If recent news reports are true, cheating is rampant among today’s teenagers. Some people say technology is to blame because it makes academic dishonestly easier to pull off. Others attribute the problem to our competitive society and its message that you should do anything possible to get ahead.

People of all ages are tempted to cut corners to achieve success, wealth, and popularity. Why put in extra effort when other people take unethical shortcuts? Why pay for media when you can (illegally) download it? Why put relationships in jeopardy by being honest? The reason is that God commands us to be truthful. Disobeying his laws leads to consequences—even if we aren’t “caught” and punished by earthly authorities.

In a Group Magazine survey of more than 26,000 teenagers, half agreed with this statement: “I’ve done things no one really knows about that impact my ability to feel loved by God.” Sinning makes us feel far apart from God, but the good news is that he offers forgiveness and grace.

Church isn’t the only place kids can hear this message. Parents play a bigger role than you might expect. Christian apologist Josh McDowell says, “The most powerful impact upon a child’s ethical, moral, and spiritual development is the relationship with the parents. It is 300 times greater than the church.”

Remind your teenagers that Jesus knows what it’s like to battle temptation and struggle with God’s will. He not only set an example for us but also offers us strength to make wise choices and display Christian character.

Three ways to help you deal with temptation:

1. Run away from the situation. “Flee the evil desires of youth…” (2 Timothy 2:22a, NIV). This may seem like a strange way of dealing with temptation, but even the greatest of superheroes had weaknesses. Superman never did well against kryptonite, so he avoided the stuff altogether.

2. Run toward what’s right. “…and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace…” (verse 22b). Beating temptation has a lot more to do with saying “yes” to right living than it does with saying “no” to whatever is tempting us.

3. Run with brothers and sisters who are pursuing pure living. “…along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (verse 22c). If we aren’t running with other people who are going in God’s direction, we won’t be running for very long.

Statistics:

• 30% of kids admitted stealing from a store in the past year.

• 64% said they’ve cheated on a test in the past year.

• 83% of teenagers said they’ve lied to a parent about something significant.

• 36% said they’ve plagiarized an assignment using the Internet.

• 26% of survey respondents said they lied on at least one or two questions on the survey!

• 93% said they were satisfied with their personal ethics and character.

Questions to ask your Youth:

1. Among your friends and classmates, how widespread are cheating and lying? Are you

ever tempted to take part? Why or why not?

2. What are some of the consequences people face for cutting corners—even if they

aren’t caught?

3. What does a life of integrity look like to you? What prices might you have to pay to

pursue such a life, and are they worthwhile?

4. What are some ways you can resist temptation and conquer evil?