"The Savior constantly rebuked those who professed one thing publicly but lived differently in their hearts. (See Matthew 23:27.) He praised those who lived without deception. (See D&C 124:15.) Can you see the contrasting difference? On the one hand there is truth and light and honesty and integrity. On the other hand there is lying, deceiving, hypocrisy, and darkness. The Lord draws a sharp distinction....
"The world would tell us that truth and honesty are difficult to define. The world finds humor in casual lying and quickly excuses so-called 'innocent' deception. The contrast between right and wrong is dulled, and the consequences of dishonesty are minimized....
"To constantly receive the Spirit of Truth, our lives must be filled with truth and honesty. As we become completely honest, our spiritual eyes are opened to increased enlightenment.
"You can easily understand how this spiritual strength lifts our learning in the classroom. But can you also see how this principle applies to your critical decisions of how you spend your time, with whom you spend your time, and how you shape the life that will follow BYU?
"You cannot separate the spiritual endowment of truth you need and want to receive here at BYU from your being a person of honesty and truth. The truth you seek is tied to the person you are. Light, spiritual answers, and heavenly direction are unalterably linked to your own honesty and truth. Many of your lasting satisfactions here at BYU will come as you continually elevate your commitment to personal honesty."
- Neil L. Andersen, "Honesty–The Heart of Spirituality," BYU devotional, September 13, 2011
Click here to read or listen to the full talk
What is the value of integrity? The Savior warned of "whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness." That description seems extreme to us, but in ways that are perhaps smaller and more subtle it's a great challenge in our time. The contrast between truth and light, vs. darkness and deception, is everywhere; how important to heed the Savior's warning:
Elder Andersen was speaking to an assembly of students in these remarks, but the principles apply to all of us. The "spiritual endowment of truth" offered to us comes only to those who are firmly committed to principles of integrity. "To constantly receive the Spirit of Truth, our lives must be filled with truth and honesty. As we become completely honest, our spiritual eyes are opened to increased enlightenment." That's a divine gift we all desperately need.
(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)
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