"And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." - Romans 12:2
As you grow into a young adult, you'll face increasing pressure to:
🎭 Fit in and be "cool"
📱 Follow what's trending
👥 Do what everyone else is doing
🤫 Compromise your beliefs to avoid conflict
What is Character?
Character is who you are when no one is watching. It's your moral and ethical foundation - the principles that guide your choices.
Your character is built by thousands of small choices, not just big dramatic moments.
In this course, you'll learn to:
✅ Build unshakeable integrity
✅ Navigate peer pressure biblically
✅ Develop healthy relationships
✅ Stand firm in your faith
✅ Recognize manipulation and deception
1Integrity: Whole & Undivided
What is Integrity?
Integrity comes from the word "integer" meaning whole or undivided. A person with integrity is the same person in public and private, with friends and alone, at home and away.
"The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them." - Proverbs 11:3
Signs of Integrity:
✅ Telling the truth even when it's costly
✅ Keeping promises even when inconvenient
✅ Doing the right thing when no one is watching
✅ Admitting mistakes rather than covering them up
✅ Standing by your beliefs even when unpopular
Scenario: The Test
You're taking a test and the teacher steps out. Your friend shows you their answers and says "Everyone does it." What do you do?
No integrity: Copy the answers - no one will know
Integrity: Refuse and do your own work - Yahuah sees everything
Biblical Example: Joseph
Joseph had integrity even when falsely accused. He could have become bitter or compromised, but he remained faithful. His integrity eventually led to his exaltation. (Genesis 39-41)
Reflect & Write
1. Describe a time you showed integrity even when it was hard:
2. Why is it important to be the same person in private as in public?
2Peer Pressure: The Influence of Friends
"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." - 1 Corinthians 15:33
What is Peer Pressure?
Peer pressure is the influence people your age have on your behavior, attitudes, and choices. It can be:
Direct: Someone explicitly tells you to do something
Indirect: You feel pressure to fit in without being told
Positive: Friends encourage good choices
Negative: Friends push you toward sin
Common Tactics:
"Everyone's doing it" (Appeal to crowd)
"Don't be a baby" (Shame/mockery)
"Just this once" (Minimization)
"No one will know" (False secrecy)
"I thought you were cool" (Social acceptance)
How to Resist:
Know your values beforehand - Decide before the pressure hits
Have prepared responses - Practice saying no
Choose friends wisely - Surround yourself with believers
Remember who's watching - Yahuah sees everything
Count the cost - Think of consequences, not just the moment
Biblical Example: Daniel's Friends
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to the king's idol even though EVERYONE else was doing it. They said: "Our Elohim whom we serve is able to deliver us... But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods." (Daniel 3:17-18)
Think About It
1. What kinds of peer pressure do you face most often?
2. Write 3 prepared responses you can use when pressured:
3Choosing Friends Wisely
"He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." - Proverbs 13:20
The Power of Association
You will become like the people you spend the most time with. Your five closest friends will shape your:
Vocabulary and speech patterns
Attitudes and mindset
Habits and behaviors
Values and priorities
Relationship with Yahuah
❌ Foolish Friends
Mock your faith
Encourage sin
Only care about popularity
Gossip and backstab
Lead you away from Yahuah
✅ Wise Friends
Respect your beliefs
Encourage righteousness
Value character over popularity
Are trustworthy and loyal
Draw you closer to Yahuah
Biblical Example: David & Jonathan
Jonathan was the son of King Saul, yet he chose friendship with David even when it cost him the throne. Their friendship was based on covenant, loyalty, and love of Yahuah - not social advantage. (1 Samuel 18-20)
Questions to Ask About Friendships:
Does this friend make me want to be closer to Yahuah?
Can I trust this person with important things?
Does this person celebrate my successes or get jealous?
Would I be comfortable with this person knowing everything about me?
Evaluate Your Relationships
Think about your closest friends. For each one, honestly assess:
Friend 1: Do they bring me closer to or further from Yahuah?
4Handling Conflict Biblically
"If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men." - Romans 12:18
Conflict is Inevitable
You WILL have disagreements and conflicts. The question isn't IF but HOW you handle them. Yahuah gives us clear instructions.
The Biblical Pattern (Matthew 18:15-17):
Go directly to the person first - Don't gossip or complain to others
If they won't listen, bring 1-2 witnesses - Mature believers who can help
If still unresolved, involve leadership - Parents, elders, teachers
❌ Wrong Responses
Gossip and slander
Silent treatment
Revenge and retaliation
Physical fighting
Social media drama
✅ Right Responses
Direct, private conversation
Active listening
Forgiveness
Seeking reconciliation
Prayer for the other person
Beware: Social Media Makes It Worse
Never handle conflict through social media posts, group chats, or texts. Written words are easily misunderstood, and public shaming is NOT biblical conflict resolution.
Apply It
Think of a conflict you're facing or have faced. How would you handle it using the biblical pattern?
5The Power of Forgiveness
"And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as Elohim for Messiah's sake has forgiven you." - Ephesians 4:32
What Forgiveness IS and ISN'T
Forgiveness IS
Releasing the desire for revenge
Choosing not to hold a grudge
An act of obedience to Yahuah
A decision, not a feeling
Forgiveness IS NOT
Pretending it didn't happen
Allowing continued abuse
Automatic trust restoration
Excusing wrong behavior
The Danger of Unforgiveness
Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It:
Gives the offender power over your emotions
Blocks your own prayers (Matthew 6:14-15)
Leads to bitterness that spreads (Hebrews 12:15)
Can cause physical and mental health problems
Biblical Example: Joseph
Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery! Yet when he had power over them, he said: "You meant evil against me, but Elohim meant it for good." He forgave them and provided for their families. (Genesis 50:20)
Heart Check
Is there anyone you're holding a grudge against? What would it take to forgive them?
6Guarding Your Purity
"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, love, peace." - 2 Timothy 2:22
Purity is a Battle
The world constantly attacks your purity through:
📱 Social media and the internet
🎬 Movies, shows, and music
👥 Pressure from peers and culture
💭 Your own thoughts and desires
The Strategy: FLEE
Scripture doesn't say "fight" sexual temptation - it says FLEE (run away). Joseph literally ran from Potiphar's wife! (Genesis 39)
❌ World's Lies
"Everyone's doing it"
"It's just natural"
"You can't control yourself"
"It doesn't hurt anyone"
"You're missing out"
✅ Yahuah's Truth
Purity is possible and commanded
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit
Sexual sin harms body and soul
Waiting is worth it
You're protecting something precious
Practical Boundaries:
"Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." - Proverbs 4:23
7Digital Integrity: Your Online Life
"Set no wicked thing before your eyes." - Psalm 101:3
The Digital Challenge
The internet provides unique temptations because it feels:
🔒 Private (but nothing online is truly private)
👻 Anonymous (but Yahuah sees everything)
🚪 Distant (but the impact is real)
🎮 Like "not real life" (but it shapes who you become)
Digital Dangers
Pornography - Destroys view of relationships, highly addictive
Social media comparison - Leads to depression and envy
Cyberbullying - Words online hurt real people
Wasted time - Hours stolen from meaningful pursuits
Digital footprint - Everything can be found later
Guidelines for Digital Integrity:
Nothing secret - If you'd hide it from your parents, don't do it
Public device locations - No screens in private spaces
Accountability software - Covenant Eyes or similar
Time limits - Set boundaries before going online
The "grandmother test" - Would you show this to her?
Remember
"You are not your own. You were bought with a price: therefore glorify Elohim in your body." - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Your screen time, your eyes, your mind - they all belong to Yahuah.
Honest Assessment
What digital habits do you need to change?
8Courage to Stand Alone
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve Yahuah, choose you this day whom you will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahuah." - Joshua 24:15
Sometimes You'll Be the Only One
Following Yahuah may mean:
Being the only one who doesn't laugh at crude jokes
Being the only one who doesn't participate in gossip
Being the only one who stands up for the unpopular kid
Being the only one who keeps the Sabbath
Being the only one who speaks the truth
Biblical Examples of Standing Alone
Noah - Built an ark while everyone mocked (120 years!)
Elijah - Thought he was the only one left (1 Kings 19)
Daniel - Prayed openly despite the law
Yahusha - His own disciples fled at His trial
Practical Courage:
Know what you believe beforehand - Study Scripture
Decide your boundaries in advance - Know your lines
Find at least one ally - Even Daniel had three friends
Remember eternity - Temporary rejection vs. eternal reward
Pray for boldness - Ask Yahuah for courage daily
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Messiah: for it is the power of Elohim unto salvation." - Romans 1:16
Where Do You Need Courage?
What's one area where you need to stand alone for truth?
9Respecting Authority
"Children, obey your parents in Yahuah: for this is right. Honor your father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise." - Ephesians 6:1-2
Yahuah's Structure of Authority
Yahuah has placed authorities in our lives for our protection and growth:
Parents - Primary authority, given by Yahuah
Teachers - Delegated authority for education
Elders/Leaders - Spiritual authority in the assembly
Government - Civil authority (within biblical limits)
❌ Rebellion Culture
"Question everything"
"Adults don't understand"
"Rules are meant to be broken"
"I know what's best for me"
✅ Biblical Submission
Honor even imperfect authorities
Learn from those with experience
Trust Yahuah's structure
Obey unless it contradicts Scripture
The Exception
"We ought to obey Elohim rather than men." - Acts 5:29
If any authority commands you to disobey Yahuah, you must obey Yahuah first. But this is the ONLY exception, not an excuse for general rebellion.
The Promise
"Honor your father and mother... that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:2-3)
This is the ONLY commandment with a specific promise attached!
10Review: Building Unshakeable Character
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Master and Savior Yahusha HaMashiach." - 2 Peter 3:18
Key Principles Summary:
✅ Integrity - Be the same person everywhere
✅ Peer Pressure - Know your values before the pressure hits
✅ Friends - You become like those you spend time with
✅ Conflict - Handle it directly and biblically
✅ Forgiveness - Release others for your own freedom
✅ Purity - Flee temptation, don't fight it
✅ Digital Life - Nothing secret, nothing hidden
✅ Courage - Stand alone when necessary
✅ Authority - Honor those Yahuah has placed over you
Final Commitment
Write your commitment to Yahuah about the kind of person you want to become:
