My Foundation: Show Integrity—Maximum Time: 20 Minutes

Ponder:

Why does the Lord love those with “integrity of heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 124:15)?

Watch:

“What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul?” available at https://churchofjesuschrist.org/study/video/self-reliance-videos. (No video? Read the transcript for “What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul?”)

What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul?

If you are unable to watch the video, read this script.

Elder Robert C. Gay:

The Savior once asked His disciples the following question: “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

This is a question that my father taught me to carefully consider years ago. As I was growing up, my parents assigned me chores around the house and paid me an allowance for that work. I often used that money, a little over 50 cents a week, to go to the movies. Back then a movie ticket cost 25 cents for an 11-year-old. This left me with 25 cents to spend on candy bars, which cost 5 cents apiece. A movie with five candy bars! It couldn’t get much better than that.

All was well until I turned 12. Standing in line one afternoon, I realized that the ticket price for a 12-year-old was 35 cents, and that meant two less candy bars. Not quite prepared to make that sacrifice, I reasoned to myself, “You look the same as you did a week ago.” I then stepped up and asked for the 25-cent ticket. The cashier did not blink, and I bought my regular five candy bars instead of three.

Elated by my accomplishment, I later rushed home to tell my dad about my big coup. As I poured out the details, he said nothing. When I finished, he simply looked at me and said, “Son, would you sell your soul for a nickel?” His words pierced my 12-year-old heart. It is a lesson I have never forgotten.

(“What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul?” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 34)

Discuss:

What does it mean to have integrity? What are some small ways people give away their souls to get things in this life?

Read:

“We believe in being honest” (Articles of Faith 1:13).

“Till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me” (Job 27:5).

Activity

On your own, read the list below and rate how you’re doing on each one to see where you could be more honest.

How Often Do I Act This Way

1 = never, 2 = sometimes, 3 = often, 4 = always

1. I keep my promises.

2. I do not exaggerate to make things appear better than they are.

3. I tell the truth, even if I made the wrong choice.

4. I give back what I borrow and do not take things that aren’t mine.

5. I am faithful to my spouse (if married) and family in my words and actions.

6. I never cheat, even when I know I won’t be caught.

7. When I find something that isn’t mine, I return it to the owner.

8. I always pay back money I borrow.

9. I admit when I’ve made a mistake.

Read:

The following scripture passage and statement by Elder Wirthlin:

“And I would that ye should remember, that whosoever among you borroweth of his neighbor should return the thing that he borroweth, according as he doth agree, or else thou shalt commit sin; and perhaps thou shalt cause thy neighbor to commit sin also” (Mosiah 4:28).

“Integrity means always doing what is right and good, regardless of the immediate consequences. It means being righteous from the very depth of our soul, not only in our actions but, more importantly, in our thoughts and in our hearts. … A little lying, a little cheating, or taking a little unfair advantage are not acceptable to the Lord. … The consummate reward of integrity is the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. … When we do what is right, he can dwell with us and guide us in all we do” (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Personal Integrity,” Ensign, May 1990, 30, 32–33).

Discuss:

Why is being honest necessary to become more emotionally resilient?

Commit:

I will be more honest in one of the nine areas I rated above.