Welcome students as they come to class. When you’re ready to begin teaching, mention that in the context of today’s lesson, standing alone isn’t about being lonely, but it is about doing right even if you are the only one doing so.
- How many of you have ever been in trouble because you’ve done the right thing? (Have a show of hands. If there are many hands, call on volunteers to share their experience. If there are no volunteers, share your own story.)
- Do you find that you or students you know sometimes are punished for doing what seems to be right? Why do you think this might happen? (Just like with a zero-tolerance policy in order to protect the entire student body, schools sometimes do something that seems like the wrong student is punished in situations like these.)
There is a popular saying that says, “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” However, while it can be challenging to do the right thing when no one’s watching, it can also be hard when, instead of being rewarded for our actions, we find ourselves standing alone. Imagine standing up for someone who is bullied—only to find that students begin teasing you for standing up. Or, imagine standing up for a social issue only to be criticized for being too political.
- Do you think you would take a stand for the right thing if you saw injustice happening, even if no one else stood with you? Why or why not? (Accept all reasonable answers.)
- What are some examples of things you can take a stand against, even if you stand alone? (Answers may include standing against bullying, hate, racism, etc.)
Doing the right thing isn’t always easy and sometimes even includes what seems to be unfair punishment. Today’s lesson is about a man, Amos, who was standing for God even if it meant he stood alone. Let’s look further at what Amos did and see how his actions can influence us to stand for God.
