine identity and examples to live by taught by Jesus Christ. You can build spiritual strength through daily scripture study, prayer, and listening to the Holy Ghost.
We need these strong habits to overcome peer pressure.
Download the Peer Pressure cross-match activity (HERE or below)
REHEARSE BEING “TRUE” TO YOURSELF. Roleplay different situations, brainstorm escape plans in this Friend Connection page “Dealing with Peer Pressure” (HERE), and “Peer Pressure Problems” (HERE).
See RECOGNIZING TRUTH below* telling of a BAD ROLE MODEL: King Rehoboam, who listened to his “peers” to make important decisions. The story is in the Peer Pressure lesson (HERE or above).
STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME AND AVOID PEER PRESSURE:
(1) Prepare for the Holy Ghost by HONESTLY obeying the commandments; then God can HONESTLY inspire you, warn you, and tell you the TRUTH about yourself and situations.
(2) Lean on your family, trusted leaders, or friends (with standards) for support.
(3) Develop a quick “escape plan.” This way, if you are uncomfortable or unsafe, you can leave without hesitation. Look ahead so you won’t be led to this danger zone.
(4) Pre-decide your standards (before) so you can make split-decisions-to-split (get out of there fast). Joseph in Egypt had an escape route (running from Potiphar’s wife’s temptation). See Genesis 39:7-12.
Making choices before temptation strikes helps you determine your non-negotiables in advance. This helps you eliminate the need to make stressful decisions in the moment and build a foundation for consistent, righteous choices. You can always live in peace.
(5) Decide. Thomas S. Monson said, “Decisions Determine Destiny.” Being indecisive can put you in a position where you can or will be tempted. Satan wants you there where you are unsure of your standards. This puts you on the edge, sitting on the fence. Just know that Satan built the fence, wants you to sit on it, and he owns the fence (see FENCE SITTING quote below*).
See TALK “Agency—A Blessing and a Burden” (HERE) “Agency is the power to think, choose, and act for ourselves. It comes with endless opportunities, accompanied by responsibility and consequences.”
*FENCE SITTING QUOTE (from the above talk).
“I remember asking my parents if I could do certain things. Their response never varied: ‘You have been taught. You know how we feel about that, but you will have to decide for yourself.’ Yet deciding for oneself dictates consequences, which are not always what we want. We want the freedom without consequences. And so, too often, we try to stand neutral, undecided, and uncommitted (FENCE SITTING). It is in this atmosphere that we become vulnerable to the influence of Satan.”
. . . Honest In “THOUGHT”
#3 RECOGNIZING TRUTH.
Using the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost, we can distinguish between right and wrong. We can use scriptural role models to strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ.
Good Role Models: Abinadi and Daniel (& the Lions).
– The Prophet Abinadi testified to the wicked King Noah and his priests about the life and mission of Jesus Christ. The King and his priests did not believe, except one priest, Alma (who later became a Prophet).
Download Stand as a Witness – Who Is Abanadi? Prophet poster (HERE or below).
– Daniel had faith to know that Heavenly Father listens and hears his prayers. Like Daniel, we can pray to know if our choices are right. God will protect us and help us know what to do (Daniel 6). Have children pretend to be the lions with big mouths opening up to eat Daniel, and then close their mouths to remind them that Heavenly Father closed the lions’ mouths to protect Daniel.
Download Daniel and the Lions’ Den drama scene (HERE or below).
*Bad Role Model: King Rehoboam took the advice of his “peers,” which led to his worshipping idols and the 10 tribes revolting against him. See the Peer Pressure activity & HERE (shown above) and the Scripture Challenge card (shown below), telling about him in 1 Kings 12:6-8.
. . . Honest In “THOUGHT”
“Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God …” (D&C 121:45).
#4 THINK WHAT WOULD JESUS DO (WWJD).
The reward for having virtuous thoughts is to have the Holy Ghost as your constant companion (D&C 121:46). This way we can know what Jesus would do in every choice we make.
A small child can learn to THINK and know what Jesus would do in every situation. They can always know they can choose the right by asking, “What would Jesus want me to do?” They can “walk in the light of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:5). Here are some ways on the THINK puzzle.
Download THINK: What would Jesus want me to do? match puzzle (HERE, right).
Help children match cards to the center card that reads, “Think: What would Jesus want me to do?”
PUZZLE ANSWERS: Say prayers Love others Visit the sick Help Mother Fed pets Read scriptures Pay tithing Share treats
BE HONEST IN “WORD”
“Let us walk honestly” (Romans 13:13).
#5 ALWAYS TELLING THE TRUTH.
Telling the truth is choosing not to lie, exaggerate, or spread rumors about someone, even if they made a mistake and are nervous about the consequences.
– In the talk “The Divine Standard of Honesty” by Elder Neil L. Anderson, he said,
“The world would tell us that TRUTH and HONESTY are difficult to define. The world finds humor in casual lying and quickly excuses so-called “innocent” deception. The contrast between right and wrong is dulled, and the consequences of dishonesty are minimized.
To constantly receive the Spirit of Truth—the Holy Ghost—we must fill our lives with truth and honesty. As we become completely honest, our spiritual eyes are opened to increased enlightenment.”
DOWNLOAD the Spirit of Truth: From God/Not From God activity & lesson (HERE, or below).
“I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:14).
God can be trusted and Satan is not trustworthy as he is the “devil, the father of lies” (Moses 4:4). In John 8:44 “… there is no truth in him. for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
WHICH SPIRIT WILL WE LISTEN TO AND FOLLOW?
. . . Honest In “WORD”
#6 KEEP PROMISES.
Keeping promises builds trust by doing the things they say they will do (like finishing chores or playing fairly).
– Tell the story of Barnabas, Ananias, and Sapphira in Acts 4:32-5:10 and
Download the I will be honest in Thought, Word, & Deed! activity (telling the story, HERE, shown right).
How can a child keep their promises?
DISCUSSION. Ask children some small things they can do each day to develop the habit of KEEPING THEIR WORD, like (1) making their bed, (2) doing homework, (3) setting the table, (4) reading with brother or sister, (5) memorizing a scripture, (6) going to church, (7) being reverent, (8) not complaining when asked to do something. (9) pay 10% tithing from money you earn. Brainstorm ideas.
. . . Honest In “WORD”
#7 KEEP PROMISES.
– Promises With Others (keep your word): Great integrity is required in personal promises. Your “word is your bond,” and keeping commitments to others reflects your trustworthiness and builds the trust necessary for good relationships.
SEE TALK “Keeping Our Promises” (HERE) by Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Apostle, where he said, “I invite you to consider the promises and covenants you make with the Lord, and with others, with great integrity, knowing that your word is your bond.”
– Promises With God (covenants): These promises are binding two-way spiritual contracts where God sets the conditions and promises specific to blessings so we can return to Him.
What are the CONSEQUENCES OF DISHONEST CHOICES?
– The Consequences for DISHONESTY span both spiritual and personal realms, bringing both immediate challenges and eternal consequences unless one sincerely repents.
SEE ARTICLE “Understanding Our Covenants with God” HERE.
Download Dot-to-Dot, Honest-or-Not Game to post-and-present (HERE or below)
. . . Honest In “WORD”
#8 KEEP PROMISES.
Discuss with Teens what DISHONESTY brings.
Download Honest or Dishonest? consequence journal (HERE or below)
SPIRITUAL CONSEQUENCES:
• Loss of the Holy Ghost: Dishonesty drives away the Holy Ghost, restricting access to spiritual guidance and priesthood power.
• Worthiness for Ordinances: Unrepentant deceit makes one unworthy to partake of the sacrament or hold a temple recommend.
• Eternal Judgement: Church doctrine teaches that liars who do not repent will suffer the judgement of God and lose out on the highest degrees of celestial glory.
See article “I Will Not Remove Mine Integrity from Me: Personal Honesty and Integrity” (for 1-3 above).
SEE TALK “Integrity of Heart” by Russell M. Nelson, where he said, “Some people are so easily tempted to lie a little, to cheat a little, to steal a little, or to bear false witness—just a little. You cannot commit a little sin without being subject to the consequences. If you tolerate a little sin today, you tolerate a little more tomorrow, and before long, a cord of integrity is broken.”
PERSONAL & SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES:
• Loss of Trust and Respect: Lying, cheating, or stealing causes a loss of self-respect and damages relationships with family and friends who may no longer trust you.
• Burden of Conscience: Dishonesty breeds guilt and can result in the loss of personal peace of mind.
SEE TALK “Be Honest with Yourself” by Howard W. Hunter, where he said, “Each lie, each deception, each act of dishonesty combines to create a monster that can destroy your character and your life.”
. . . Honest In “WORD”
#9 SPEAK KINDLY.
Using uplifting words that avoid hurting or deceiving others.
Jesus said, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12).
DOWNLOAD Doing Good to Others GOLDEN RULER activity (HERE or below)
On this GOLDEN RULER activity, it shows BE KIND as the first action, so let’s talk to children about speaking kindly. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is the Golden Rule.
GOLDEN RULER:
– Be kind
– Share with others
– Respect others’ property
– Return borrowed things
– Help others
. . . Honest In “WORD”
#10 SPEAK KINDLY.
“This is my commandment that ye love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).
Download the Be Kind – Love Others John 15:12 rebus (HERE shown below)
– Be a Peacemaker. If you disagree with someone, don’t be disagreeable.
QUOTE from Russell M. Nelson, “Peacemakers Needed” (HERE), said, “Peacemaking is a choice. … I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always.” (Liahona 5/2023) found in the Margo & Paulo “The Peacemaker Choice” story (HERE to download the pdf).
– Be Kind and Patient. Try to understand them by asking questions or listening (to understand).
QUOTE from Dallin H. Oaks, STORY: “Be Kind” (HERE), said, “Dear children, our world needs your goodness and love. Be kind to one another. Jesus taught us to treat others as we want to be treated. As we try our best to be kind, we draw closer to Him.”
– Speak with Love and Kindness. Don’t gossip—talking about them when they are not around.
In this same “Be Kind” article (mentioned above – HERE) you will find “How Make a New Friend” where it tells us steps 1-6 which are all great ideas.
Here are two: (Step 4) Be kind and helpful. Say: “I can show you where we eat lunch.” “This is what we do next.” (Step 6) If you see them being treated unkindly, speak up for them, talk to them, or play with them. Don’t miss steps #2, 3, 5 as well.
– Treat Others As a Child of God. Remember that they have potential and can become a better person—don’t judge or criticize them. “Jesus Christ is a perfect example of treating others with kindness.” See the “Jesus Is Kind” story (HERE) to tell about Jesus blessing the children, telling His disciples to let the little children come to Him.
BE HONEST IN “DEED”
“Do that which is honest” (2 Corinthians 13:7).
#11 PLAYING FAIR.
Playing fair means not cheating in games or taking credit for someone else’s work, or taking something that does not belong to you.
HONESTY BRAINSTORM:
– Honesty is not a game we play when we want to impress someone.
– Honesty is not a thing we return after we have taken it without asking.
– “Honesty is the best policy,” so let’s say to ourself, “I will be honest every day in every way.”
– Honesty allows us to receive more rich blessings monetarily and spiritually.
– Honesty helps us sleep at night, bringing us peace.
– Honesty helps us more easily approach God in prayer, especially if that prayer is a repentant one.
– Honesty is repenting with the full intent to change.
– Honesty is earning something, or asking and getting permission before we take something.
Jesus taught, “Thou shalt not steal“ (Matthew 19:18).
Do you have the Courage to Show Integrity?
Download this COURAGE Youth Goal Planner (HERE or below)
This planner helps you learn from the courage of others who have integrity: Joseph of Egypt, Esther, Job, Daniel, Apostle Paul, Hyrum Smith, and Joseph Smith. Then share a time they had experienced these qualities (especially when it was not easy or popular).
. . . Honest In “DEED”
#12 RESPECTING PROPERTY & PEOPLE.
– RESPECTING is not taking or using things that belong to a family member, school classmate, or friend without asking.
– RESPECTING is picking up after yourself at CHURCH, HOME, SCHOOL to make the world a better place.
Download I Can Show Respect (not Disrespect) choice-match poster (HERE or below)
– RESPECTING is not sassing parents. Help others. Try to understand and communicate. Give heed to and serve those in need.
Download Are You HONOR Off? honor parents vote casting post-and-present (HERE or below)
Share this true story for children: “Sweet Honesty” (HERE) about a girl who accidentally knocks over a jar of sugar, faces the temptation to hide her mistake, and learns the sweet feeling that comes from telling the truth.
. . . Honest In “DEED”
#13 ADMITTING WHEN THEY ARE WRONG.
Show courage by telling the truth when they break something or disobey a rule, rather than hiding it.
Share this story, “Honest Gabe” (HERE), where “Gabe wanted to be honest, but he didn’t want to get in trouble.”
Download Repentance: I Can Say I’m Sorry poster or coloring page (HERE or below)
See the “HONESTY” Index of activities (HERE or below) to find 36 activities and song visuals on HONESTY, like the ones shown in this article. There is a lot more to learn about HONESTY (there). Enjoy!
YOU’LL FIND
• POST-AND-PRESENT Poster Games and Activities for CHURCH and HOME (for all ages)
• LESSON LIFESAVER Activities and Handouts to Make Learning Fun! for children and youth (for Ages 1-3, 4-7, 8-11, and 12-16 Teens)
• SCRIPTURE poster/card sets to memorize.
• SONG VISUALS to teach about the subject.
• COME, FOLLOW ME weekly lessons to find in the MENU (above). You will find over 24 games or activities and song visuals for each week. Plus, the SCRIPTURE SCHOLARS reading bookmarks, underlining Pop-up activity, reward stamps, and a stamp-keeper.
See the “SERVICE” Index of activities (HERE or below) to find 113 activities and song visuals on DEEDS (Love & Service), like the ones shown in this article.
Standing at someone’s door with a bouquet of flowers is one way to share with a friend. Children and youth are looking for ways to show LOVE & SERVICE and these fun games and activities, scriptures, and songs will help you teach them what it means to have CHARITY (“the pure love of Christ).
YOUTH CAN TEACH all of these activities and share ways to serve. Also, Activity Days or Mutual for youth can help them create goals to love and serve.
