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 means choosing the right, even when no one is watching. It means being honest, kind, and following Jesus Christ.

You are a child of God. That is your true identity. Jesus is our perfect example. You can grow stronger by:

• Reading the scriptures every day.
• Praying to Heavenly Father.
• Listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

These good habits will help you make right choices, even when friends want you to do something wrong.

Try This!

• #1 Download the Peer Pressure Cross-Match activity (HERE or below).
• #2 Practice saying “no” by acting out different peer pressure situations.
• #3 Make a plan for what you will do when someone encourages you to make a wrong choice.
  

  STUDY: Friend Connection pages “Dealing with Peer Pressure” (HERE) and “Peer Pressure Problems” (HERE).

Learn from King Rehoboam
Read about King Rehoboam in the Peer Pressure lesson (See #1 above). He listened to the wrong people instead of following God’s wisdom. His story teaches us to choose good examples and make wise decisions.

This Scripture Challenge Card is in the 1 Kings 12:6–8 lesson activity shown (HERE or  in the Peer Pressure activity above)

How Can I Be Strong When Others Pressure Me?

Sometimes people may pressure you to do something wrong. Here are ways to stay strong and make good choices.

1. Listen to the Holy Ghost.
When you obey God, the Holy Ghost can help you know what is right and warn you when something is wrong.

2. Ask good people for help.
Talk to your parents, family, Church leaders, or good friends. They can help you make good choices.

3. Have an escape plan.
If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, leave. Think ahead about what you will do. See “Temptation Traps” Activity HONEST IN DEED #6 (below)

4. Decide your standards now.
Choose what you will and will not do before temptation comes. Joseph in Egypt ran away from temptation. (See Genesis 39:7–12.)

5. Make good choices.
President Thomas S. Monson taught, “Decisions determine destiny.” Choose what is right, even when it is hard.

Remember:
You can choose for yourself. Every choice has a result. Choose what is right and stay close to Heavenly Father.

HONEST IN THOUGHT

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever (Psalm 119:160).

#3 RECOGNIZING TRUTH.

The Light of Christ Helps Us Choose Right

Heavenly Father gave us the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost to help us know right from wrong. When we pray, read the scriptures, and follow Jesus, we can make good choices.

Examples:

Abinadi
Abinadi was a brave Book of Mormon prophet. He taught the wicked King Noah and his priests about Jesus Christ. The only priest who listened was Alma, who then became a Prophet of God.

Activity: Download the “Stand as a Witness—Who Is Abinadi?” poster.

Daniel and the Lions’ Den
Daniel was a great Old Testament prophet who was thrown into a den of lions because he prayed to God instead of King Darius. Daniel trusted Heavenly Father. He prayed every day, even when it was dangerous (to pray).

Heavenly Father protected Daniel by closing the lions’ mouths. Daniel was safe because he had faith. Download: Daniel and the Lions’ Den drama scene.

Just like Daniel, we can pray to Heavenly Father. He will help us know what is right and help us make good choices.

Activity: Pretend to be lions! Open your mouths wide like you are going to roar, then close them to remember how Heavenly Father closed the lions’ mouths to protect Daniel.

HONEST IN THOUGHT

“For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you (John 13:15).

#4 THINK WHAT WOULD JESUS DO (WWJD).

When we choose happy, kind, and good thoughts, the Holy Ghost can help us every day. The Holy Ghost helps us know what Jesus would want us to do.

Even little children can stop and ask, “What would Jesus want me to do?” When we ask this question, it is easier to make good choices and “walk in the light of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:5).

THINK Matching Puzzle

Download the THINK: What Would Jesus Want Me to Do? matching puzzle.

Help children match each picture or word card to the center card that says:

“THINK: What would Jesus want me to do?”

The matching answers are (ask questions about what they would do):

• Pray (what to pray about)
• Love others (how)
• Visit someone who is sick (ways to serve)
• Help Mom (around the house or with siblings)
• Feed the pets (and ways to play)
• Read the scriptures (ways to study)
• Pay tithing (ways to give 10%)
• Share treats (food you can share)

HONEST IN WORD

“Let us walk honestly” (Romans 13:13).

#1 ALWAYS TELLING THE TRUTH. 

Telling the truth means saying what is true. We do not lie, make stories bigger than they really are, or spread unkind rumors about others. Even when someone makes a mistake, we should still choose to be honest and kind.

Elder Neil L. Andersen taught that the world sometimes says little lies are okay. But Heavenly Father wants us to always tell the truth. When we choose honesty, we invite the Holy Ghost, who is the Spirit of Truth, to help us know what is right.

Download the Spirit of Truth: From God/Not From God activity and lesson (HERE or below).

Jesus said:

“I have given them thy word…” (John 17:14).

Heavenly Father always tells the truth and can always be trusted. Satan is called the “father of lies” because he tries to deceive people (Moses 4:4; John 8:44).

Which voice will you choose to follow?
Will you listen to Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost, who teach truth? Or will you listen to Satan, who tells lies?

Choose to tell the truth every day. Honesty helps you stay close to Jesus Christ and feel the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

HONEST IN WORD

“Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.” (Proverbs 12:22).

#2 KEEP PROMISES.

Keeping a promise means doing what you said you would do. When you keep your promises, people learn they can trust you. You show that you are honest and dependable.

• Read the story of Barnabas, Ananias, and Sapphira in Acts 4:32–5:10. Talk about why it is important to always tell the truth and keep our promises.
• Complete the “I Will Be Honest in Thought, Word, & Deed!” activity (shown).

How Can You Keep Your Promises?

Discussion: Ask the children, “What are some promises you can keep every day?”

Here are a few ideas:

• Make your bed.
• Do your homework.
• Help set the table.
• Read with your brother or sister.
• Learn a scripture.
• Go to church.
• Be reverent during church.
• Do your chores without complaining.
• Pay your tithing from the money you earn.

Invite the children to think of other ways they can keep their promises at home, at school, and with Heavenly Father.

Download the Honest or Dishonest? Consequence Journal (HERE or below).

Talk together about what can happen when we choose to be dishonest.

Spiritual Consequences of Dishonesty

• We can lose the guidance of the Holy Ghost. When we lie or deceive others, it is harder to feel the Holy Ghost helping us make good choices.
• We may not be worthy for sacred blessings. If we do not repent, we are not worthy to take the sacrament or receive a temple recommend.
• There are eternal consequences. The scriptures teach that if people continue to lie and never repent, they will be judged by God and miss the greatest blessings He has prepared for His faithful children.

President Russell M. Nelson taught in “Integrity of Heart” that true integrity means being honest and faithful all the time. It means being the same good person when we are alone as when others are watching. Integrity begins in our hearts. We show integrity by keeping our promises, obeying God’s commandments, telling the truth, and choosing the right even when no one else knows what we do.

Personal & Social Consequences of Dishonesty

• People may stop trusting you. When you lie, cheat, or steal, it is harder for family and friends to believe you. Trust takes a long time to build but can be lost quickly.
• You may feel sad inside. Being dishonest can make you feel guilty and take away your peace and happiness.

President Howard W. Hunter taught:

“Each lie, each deception, each act of dishonesty combines to create a monster that can destroy your character and your life.”

Simple Discussion:
Ask: How do you feel when someone tells you the truth? How do you feel when someone lies to you? Why is it important to be honest?

HONEST IN WORD

“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12 – The Golden Rule).

#5 SPEAK KINDLY. 

Speaking kindly means using words that help, encourage, and show love. We choose words that do not hurt, tease, lie, or deceive others. When we speak with kindness, we become more like Jesus and help others feel loved and respected.

GOLDEN RULER ACTIVITY

Download the Doing Good to Others: GOLDEN RULER activity (HERE or below).

The first action on the Golden Ruler is Be Kind, so talk with children about how they can speak kindly every day. Jesus taught the Golden Rule:

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” (Matthew 7:12, KJV)

Ask:

• How do you like people to talk to you?
• What are some kind words you can say to others?
• How do kind words make people feel?

GOLDEN RULER

• Be Kind – Use kind and truthful words.
• Share with Others – Be generous and include everyone.
• Respect Others’ Property – Take care of things that belong to others.
• Return Borrowed Things – Keep your promises and return what you borrow.
• Help Others – Look for ways to serve and be a good friend.

Remind children that before they speak or act, they can ask themselves, “Would I want someone to do or say that to me?” If the answer is yes, it is a good choice!

HONEST IN WORD

“This is my commandment that ye love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).

#1 DO RIGHT; BE TRUE.

A dare to do something wrong is called a temptation. Let’s say that word together: temptation. Let’s say that word together: temptation.
DOWNLOAD the Dare to Do Right wristband activity (HERE or below).

A dare to do something wrong is called a temptation. Let’s say that word together: temptation.

Jesus Christ was also tempted. He went without food for 40 days, and Satan tempted Him to use His power to get food. Jesus chose to do what was right.
See Matthew 5:1-11). Ask children how they would feel if they had not eaten for a long time. See the “Satan Wanted Jesus Christ to Make Wrong Choices (scripture story) in the lesson (HERE).

Sometimes people may dare us to do something wrong. They might dare us to tell a lie, take something that is not ours, be mean to someone, or disobey our parents or teachers.

A temptation is something that tries to make us choose something wrong instead of something right.

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us. They want us to make good choices because good choices bring peace and happiness.

Sometimes it is hard to choose the right. We may need courage to say, “No, I will not do that.”

When we are tempted, we can:

• Pray for help.
• Think about what Jesus would do.
• Say no to the wrong choice.
• Choose the right.

Remember, being honest means telling the truth and doing what is right, even when no one is watching. When we choose the right, we can feel happy and peaceful inside.

#2 PLAYING FAIR.

Playing fair means following the rules. Don’t cheat, don’t take credit for someone else’s work, and don’t take things that don’t belong to you.

Let’s Learn About Honesty

• Honesty means telling the truth all the time, not just when people are watching.
• Honest people ask before they borrow or use something.
• Remember: “Honesty is the best policy.” Try to say, “I will be honest every day.”
• When you are honest, people trust you.
• Honesty brings peace and helps you feel good inside.
• Honesty helps you feel close to God and pray with a happy heart.
• Being honest also means admitting when you make a mistake and trying to do better.
• Work for the things you want, or ask permission before taking something. Jesus said, “Thou shalt not steal” (Matthew 19:18).

Do You Have the Courage to Show Integrity?

Use the Courage Youth Goal Planner (HERE or below) to learn about brave people who chose honesty and integrity, including Joseph of Egypt, Esther, Job, Daniel, Apostle Paul, Hyrum Smith, and Joseph Smith. Talk about a time each person did what was right, even when it was hard. Then share a time when you chose to be honest and do the right thing.

#3 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)

HONEST IN DEED

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

#4 ADMITTING WHEN THEY ARE WRONG.

Show courage by telling the truth when they break something or disobey a rule, rather than hiding it.

Repentance means:

• Admit you did something wrong.
• Say “I’m sorry” to God and to the person you hurt.
• Ask for forgiveness.
• Try your best to make it right.
• Choose to do better next time.

STORY “Honest Gabe” (HERE).
Summary. Gabe accidentally scratches Mrs. Cole’s car while playing with a stick, and he struggles with whether to admit what he did or avoid getting in trouble. Remembering his grandmother’s example of honesty and knowing that God and Jesus know the truth, Gabe decides to confess. He tells his mom and Mrs. Cole what happened and offers to help pay for the damage. Although he feels bad about his mistake, Gabe is relieved and happy because he chose to be honest.

Download Repentance: I Can Say I’m Sorry poster or coloring page (HERE or below)

Help children think about choices that make them feel happy or sad. Talk about how we feel happy when we say we are sorry, ask Heavenly Father to forgive us, and try to do better. When we do something wrong and do not repent, we may feel sad inside.

When we repent, we receive many blessings:

• We don’t have to carry guilty feelings.
• We feel happy because we are choosing the right.
• The Holy Ghost can be with us to help and guide us every day.

Download Happy Henry or Miserable Mac body-building puzzles (HERE or below)

HONEST IN DEED

“Those who walk uprightly and speak the truth may dwell with the Lord” (Psalm 15:1-2). 

#5 ADMITTING HONESTY FEELS GOOD.

Blessings of Being Honest

• You earn trust. Others can rely on you at HOME, SCHOOL, WORK, and CHURCH.
• You have a clear conscience. You don’t have to worry about hiding the truth or remembering lies.
• You build strong friendships. Honest people create relationships based on respect and trust.
• You gain confidence. Telling the truth helps you respect yourself and have integrity.
• You make better choices. Honesty helps you stay on the right path, even when it is difficult.
• You avoid many problems. Being truthful keeps small mistakes from becoming bigger ones. “
• You are guided by the Holy Ghost. Living honestly invites the Spirit to help and guide you.
• You become more like Jesus Christ. Jesus always spoke the truth and wants us to be truthful in all we do.
• You are prepared for greater responsibilities. Honest people are trusted with leadership, work, and sacred opportunities.
• You receive God’s blessings. The Lord blesses those who choose honesty and keep His commandments.

#6 RUNNING FROM DISHONEST TEMPTATIONS.

Temptation Traps and Escapes: Dishonest Temptations
Download Temptation Traps and Escapes brainstorm (HERE or below)

On this activity cards you will find these TEMPTATION TRAPS for which the youth need to find an Escape Route they can write on the card. This helps them picture ahead of time how they can escape these traps.

TEMPTATIONS (on the pdf activity cards): Unchaste Behavior; Evil Speaking of Others; Bad Music; Selfishness; Laziness; Bad Movies; Lying; Cheating; Profanity; Stealing; Procrastination; Discouragement; Breaking the Sabbath; Drinking; Shoplifting; Taking Drugs; Disobedience to Parents; Deception

The following ideas will help you teach youth to RUN FROM DISHONEST TEMPTATIONS.

What is a Dishonest Temptation?

Essentially, a dishonest temptation is anything that leads you to lie, cheat or steal, or that leads you to conceal the truth or deceive others. Although these choices may seem like the easy way out, dishonesty always comes with a price. God wants us to be honest and truthful, as He is honest and truthful and faithful.

Common Temptation

• Copying or having someone write your homework for you, or using AI to do your homework for you.
• Cheating in a game or a test.
• Stealing.
• Lying to get out of trouble.
• Keeping extra change that you received by mistake.
• Impersonating someone else online.
• Telling an exaggerated story.
• Pointing the finger at someone else for your mistake.

Why are these traps so dangerous?

While dishonesty may yield a temporary “reward,” the damage that is done to trust and relationships, the guilt that is inflicted, and the distance created with God are lasting and far greater. The more dishonest the choices you make, the easier it is to make dishonest choices next.

Escape Routes.

James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

To face temptation squarely in the face and not deviate, ask God for help. Then, you know you have God’s inspiration to ESCAPE; you’ll be brave enough to make the RIGHT CHOICE.

• Stop and pray for strength.
• Tell the truth, no matter how hard it is.
• Walk away from the temptation.
• Ask yourself, “Would Jesus be happy with this decision?”
• Think AHEAD about the choice you are about to make and its consequences.
• Ask a trusted parent, teacher, counselor/bishop/pastor, or God.