May

21

What does honesty get you?

AuthorHelaman
TagsDavid O. McKay, Gordon B. Hinckley, Gospel, Honesty, Prophets, Talks
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I was browsing through a list of devotionals at byu.edu and came across one given in 1989, entitled “He Loveth That Which Is Right“, and it got me thinking about honesty and truthfulness.

Lately I’ve been through a number of interviews, not because I’m actively looking for work, but because I’m open to what’s out there. In all these interviews I always maintain a high level of honesty, especially when asked why I am leaving the current company I work for. I explain to them, that I have no objections to my current employer, nor am I unhappy with my job. I am merely seeing what is available.

I also, probably too a fault, am honest about my abilities in my field. I know intimately what I’m qualified for and the comfortable amount of leeway I feel for what’s possible. I’m probably too conservative, but I can modify as the need arises.

Recently I’ve had the opportunity to actually get some feedback on the last interview, and accordingly they were impressed with my honesty. While I don’t know if I’ll get the job or not, I feel good that the impression I left is one of honesty.

For Family Home Evening we read a story out of the latest Friend magazine. I admit I picked it because it had an image of a video game on the TV and a boy in a Cub Scout uniform and I figured that covers a few of the things my boys are into.

One phrase caught my eye…

“I was just wondering what other games you have,” Andy said to B.J.

“Why? Don’t you like this one?”

“It’s just—it’s just that …” Andy stammered, trying to make his voice work. “It’s just that my parents won’t let me play that game.”

B.J. laughed. “Oh. Well, that’s OK. We won’t tell them.” 1

So after we had finished reading the story we talked to our boys about the incident and how they would handle it, knowing they have friends in their lives that play video games that are beyond what we allow them. I know the kind of pressure one can feel in these situations because as a kid I can remember those exact ones. Video games, movies, any number of different media - but the same problem exists. Standing up.

I admit, I failed a number of times. I didn’t have the strength needed to follow the admonition of David O. McKay in saying that “it is better to be trusted then to be loved”. 2 I also know of the sheer force that pressure can be on young children, even young adults. Especially for those children who do not get the necessary love and attention from their own parents and turn and seek it elsewhere.

The effects are seen today, and in my mind are only getting worse. Gordon B. Hinckley expressed his views by relating the following.

“How cheaply some men and women sell their good names! I recall the widely publicized case of a prominent public figure who was arrested for taking an item costing less than five dollars. I do not know whether he was ever convicted in the courts, but his petty misdeed convicted him before the people. In a measure, his foolish act nullified much of the good he had done and was capable of yet doing.”3

Today it seems that there is no regard for being caught. Politicians, Actors, and other role models seem to perpetuate the idea that it’s alright, you say sorry to the public, but never really admitting you’ve done anything wrong and you’re free to carry on and do it again.

He goes on to say.

“Some may regard the quality of character known as honesty to be a most ordinary subject. But I believe it to be the very essence of the gospel. Without honesty, our lives and the fabric of our society will disintegrate into ugliness and chaos.”4

While taking that statement by itself paints a pretty bleak outlook, it rings truth. What are the after effects of dishonesty? Look at the rise in the number of divorces, corruptions, and even deaths that could be attributed to the needless act of lying.

What to do? Well I think we need to start with ourselves. We need to look at our lives and see where we can make those changes. I believe our countenance changes when we become more honest, people take notice - especially our children. This also passes on to those around us, I think it rubs off. Teaching our children is another way to advance the idea that being truthful is better then not.

Let’s try to remember the 13th Article of Faith,

“We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”[AoF 13]

and strive for a more honest lifestyle to those around us and to the Lord.

  1. “Andy’s Choice,” Friend, May 2008, 28–31 ↩
  2. He Loveth That Which Is Right - Marvin J. Ashton (1989) ↩
  3. We Believe in Being Honest - Ensign October 1990 ↩
  4. We Believe in Being Honest - Ensign October 1990 ↩

Last 5 posts by Helaman

Comments

2 Responses to “What does honesty get you?”

  1. Eric Nielson on May 21st, 2008 11:30 am

    Excellent post.

    I have done very poorly in some job interviews for just that reason - honesty. It seems at times that one is expected to brag and put on a show.

    On the flip side, I know of a coworker who really exaggerated his skills and abilities trying to get a job. This REALLY blew up in his face as the interviewer started following up on his claims.

    I have tried to choose to be honest, even if it hurts in the short run. And sometimes honesty even wins out over tact.

    Eric Nielsons last blog post..Three Degrees of What? Salvation or Damnation?

    [Reply]
  2. bkb on May 24th, 2008 6:58 pm

    Eric, it is nice to see your comments here. I enjoy your comments around the bloggernacle and your blog!

    Helaman, now you have me hoping that I was honest in my answers in an interview that I had recently. I tried to put a forth a positive foot. I do think I mentioned a drawback that I would have to the job situation. The job would pretty much be doing what I do now but in a different setting and being more independent could be hard if there are technical problems.

    Your thoughts on children and peer pressure remind me of a quote that I so hated…”forgiveness is easier than permission.” Yes, you may receive forgiveness, but I think you have to really be sorry for real forgiveness and not just doing things to get your way.

    [Reply]

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