Daily Gems - 2 February 2009

Consecrated Work of Prayer

"I long have been impressed with the truth that meaningful prayer requires both holy communication and consecrated work. Blessings require some effort on our part before we can obtain them, and prayer, as 'a form of work, . . . is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings' (Bible Dictionary, "Prayer," 753). We press forward and persevere in the consecrated work of prayer, after we say 'amen,' by acting upon the things we have expressed to Heavenly Father. Asking in faith requires honesty, effort, commitment, and persistence."

David A. Bednar, "Ask in Faith," Ensign, May 2008, 95

Topics: Prayer, Honesty and Integrity

Young Single Adult Gems - 28 January 2009

The Importance of Integrity

"I have felt impressed to speak today about the need for integrity—old-fashioned, personal, practical integrity. To me, integrity means always doing what is right and good, regardless of the immediate consequences. It means being righteous from the very depth of our soul, not only in our actions but, more importantly, in our thoughts and in our hearts. Personal integrity implies such trustworthiness and incorruptibility that we are incapable of being false to a trust or covenant."

Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Personal Integrity," Ensign, May 1990, 30

Topics: Honesty and Integrity

Daily Gems - 31 December 2008

Being an Example of Strength

"Never forget that you are a [child] of God. He loves you. Live by your standards. Stand up for what you believe in. Sometimes it is not easy, and you may be standing alone for a while. Look for friends with integrity and character, then go to them and express appreciation for their examples. You might even find someone who has been feeling as lonely as you. Pray for guidance and protection from the Lord. He will sustain you. He will become a trusted friend, and you will discover that your example will attract many friends who will take courage from your strength of character."

W. Craig Zwick, "We Will Not Yield, We Cannot Yield," Ensign, May 2008, 98

Topics: Honesty and Integrity, Gospel Standards

Church History Gems - 15 October 2008

As Moses Depended upon Aaron

"The two brothers [Joseph and Hyrum Smith] sustained and supported each other through the cruelty to which they were subjected in jail at Richmond and the inhumane treatment in the dungeons of Liberty Jail. While marching with Zion's Camp, both were stricken with cholera and were literally at death's door. As they prayed with each other to be healed, Hyrum sprang to his feet, exclaiming, 'I have had an open vision, in which I saw mother kneeling under an apple tree; and she is even now asking God, in tears, to spare our lives, that she may again behold us in the flesh. The Spirit testifies, that her prayers, united with ours, will be answered' (Leonard J. Arrington and Susan Arrington Madsen, Mothers of the Prophets [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1987], p. 20).

"As a result of such experiences, Joseph came to depend upon Hyrum just as Moses depended upon Aaron. Of Hyrum, Joseph said: 'I could pray in my heart that all my brethren were like unto my beloved brother Hyrum, for truly he possesses the mildness of a Lamb, and the integrity of a Job; and in short the meek and quiet spirit, of Jesus Christ; and I love him with that love, that is stronger than death, for I never had occasion to rebuke him, nor he me' (The Papers of Joseph Smith, ed. Dean C. Jessee, 2 vols. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1989-92], 1:168).

"Brigham Young said that 'Hyrum was as good a man as ever lived. . . . His integrity was of the highest order. . . . I used to think, and think now, that an angel dwelling in the presence of the Father and the Son possessed no more integrity in their hearts than did Hyrum Smith' (address given by Brigham Young, Salt Lake City Bowery, 8 Oct. 1866, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City). John Taylor said that Hyrum was 'a great and good man, and my soul was cemented to his. If ever there was an exemplary, honest, and virtuous man, an embodiment of all that is noble in the human form, Hyrum Smith was its representative' (History of the Church, 7:107).

"The Lord Himself, however, gave the greatest tribute to Hyrum when He said, 'Blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith; for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord' (D&C 124:15)."

M. Russell Ballard, "Brothers Bound by Love and Faith," Ensign, Sept. 1994, 65

Topics: Honesty and Integrity

Youth Gems - 8 November 2007

Integrity and Honesty

"Becoming people of integrity and honesty does not occur quickly or all at once, nor is it merely a matter of greater personal discipline. It is a change of disposition, a change of heart. And this gradual change of heart is one that the Lord accomplishes within us, through the power of His Spirit, in a line-upon-line fashion. . . .

"Remember that becoming people of integrity and honesty is not simply a matter of more personal determination, more grit, and more willpower; rather, it is accomplished through the enabling power of the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"I believe the best test of our integrity and honesty is when we personally enforce in our own lives that which ultimately cannot be enforced."

David A. Bednar, "Be Honest," New Era, Oct. 2005, 9

Topics: Honesty and Integrity

Church History Gems - 2 November 2007

Honest Men.

"Honest men with yearning hearts, at the peril of their very lives, attempted to establish points of reference, that they might find the true way. The day of the reformation was dawning, but the path ahead was difficult. Persecutions would be severe, personal sacrifice overwhelming, and the cost beyond calculation. The reformers were like pioneers blazing wilderness trails in a desperate search for those lost points of reference which, they felt, when found would lead mankind back to the truth Jesus taught. . . .

"Martin Luther asserted the Bible's supremacy. His study of the scriptures led him to compare the doctrines and practices of the church with the teachings of the scriptures. Luther stood for the responsibility of the individual and the rights of the individual conscience, and this he did at the imminent risk of his life. Though threatened and persecuted, yet he declared boldly: 'Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. God help me.' . . .

"Of the reformers one could ask, 'Was their sacrifice in vain? Was their struggle futile?' I answer with a resounding 'No!' The Holy Bible was now within the grasp of the people. Each man could better find his way."

Thomas S. Monson, "The Way Home," Ensign, May 1975, 15-16

Topics: Honesty and Integrity

Youth Gems - 1 November 2007

Integrity

"People of integrity and honesty not only practice what they preach, they are what they preach. And the Savior stands as the finest example."

David A. Bednar, "Be Honest," New Era, Oct. 2005, 7

Topics: Honesty and Integrity

Daily Gems - 3 October 2007

The Principles of Honesty and Integrity

"Honesty is the basis of a true Christian life. For Latter-day Saints, honesty is an important requirement for entering the Lord's holy temple. Honesty is embedded in the covenants that we make in the temple. Each Sunday as we partake of the holy emblems of the Savior's flesh and blood, we again renew our basic and sacred covenants—which encompass honesty. As Latter-day Saints we have a sacred obligation to not only teach the principles of honesty, but also to live them. . . . Honesty should be among the most fundamental values that govern our everyday living.

"When we are true to the sacred principles of honesty and integrity, we are true to our faith, and we are true to ourselves."

Richard C. Edgley, "Three Towels and a 25-Cent Newspaper," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 74

Topics: Honesty and Integrity, Ordinances and Covenants

Daily Gems - 7 August 2007

A Life of Integrity Is Rewarding

"Integrity is fundamental to being men. Integrity means being truthful, but it also means accepting responsibility and honoring commitments and covenants. . . .

"Good men sometimes make mistakes. A man of integrity will honestly face and correct his mistakes, and that is an example we can respect. Sometimes men try but fail. Not all worthy objectives are realized despite one's honest and best efforts. True manhood is not always measured by the fruits of one's labors but by the labors themselves--by one's striving.

"Though he will make some sacrifices and deny himself some pleasures in the course of honoring his commitments, the true man leads a rewarding life. He gives much, but he receives more, and he lives content in the approval of his Heavenly Father. The life of true manhood is the good life."

D. Todd Christofferson, "Let Us Be Men," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 47-48

Topics: Honesty and Integrity

Daily Gems - 1 February 2007

Measured By One's Striving

"Good men sometimes make mistakes. A man of integrity will honestly face and correct his mistakes, and that is an example we can respect. Sometimes men try but fail. Not all worthy objectives are realized despite one's honest and best efforts. True manhood is not always measured by the fruits of one's labors but by the labors themselves--by one's striving."

D. Todd Christofferson, "Let Us Be Men," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 47-48

Topics: Honesty and Integrity

Daily Gems - 31 January 2007

The Price of Integrity

"Some 30 years ago, while working in the corporate world, some business associates and I were passing through O'Hare Airport in Chicago, Illinois. One of these men had just sold his company for tens of millions of dollars--in other words, he was not poor.

"As we were passing a newspaper vending machine, this individual put a quarter in the machine, opened the door to the stack of papers inside the machine, and began dispensing unpaid-for newspapers to each of us. When he handed me a newspaper, I put a quarter in the machine and, trying not to offend but to make a point, jokingly said, 'Jim, for 25 cents I can maintain my integrity. A dollar, questionable, but 25 cents--no, not for 25 cents.' You see, I remembered well the experience of three towels and a broken-down 1941 Hudson. A few minutes later we passed the same newspaper vending machine. I noticed that Jim had broken away from our group and was stuffing quarters in the vending machine. I tell you this incident not to portray myself as an unusual example of honesty, but only to emphasize the lessons of three towels and a 25-cent newspaper.

"There will never be honesty in the business world, in the schools, in the home, or anyplace else until there is honesty in the heart."

Richard C. Edgley, "Three Towels and a 25-cent Newspaper," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 73-74

Topics: Honesty and Integrity