Can you imagine the favorable living conditions if all of us were completely honest?
In today’s society, the principle of honesty is so often abused. There are many honest people in the world, but dishonesty and corruption exist in government, business, education, athletics and in individual relationships.
The gulf between honest persons and the dishonesty of the world is getting wider and wider.
To lie is dishonest
Lying is deceiving others. One form of lying is bearing false witness. “Jesus said, …Thou shalt not bear false witness,” (Matthew 19: 18 in the Bible) There are many forms of lying. When we speak untruths we are lying. We can deceive others by looks, by telling only part of the truth, and even by silence. The Lord is not pleased with lying and we will be accountable to Him for our lies.
Stealing is dishonest
“Thou shalt not steal” (Matthew 19:18 in the Bible) When we take something that does not belong to us, it is stealing, whether it be from our employer, retail stores, neighbors, friends, family members or copying music/movies without permission, it all falls into the serious category of stealing.
Cheating is dishonest
A great deal of cheating is going on in society. Some employees cheat their employers. Some students are cheating on tests and homework preparation. Some government leaders and workers are cheating the people they serve. Some professionals over charge for their services. The list goes on and on.
We rationalize or excuse our dishonesty
We say many others are dishonest and more dishonest than ourselves. We steal because we think we deserve it or we think we are not paid enough or we think the rich will not miss what we steal, to name a few.
Unfortunately, as long as we rationalize our dishonesty and find excuses for our bad behavior, we will not repent and change our ways. To the Lord there are not any acceptable excuses. Satan, the father of lies, will try to persuade us to continue our dishonest actions.
“and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.” (2 Nephi 28: 21 p. 108 in the Book of Mormon)
How can we become completely honest
Dishonesty is a difficult habit to break, especially if it has been part of us for many years. The first step would be a desire to become more honest. Personally, knowing that God is perfectly honest and if I want to live with him some day, I would have to also become totally honest.
The apostle Paul said, “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; ..”
(2 Corinthians 4: 2 in the Bible) We must carefully review our past dishonest thinking and actions and begin to change our attitudes and future actions.
What are the benefits of being honest
It brings peace to our conscience and lives.
“…that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” (1 Timothy 2: 2-3 in the Bible)
The Holy Spirit will be with us
The Holy Spirit will help us overcome our weaknesses and increase our joy in life. The Savior said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy;” (Doctrine & Covenants 11: 13 p. 22)
Our confidence will increase
“…let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God;”
(Doctrine & Covenants 121: 45 p. 242)
Dallas Jones is the Local Leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For a more detailed composition on Honesty call (231) 383-8359 or send an email [email protected].