Choosing honesty and truth
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PROVO, UTAH
"[Honesty] is a principle you all believe in, but I promise you that if you will think about it more intently, pray about it more specifically and embrace it more fully, it will bring an abundance of blessings to you now and throughout your life," he said.
Addressing the devotional assembly as "fellow disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ," Elder Andersen spoke of the need to be completely honest in all areas of one's life.
"Why would I speak to you about honesty?" he asked. "Were we to compare you to others, you would undoubtedly rank very high. However, the standard for honesty is not determined through comparison with others. Ours is a divine standard. I speak to you as fellow disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ committed to His restored gospel and striving to keep His commandments."
Absolute, perfect and complete honesty and truth describe the character of God and His Son Jesus Christ; therefore, honesty is at the very heart of an individual's spiritual growth and spiritual gifts, Elder Andersen said.
"The Savior constantly rebuked those who professed one thing publicly but lived differently in their hearts," he said. "He praised those who lived without deception. Can you see the contrasting difference? On the one hand, there is truth and light and honesty and integrity. On the other hand, there is lying, deceiving, hypocrisy and darkness. The Lord draws a sharp distinction."
Although the standards of the Church and the standards of society were mostly compatible in the past, today there is a chasm between the two that continues to grow.
"The world would tell us that truth and honesty are difficult to define," he said. "The world finds humor in casual lying and quickly excuses so-called 'innocent' deception. The contrast between right and wrong is dulled, and the consequences of dishonesty are minimized."
In order to constantly receive the Spirit of truth, individuals must fill their lives with truth and honesty. As they do, their spiritual eyes will be opened to increased enlightenment, he said.
"You cannot separate the spiritual endowment of truth you need and want to receive here at BYU from your being a person of honesty and truth," he said. "The truth you seek is tied to the person you are. Light, spiritual answers and heavenly direction are unalterably linked to your own honesty and truth. Many of your lasting satisfactions here at BYU will come as you continually elevate your commitment to personal honesty."
Elder Andersen shared a story of a young dental student who, in contrast to the actions of many of his classmates, chose not to cheat on an exam. He also shared an experience of President James E. Faust, formerly of the First Presidency, who answered questions truthfully during an important interview that determined whether or not he was eligible for Officer's Candidate School while he was a young soldier in the Army. Elder Andersen also shared a video clip of a young basketball player who chose to be honest with the referees during a game, even when being honest could have negatively impacted the result of the game and the opinion of his teammates.
"As disciples of Christ, the divine standard of honesty grows within us," Elder Andersen said. "In the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin's admonition to 'put off the natural man' is in part a call for a more heightened sense of honesty and truth. …
"Honesty, integrity and truth are eternal principles that significantly shape our experience in mortality and help determine our eternal destiny. For a disciple of Christ, honesty is at the very heart of spirituality. Honesty envelops every part of your daily life."
Elder Andersen spoke of the importance and blessings that come as individuals live the Honor Code — something that is required for attendance at BYU.
"I promise you that you will have increased spiritual power as you are absolutely obedient to the specific rules set forth in the Honor Code," he said. "Obey them because you signed your name agreeing that you would obey them, and there will be added light and truth in your experience here."
Honesty includes keeping commitments and following through with one's word.
"There are times we honor commitments simply because we have agreed to honor them," he said. "You will have situations in your life after your university years when you will be tempted to disregard an agreement you have made. You will initially make the agreement because of something you wish to receive in return. Later, because of a change in circumstances, you will no longer want to honor the terms of the agreement. Learn now when you give your word, when you make a promise, when you sign your name, your personal honesty and integrity bind you to your word, your commitment, your agreement."
The challenge to be honest often comes in the "more or less," or the small temptations on the edge of being completely honest, Elder Andersen said.
"There is enormous spiritual power in remaining true and honest when the consequences of your honesty could appear to be a disadvantage," he said. "Each of you will face such decisions. These defining moments will test your integrity. As you choose honesty and truth — whether or not the situation works out the way you hope — you will realize that these important crossroads become fundamental pillars of strength in your spiritual growth."
It is through choosing to be honest — even when faced with pressure from many directions — when no one would know, that individuals are able to choose the course the Savior Himself would choose.
"As you humbly ponder and pray about your own desire to be honest, and quietly make decisions that lift your personal integrity, I promise you that greater clarity will come into your life," Elder Andersen said. "You will feel the grace of the Savior as He leads you along to ever greater honesty, assuring you of His love and approval. You will know of His influence in the details of your life."
