I hope today’s theme can be of use to youth ministries, family devotionals or family home evenings. I discuss the topic of building a positive reputation. This could be a lesson that can be used in multiple ways and might also contribute to the theme of discouraging the act of bullying.
First have each family member bring up someone they admire. On a piece of paper have them make a list of the different attributes of why they like that person. For example if I were to choose a hero such as the first President of The United States, George Washington I might put these items on my list.
-showed bravery during war
-inspired his men to stay strong in the cause
-followed a list of improving himself since an early age
-Acknowledged God in his protection
-when offered to become King of America he turned it down
-reluctantly returned to help further in the building of America though he wanted to retire.
-In his inaugural speech as President Washington and the audience committed themselves to God
Now have the each class/family member read the list of traits to the others. Write them all down on a board. See which ones are similar. Discuss as a group what the men and women that are admired had to do to gain the positive traits they’re known for. Brainstorm on what some of their decisions they may have made since their youth.
Objects for lesson: A plastic cup, 2 identical plates, a coin, empty pill bottle and knife with a bunch of flour.
Before the lesson: Tightly pack flour into the cup. Place the empty pill bottle into the center of the flour so that one end of the pill box is level to the surface of the leveled off flour on the open end of the cup. Tip the cup of flour upside down onto the plate so that the mold of the cup is resting on the plate. The pill box should be centered in the middle of the flour. Place the coin in the middle of the flat area of the mold. Hide it so the class / family don’t see it.
Now in front of the class fill a second cup of flour on the same looking plate as the first. Announce to the group you will see who can cut more flour away without tipping over the coin. As the group gathers to play the game say you need to get a knife. You take the plate of molded flour with you. And as you go get the knife you also switch molds. You now have the mold with the pill box inside.
The members take turns cutting away the flour. Eventually if the coin never falls they will discover the pill box is acting as the foundation to keep the coin stable. Now you can make a comparison of just like there is a foundation to sustain the coin. So a positive reputation for integrity, having strong work ethic, and being a person of your word can influence other’s wish to associate with you.
If you want to touch upon the reputation of a bully, you could indicate that bullies can be known as being self-serving and selfish and that can discourage others from trusting them.
Please feel free to alter this in any way that would be of use to you.
Please also give additional suggestions on this topic in the comment section of the blog/site
Sources:
http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/washington/earnestprayer.html
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/wash1.asp
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/George-Washington-The-Reluctant-President.html
