Module 3
Character, Integrity, and Accountability
“The integrity of the upright shall guide them.” — Proverbs 11:3
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Define integrity and character
- Practice making decisions that match your values
- Set up an accountability relationship
Lesson Notes
Character
Character is who you are when no one is watching. Skills get you hired; character keeps you employed and trusted. Employers consistently rank honesty, reliability, and a good attitude among the traits they value most.
Integrity
Integrity means your words and actions match your values, consistently. It shows up in small things: returning extra change, recording hours honestly, doing the job right when no one checks.
Core Values
Values are what matter most to you: faith, family, honesty, hard work, freedom. When you know your values, decisions get clearer. Ask: Does this choice fit who I want to be?
Accountability
Accountability means inviting trusted people to ask you hard questions and speak truth to you. Leaders who have accountability partners make fewer destructive choices. Choose someone mature, honest, and safe, and meet regularly.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Character | Who you are when no one is watching |
| Integrity | Consistency between values, words, and actions |
| Core values | The principles that matter most to you |
| Accountability partner | A trusted person who helps you stay on track |
In-Class Activities
Values Sort
From the list of 30 values cards, choose your top ten, then your top five, then your top three. Write your final three and why.
What Would You Do?
Discuss in groups: A coworker asks you to clock her in because she's running late. Your supervisor overpays you by $80. A friend offers to “help” you pass a drug test.
Assignment: Values and Accountability Plan
- Write your three core values and one sentence each on what it looks like in action.
- Name the qualities you need in an accountability partner and one or two people (or roles, such as a mentor or pastor) who could fill that role after release.
- List three questions you'd want them to ask you.
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Proverbs 11:3 says integrity guides the upright. Think of a time you compromised your values. What led to it? What would help you choose differently next time?
Prayer focus: Ask God for integrity in small things and for trustworthy people to walk with you.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Who You Are When No One Is Watching
Skills get you hired. Character keeps you hired and trusted. Employers consistently name honesty, reliability, and a good attitude among the qualities they value most.
Integrity means your words and actions match your values, consistently. It shows up in small things: returning extra change, recording your hours honestly, doing the job right when no one is checking, declining to clock in a friend who is running late.
Knowing your core values makes decisions clearer. If your top values are faith, family, and freedom, then choices that threaten any of them become easier to refuse. Ask: Does this fit who I want to be?
Accountability is a gift we give ourselves. It means inviting a trusted person to ask hard questions and speak truth to us. Choose someone mature, honest, and safe, and meet regularly. Leaders with accountability make fewer destructive choices.
Integrity is built one small decision at a time, and it can be rebuilt. Every honest choice today is a brick in a new foundation.
Think About It
- What are your top three values? ______________________
- Where are small compromises most tempting for you? ______________________
- Who could be an accountability partner after release? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 3
Integrity Guides
The integrity of the upright shall guide them.— Proverbs 11:3 (KJV)
Integrity is like a compass. When decisions are confusing, it points the way.
Reflect: What decision would integrity make easier for you?
Pray: Lord, guide me by integrity.
Do: Make one honest choice that costs you something small.
Walking Securely
He that walketh uprightly walketh surely.— Proverbs 10:9 (KJV)
Honest living brings security. There is nothing to hide and nothing to fear being discovered.
Reflect: Where would honesty bring you more peace?
Pray: Lord, help me walk uprightly.
Do: Tell the truth in one situation where it would be easier not to.
Iron Sharpens Iron
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.— Proverbs 27:17 (KJV)
We grow sharper through honest relationships. Accountability partners help us stay on track.
Reflect: Who sharpens you?
Pray: Lord, give me friends who sharpen me.
Do: Ask a trusted person to check in with you this week.
Faithful in Little
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.— Luke 16:10 (KJV)
Character is formed in small, daily choices. Faithfulness in little prepares us for greater trust.
Reflect: What small thing can you be faithful in today?
Pray: Lord, make me faithful in little things.
Do: Complete one small task with full integrity.
Create a Clean Heart
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.— Psalm 51:10 (KJV)
David prayed this after his greatest failure. Integrity can be restored when we come honestly to God.
Reflect: What do you need God to renew in you?
Pray: Lord, create in me a clean heart.
Do: Pray Psalm 51:10 each morning this week.
Module Quiz
- 1.
Character is best described as:
- 2.
Which is an example of integrity at work?
- 3.
A good accountability partner is:
- 4.
Small choices have little to do with integrity.
- 5.
Name your top core value and how it shows in action.