Lesson #12 in the Spencer W. Kimball manual for this year’s course of study is entitled “Integrity.” President Kimball was, himself, a wonderful example of this most necessary trait. Marion G. Romney is quoted as saying: “Throughout the years he has been a pattern of integrity. No one doubts that he would discharge the sacred trust the Lord has placed upon him at the peril of his life . . . How glorious, men of the priesthood, it would be if all of us possessed the integrity of a President Kimball.”
As we head into the body of the lesson, we read that integrity is one of the foundation characteristics we must have if we are to enjoy the eternities with our Heavenly Father. The definition of integrity is to be whole, complete, and unbroken. It is purity and sincerity. It is not to ask, what do others think of me, but rather, what do I think of myself? A person with integrity lives their values even when no one is watching.
We are encouraged to take an inventory of ourselves and make sure we have no unresolved sins. We should ask ourselves if everything in our conduct is in keeping with the commandments of God and with the levels of behavior we know He expects of us. When we can look at ourselves honestly and know that we are as obedient as we are able to be, we can have peace within ourselves.
We have made covenants with our Heavenly Father, and we should keep them to the absolute letter. We should never be sloppy or careless in how we treat or think about those covenants. The Lord deserves nothing less than our absolute fidelity.
When we are dishonest, we are cheating ourselves more than anyone. What measure of peace can we feel within when we’re being dishonest on the outside? We are denying ourselves of choice blessings when we try to deceive. A line I love from this lesson: “Self-justification is the enemy of repentance.” If we try to fool ourselves into thinking we have no need of repentance, we are turning away from the Spirit and not allowing the marvelous workings of the Lord into our lives.
Additionally, when we have integrity, it influences our families and all those around us. We want to have a positive impact on our loved ones, and what better example can we set for them than one of adherence to the commandments and faithfulness to the Lord?
As we strive to develop integrity within ourselves, we will find ourselves becoming more like the people we admire and would seek to emulate. What a wonderful goal for the new year.
Related Blogs:
Obedience – the Stories of Samson and Joshua