Richard G. Scott on righteous character and righteous actions

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928-2015) served as a Seventy from 1977-1988, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He passed away in September 2015 at the age of 86.

"We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day. Righteous character is a precious manifestation of what you are becoming. Righteous character is more valuable than any material object you own, any knowledge you have gained through study, or any goals you have attained no matter how well lauded by mankind. In the next life your righteous character will be evaluated to assess how well you used the privilege of mortality.

"Neither Satan nor any other power can destroy or undermine your growing character. Only you could do that through disobedience. A sterling character is converted into worthless ashes when eroded by deceit or transgression.

"Strong moral character results from consistent correct choices in the trials and testing of life. Such choices are made with trust in things that are believed and when acted upon are confirmed."

- Richard G. Scott, "The Transforming Power of Faith and Character," Ensign November 2010, pp. 43-46
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This is another good investigation of the relationship of what we are and what we do. What really matters is our "righteous character"—the essence of what we are deep inside. The outward actions are a manifestation of the inner change. But they also lead to that change; doing the right things helps to develop the purity of character as we experience both the fruits of our actions and the purification that comes from obedience.

Elder Scott points out that no one, not even Satan, can destroy or undermine our character. We do that ourselves as we fail to be obedient to the higher law that would lead us to Christ. Hence the critical need to "trust in things that are believed" as we move forward actively in pursuing the path of discipleship.