Stable Foundations
Prepare for Launch
get ready with these Helpful Resources
Luke 16:10-13; James 5:12; Heb. 12:3-12
“Structural Integrity”
The New Yorker called it "The Fifty-Nine-Story Crisis." In June of 1978, a college student called renowned structural engineer William LeMessurier to say a massive skyscraper he designed wasn't sound. His building, the Citigroup Center, was the world's seventh-tallest at the time. At first, he blew it off, but upon inspection, he realized that someone switched the welded joints to cheaper bolts during construction. It was such a small change, but it would've spelled disaster in a strong wind. And Midtown Manhattan isn't the only place where a lack of structural integrity can bring down the house. As we lay the foundation for our children, how do we stay true to God's original design for the home, giving their lives the stability they need?
Integrity reinforces our kids' structural support system.
THE BIG IDEA
It's not enough to keep the big promises — you've got to keep the little ones too. Jesus reminds us that "one who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much" (Luke 16:10). Every time you make good on a promise, it's like you're using God's original — trustworthy — building material. But if you start to break your word, it won't take long before their trust in you comes tumbling down.
Whatever we say, we do. We're trustworthy and reliable — a good quality to have as a parent and in all other relationships. As James said, "let your 'yes' be yes and your 'no' be no" (James 5:12). Developing integrity isn't always fun or convenient, but through repetition and followthrough we strengthen our kid's trust in us.
Set clear boundaries and expectations ahead of time so they know the consequences before they act. No waffling or excuses, we view discipline as an act of love — just like God does! "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord … For the Lord disciplines the one he loves …" (Heb. 12:5-6).
Do your kids see you as someone who always keeps your commitments?
THE BIG QUESTION
Integrity
Reflect God's Discipline and Consistency at Home
INTRODUCTION
Launch the study with a CONVERSATION STARTER on the Big Idea.
Read or watch “Structural Integrity” (above). What do you take from that Big Idea and Big Question? ICE BREAKER — Get everyone engaged and talking.
How do you feel when you're not sure how someone will react?ACT I
JESUS SAID — Luke 16:10-13
What’s the main point of this passage?What insights and applications do you take from these words of Christ? What do we need to get from these words that — if understood and applied — has the power to change a life or a family?Is there anything else here you find helpful or interesting? Anything you’ve never noticed before — or have always loved about these words?
ACT II
TOP 4 PROVERBS — Integrity
Look through the list below (or any other resource you want to use) and choose four favorite Proverbs about integrity. Then jot down a few notes on the application or insight you take from each verse. What do you appreciate about how it’s said and the wisdom it contains? How have you seen the principle in action?
Prov. 1:3; 3:5,11-12; 4:23-27; 6:1-3; 10:9,19; 11:3; 12:22; 19:1; 20:7,25; 21:3; 22:11; 25:14; 28:6,13; 29:17
In your group discussion, ask participants to pick one of their four and share their insights.Proverb #1Proverb #2Proverb #3Proverb #4
ACT III
REACH OUT — Connect with each other with this question.
When do you find it a challenge to stay consistent as a parent?
WRAP UP
THE CHALLENGE — Ready to put it into practice?
Sit down with your spouse and evaluate your consistency, discipline, and followthrough.
REQUEST — Go to God in a closing prayer.
For example: "Righteous Lord, help me handle life's matters with honesty" (cf. Luke 16:10).NEXT SESSION — Training, Not Frustrating
Prepare by reading Matt. 11:25-30; Eph. 6:1-4; Col. 3:20-21