LESSON: HONESTY

"We come to the point where faith and works meet each other. Here we ask ourselves: Do our works verify our faith? ...

"Honesty, truth, virtue, and kindness are hallmarks of true Christianity. If we lack them, we can hardly say that we follow Christ.

"Whether it be lying, or cheating, or robbery or deception; whether it is in the home, in business, in sports, or in the classroom; dishonesty is completely foreign to the teachings of Jesus." Elder Mark E. Petersen (In Conference Report, Apr. 1982, pp. 1920; or Ensign, May 1982, p. 15.)

Honesty is a virtue that is woven into the fabric of our every day lives. So many instances rely on the decision to be honest or dishonest. If we choose one end of the scale, we gain self confidence and respect, we retain the Holy Ghost, we can enjoy peace of mind and we become trustworthy in the eyes of God and those around us. If we fall into the slippery path of dishonesty we hurt ourselves and others, we lose our self respect and the guidance of the Holy Ghost. We soon become untrustworthy to those around us.

Honesty with ourselves: If we are honest with ourselves we accept responsibility for our actions and decisions without blaming other people or circumstances. We recognize that our decisions have direct consequences. We can understand and recognize our own strengths and weaknesses. As we do so, we become better prepared to act accordingly, developing our talents and overcoming our weaknesses. We are all unique and special to our Heavenly Father. There is no reason to pretend that we are someone we are not.

Honesty with others: Often times, honesty with ourselves must come first. But as it does, we gain courage, honor, confidence and self-respect that can help us deal more honestly with those around us. Some weaknesses that might keep us from being honest with others are pride, greed, manipulation, hate, rationalization and the fear of being found out. If we commit one dishonest act and do not repent, we often have to continue being dishonest to avoid being caught. This pattern of dishonesty can greatly harm our relationships with others and with the Lord.

Honesty with God: Honesty includes keeping the promises we’ve made to ourselves, to others and to God. Some of the promises we have made with God are that we will take upon us the name of Christ, remember him always, and keep his commandments. If we keep his commandments, God in return has promised us that the Lord’s Spirit to be with us always (see D&C 20:77), that we shall have great treasures of knowledge (see D&C 89:19), and eternal life (see D&C 14:7).

Austin O’Malley said, “Those who think it is permissible to tell white lies soon grow color-blind.” I challenge us all to remember to be honest in our daily lives, that those blessings far out-weigh any good feelings that can come from pleasing the crowd, or appearing better than we are.