Julie had an experience in 2nd grade that taught her the value of honesty. During the lunch period, the students were able to run laps, then mark down on a chart how many laps they ran. The students each took turns filling in the chart. Julie wanted to run the most laps, but didn't actually want to run them. When it was her turn to fill in the chart, she filled in many more laps than she had run. Her teacher approached her privately and asked her whether or not she had been completely honest. She now appreciates that her teacher didn't publicly embarrass her, but also didn't just let it go. She was taught a valuable lesson about honesty from this teacher.
The 13th article of faith begins, "We believe in being honest..."
What does it mean to be honest?
The class listed several words that we associate with honesty.
- true
- whole truth
- obedient
- unafraid
- uncompromising
- thorough
- genuine
- not embellishing
- righteous
- brave
- willing to be vulnerable to pain
- transparency
- integrity
- humble
- speaking half truths
- untruth
- deceiving by gesture, look or silence
- knowingly doing wrong
- manipulation
- withholding of truth
- needing to feel in control
- lying
- cheating
- stealing
- adultery
- defamation/slander
- breaking promises
- blaming
- bearing false witness
- insincere
- hypocrisy
Satan would have us believe that it is ok to be dishonest. He is the father of all lies (2 Ne 9:9).
What happens to us spiritually when we are dishonest?
“Those who choose to cheat and lie and deceive and misrepresent become his slaves” (Mark E. Petersen, in Conference Report, Oct. 1971, 65; or Ensign, Dec. 1971, 73).
The Lord Jesus Christ said, "I am the way, the truth and the life." The brother of Jared testified, "Yea, Lord I know that thou art a God of truth and canst not lie" (Ether 3:12).
How can we become perfectly honest- living and loving the truth?
It takes more than just more grit, will power or determination. We need the Savior's atonement to change our hearts.
Philippians 2:13- "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."
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