Influence Others - God is Totally Truthful
Stand up for truth!
Your children probably hear lies about God every day on TV, in the classroom, and from friends. Talk with them about a lie they've heard, what the actual truth is, and ways they can stand up for the truth. For example:
- Write a letter to the TV station, advertisers, or government officials about how they feel about the lie and what the truth is.
- Talk about it -- ask the person who spoke the lie if you can share what you think, and what the Bible says is true about God.
Truth wins!
Telling a lie comes naturally. Confessing it and asking for forgiveness... well that's another matter!! However, confessing our lie and promising to try to be truthful is a powerful example of God's truth in us. Ask your children if there is anyone they have lied to. God wants us to confess the lie and make it right. Role-play how they will do it and how the person may respond. The response may not always be what we hope for, so it's important to prepare them for both a positive and negative response. Encourage your child to share how the fact that God is always totally truthful has motivated them to try hard to always be truthful as well. God promises that in the end, truth wins over a lie. The confessions and lessons from a child can have a powerful influence!
Keep the change?
Too much change--If you've ever been given too much change from a cashier, you've seen the shock in their eyes and heard it in their voice when you've returned the extra money. The sad truth is, most people pocket the extra cash and call it their lucky day. Encourage your child to look for opportunities to be truthful (i.e. return the extra change) and in the process share that the reason is because God is Totally Truthful and He helps us to be too!