In 2 Nephi 9:34 of the Book of Mormon, we learn that there are fierce penalties for lying. Honesty is essential in helping us to live a Christ-like life. When we’re honest, we keep our relationships in good order and have the peace of mind of knowing we have nothing to hide.
Unfortunately, honesty is not much practiced in the world today. While many people want to be surrounded by honest people, they don’t want to be honest themselves. To some, honesty is even foolish, particularly if it causes you to make less money. Those who choose honesty at any cost often face a hard road and receive little earthly respect for their choices. However, earthly respect is fleeting. God’s respect is eternal, and we earn God’s respect when we’re honest.
There are opportunities every day to prove we are honest. Let’s look at a few of them:
Honesty in Employment
If we work for someone else, we’re paid for the time we spend at work, or for accomplishing specific duties. We often read of people wasting time at work playing computer games, doing online shopping, or socializing. If we accept pay for moments we’re not working and not on approved breaks, we are stealing from our employer. It’s important to earn every dollar we’re paid through hard work that is the best we have to offer. When we do so, we can return home with honor and pride. When we don’t, we are stealing from our employer.
“If I hire a carpenter and pay him three dollars a day, and he is three days in making a six panel door that a good workman can make in one, or even a door and a half, I do not want to pay him three dollars a day for that labor. Yet some who are here have no more judgment, discretion, or idea of right or wrong, than to want to be paid for labor they do not perform; and that they consider to be honesty: but it is just as dishonest as anything in the world.” Brigham Young
Honesty in Tithing
God asks of us ten percent of our increase. This money belongs to God. It is through Him that we have any increase at all. When we find a job or have an opportunity to earn money, it’s through God’s goodness that this happens. He gives us everything, but asks only ten percent of it in return—less than most governments ask. If we keep that ten percent, in addition to the ninety percent He has given us, we steal from God. Not paying our tithing is dishonesty at its worst. It may not be that God needs the money, but He needs us to learn the lessons that come from giving generously to Him and it’s a very small price compared to all we’re given.
Honesty in our Family Relationships
When we marry, we agree to be faithful to our spouse. Infidelity is always a case of dishonesty, a breaking of vows carried out through a series of lies and broken vows. These vows were made both to the spouse and to God, no matter how you were married. God is a part of every marriage. When we don’t honor our marriage relationship, we are dishonest.
We have a responsibility to our families that goes beyond any other relationship. The examples we set for our children set a pattern for their future lives, and again, this involves honesty. We have to be honest so our children will value honesty. They notice if we return a found wallet or instruct a child to say we’re not home when someone calls. They are watching, and we are the teacher whether we intend to be or not.
When we take on the responsibility to raise a child, it is like making a marriage vow. We promise to care for the child well. Failing to do so is dishonest, breaking our promise to God and to the children.
Honesty in Education
There are students who make powerful sacrifices to gain an education, giving up fun to study and write papers. There are others who take short cuts, purchasing term papers written by others, thinking of ways to cheat on exams, or even paying others to attend classes for them.
These students cheat themselves, of course. They are missing out on a wonderful opportunity to learn new things and to expand their world. However, they also cheat those students who are honorable, since they are all being judged on a level field. Students who cheat may raise the curve unfairly, and harm those who are determined to graduate, not with honors, but with honor.
Honesty is not just a personal issue. It can affect all of society. Brigham Young had this thought-provoking reflection on the societal harm done by dishonesty:
“We need to learn, practice, study, know and understand how angels live with each other. When this community comes to the point to be perfectly honest and upright, you will never find a poor person; none will lack, all will have sufficient. Every man, woman, and child will have all they need just as soon as they all become honest. When the majority of the community are dishonest, it maketh the honest portion poor, for the dishonest serve and enrich themselves at their expense.”
Honesty improves our personal lives, but it also makes society stronger. Of course, the greatest benefit of honesty is that it allows our Heavenly Father to trust us.
The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.
