The news these days seems filled with stories of betrayal.

Prominent athletes stand accused not only of having used illegal substances to enhance their performance, but of lying about it. In another segment of society, a successful and prominent financier uses his reputation to inspire trust among investors, all the while concocting an elaborate swindle that would rob them of all they invested. Politicians appointed to positions of enormous trust must withdraw because they failed to pay their taxes. An Olympic athlete who inspired millions with his performance puts it all on the line by indulging in harmful narcotics.

You can almost hear the collective cry of many. Can no one be trusted? Is there nothing true in which to believe?

Many who have watched and once admired people who betrayed trust are tempted to become cynical. So are many who, through no fault of their own, now find themselves suffering from unemployment or other financial difficulties because of a worldwide economic slowdown.

Webster's dictionary lists one definition of cynical as "bitterly or sneeringly distrustful, contemptuous, or pessimistic." This is the opposite of the type of faith and optimism typified by the 13th Article of Faith: "... 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."

Such an attitude should not be taken lightly. Cynicism can destroy even the desire to obtain faith. It hardens hearts and leads to despair.

Few people in all of scripture exemplified the proper attitude in the face of hardship and disappointment better than Job. He lost virtually all he had — riches, health, family and friends — and yet his faith and hope remained unshakeable. He said of the Lord, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him" (Job 12:15).

It was this attitude that led early Latter-day Saints to remain faithful despite persecutions and violence. Faith, trust and hope in all things led eventually to the establishment of a beautiful city in the Rockies and a Church that now spans much of the globe, bringing the wonderful news of the gospel to millions.

President Joseph F. Smith cautioned the Church in his day to not give up because of the world. "Great causes are not won in a single generation, …" he said. "The courage of faith is the courage of progress" (Gospel Doctrine, pg. 119).

The disappointing acts of some public figures shouldn't come as a great surprise. Throughout history, humans have succumbed to weaknesses or set off in selfish paths, foolishly searching for gratification from riches, the praise of others and other worldly things. But the Lord has told us to lay up "treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matthew 6:20). Our admirations, hopes and expectations should be placed on things much higher than the world.

Rather than turn cynical because of the behavior of others, Church members need to shine ever brighter as examples of trust, honesty, virtue and faith. Those whose aim has been to tune to the false chords of popularity and public praise often find themselves abandoned and cast aside, with little left but emptiness. Latter-day Saints can help them to find the path to repentance and joy and to a gospel that won't disappoint or betray.

"He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch" (Proverbs 11:28). The events of today offer great opportunities to show the world a better way.