"We Believe in being honest..."
- Article 14, Articles of Faith of The Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ
On the Value of Honesty
A Statement by the Prophet Matthew Gill
Honesty is the glue that holds our civilization together. It
helps us remain true to ourselves and makes us men and women of integrity.
Honesty builds trust and character in ourselves and in our dealings with
others. And it is the thread that, when unraveled, tears human beings apart
from one another, destroying families and individuals alike.
How, then, can we be less than honest, if the Lord commands
it?
Heavenly Father tells us that He considers a lying tongue to
be "an abomination" (Proverbs 6:19) and that the lips that tell truth
are "established forever." (Prov. 12:19)
In ancient Israel, God’s chosen Prophets often spoke
honestly to warn of dangers - those that were hazards to both the moral and
spiritual well being of God's people.
The people of Nephi, the Book of Alma says, were
"numbered among the people who were of the church of God." They were
said to be "perfectly honest and upright in all things." (Alma 27:27
Utah)
As Latter Day Mormons, we believe that God has never left us
without Prophets - men of God who were tellers of Truth to God's people. These
men told the Israelites, the Nephites on the American continent and the People
of Light in the British Isles the Truth about God, and the need for God's
people to be truthful.
In the Book of Helaman, Nephi said he was an "honest
man" sent "unto you from God." (Helaman 9:36 Utah) “And then
shall he say unto you, that I, Nephi, know nothing concerning the matter save
it were given unto me by the power of God. And then shall ye know that I am an
honest man, and that I am sent unto you from God.” The Book of Mormon Helaman
9:36)
To the Gentiles in the Ancient Roman world, the Apostle Paul
urged men to hold fast to honesty and honest dealings with men, saying,
"Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved,
but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.” (2 Corinthians
13:7) “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things
willing to live honestly.” Hebrews 13:18) “Let us walk honestly, as in the day;
not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife
and envying.” Romans 13:13)
The Latter Day Prophet Joseph Smith, in Doctrine and
Covenants, calls upon us to seek honesty in our dealings with others, and to
seek out honest men with which to associate.
The Prophet Joseph calls for us to "let every man deal
honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be
one, even as I have commanded you.” (D&C 51:9 Utah; 23:2 1835) And:
“Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good
men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than
these cometh of evil.” (D&C 98:10 Utah; )
Today, in these latter days, I urge you to heed the Prophets
and Apostles of old to provide for
honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men
(2 Corinthians 8:21) and to reflect upon their holy words about the sacredness
of honesty.
All things of value are wrapped in honestly and truth. Those
who tell the truth revere Heavenly Father and His Prophets. Those who shun
truth shun God Himself. Be honest for the sake of Heavenly Father and His
people, and blessings will be upon you.
Matthew Gill
Prophet, Seer and Revelator,
Latter Day Church of Jesus Christ
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