Today's Great Need for Personal Integrity

We just finished reading in our family scripture study about King Benjamin and King Mosiah. The greatest impression I felt from their story was how they were men of integrity, they didn't "pretend" to be great leaders (only good to some and rotten to others). They didn't place themselves on a higher plane or abase those lower in rank. They practiced humility, kindness, hard work, and honesty in all of their dealings; in their employment, at home, and at Church.

Oh, how we need these reminders in today's self-centered and self-seeking world! We need people with true and honest hearts, righteous people who are good in every circumstance, true to morals and principles, who don't hide behind position, prosperity, or power ... especially as members of the Church! Where is our heart set?

Reflecting on this caused me to search for a good talk about integrity. I found some great thoughts by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin from General Conference April 1990. 

"A little lying, a little cheating, or taking a little unfair advantage are not acceptable to the Lord.... The world desperately needs men and women of integrity. Nearly every day we hear of fraud, misapplication of funds, false advertising, or other dealings designed to obtain gain by cheating or deception. The Lord abhors such practices.

The Lord commanded the Israelites to be more than honest. If they came upon a lost ox, they were to search out the owner so they could return the animal. Today, our intentions and dealings must be similarly pure and sound before the Lord. We must be fair with suppliers, customers, and employees; repay obligations and keep agreements; and never deceive by failing to disclose all the facts about an investment or business venture. If our selfish 'hearts are set so much upon the things of this world' (D&C 121:35), we can easily lose our integrity. We must remember that 'we believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men.' (A of F 1:13.)

Elder Neal A. Maxwell stated, 'Oh, how we wish for more honesty and less corruption, more goodness instead of so much cleverness, and more wisdom in lieu of unanchored brilliance.'"

-Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (Personal Integrity, April 1990)