Elder Delbert L. Stapley of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands for the highest ideals, principles, and standards known to man. There is nothing about the Church, its teachings, or what it represents that we need be ashamed of. The Church has immeasurable influence for good in the lives of men and women everywhere.” (Ensign, June 1971)
Shakespeare said:
“This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” (Hamlet, act1, sc.3)
George Washington places emphasis upon honesty when he said:
“I hope that I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” (Delbert L. Stapley, Ensign, June 1971)
Instructions:
1. Complete three selections from any 2011 or 2010 experiences.
2. Complete the service project.
3. Fill out the evaluation form and give it to your Ward Relief Society President
2011-2012 INTEGRITY PERSONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS EXPERIENCES
1. Read the story of the converted Lamanites known as the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi in Alma 27. Then read "Three Towels and a 25 cent Newspaper" by Bishop Richard C. Edgley of the Presiding Bishopric (Ensign, Nov 2006). He recounts an incident from his youth where he learned that when we are true to the sacred principles of honesty and integrity, we are true to our faith, and we are true to ourselves.
Then read "Honesty- A Moral Compass" by James E. Faust of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (Ensign, Nov 1996). This talk was given in a Priesthood session of General Conference, so even though you may not have heard of it, the things he teaches apply to all. Decide how your moral compass will be set, where it will point and how you can make decisions now that will make temptations easier to resist.
2. The Sacrament is for our benefit. It is a reminder of our baptismal covenants and a time of cleansing. Read the Sacrament prayers Moroni 4:3, Moroni 5:2 or D&C 20: 77, 79. For four Sundays make an effort to concentrate on the prayers and say the prayers silently as the sacrament is blessed. Think about what it means to take upon us Christ’s name.
3. In your own home or other setting, plan and present a family home evening lesson about what your personal righteousness experience has taught you about the importance of integrity. You could work with another sister to complete this experience.
4. Work with a Young Woman to help her complete one of her Value projects. Her value project needs to involve at least 10 hours of work and be approved in advance by her Young Women’s President. Completing this experience will also fulfill your service project for this value.
Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:
“Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions at work, at school, at church and especially in our homes.” "The Virtue of Kindness" (Ensign, May 2005)
Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:
“It should come as no surprise that one of the adversary’s tactics in the latter days is stirring up hatred among the children of men. He loves to see us criticize each other, make fun or take advantage of our neighbor’s known flaws, and generally pick on each other. The Book of Mormon is clear from where all anger, malice, greed, and hate come. Nephi prophesied that in the last days the devil would “rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.” (2 Nephi:28:20) By the looks of what we constantly see depicted in the news media, it appears that Satan is doing a pretty good job.” "The Tongue Can Be A Sharp Sword". (Ensign, May 1992). Read both of these General Conference talks.
Journal or share your feelings with a friend or family member about these two great talks and especially this statement:
“The best and most clear indicator that we are progressing spiritually and coming unto Christ is the way we treat other people.”
6. Read Daniel 3, Alma 14, and the Book of Esther. In your journal identify how each of these people demonstrated integrity. Think of a time when you had the courage to show integrity, especially when it wasn’t popular. Share you experience and feelings about it in a testimony meeting or discuss it with a family member or friend.
7. “Being true to our beliefs—even when doing so isn’t popular, easy, or fun—keeps us safely on the path that leads to eternal life with our Heavenly Father.” Ann M Dibb (Liahona, May 2011)
President Thomas S. Monson counseled,
“Friends help to determine your future. You will tend to be like them and to be found where they choose to go. The friends you choose will either help or hinder your success” (In’ Harm’s Way, Ensign, May 1998)
Read "Integrity and Values: A Discussion With Elder Robert D. Hales" (Ensign, Apr 2005). Ponder these words and record in your journal or share with a friend or family member what you have learned and felt as you studied.
8. In his April 1992 conference address, President Hinckley talks about prophets he has known personally and his testimony of their teachings. Read "Believe His Prophets" by President Gordon B. Hinckley (Ensign, May 1992). Then read "Fourteen Fundamentals in Following The Prophet"(President Ezra Taft Benson (Ensign, June 1981). Look at the chart of Church Leadership Church Leaders (LDS.org), how many do you recognize? Do you know what each Apostle did for a profession before becoming an Apostle? Keep this information handy as you listen to or read some of their General Conference talks. Ponder how their life experiences prepared them for their sacred calling.
Service Project –
Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1914-94) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said,
“Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again.” (Ensign, June 2004)
There are many ways to give simple service to others. If you need ideas, your Relief Society President may know of service opportunities in the ward or stake. (No time measurement is given for this service project because service opportunities vary in length and intensity. Please use your judgment as a guide.)
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2010 INTEGRITY PERSONAL RIGHTEOUSNESS EXPERIENCES
Increase your understanding of the gospel principles of integrity and honesty by reading Alma 7:20; Alma 27:27; Ether 3:11-12; D&C 97:8; and True to the Faith, page 84; “We Believe in Being Honest,” by President Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, October 1990; “Honesty – A Moral Compass,” by James E. Faust, Ensign, November 1997. Record your thoughts and impressions in your journal.
1. Read Moroni 10:30-33 and think about what it means to “deny yourselves of all ungodliness.” Read “The Great Symbol of Our Membership,” by Howard W. Hunter, Ensign, October 1994. Reflect on how the Lord’s standards differ from the world’s standards. Record in your journal your personal standards for actions, dress, all forms of media, conversation, church attendance, daily prayer and scripture study. Where they are lacking, write a plan to lift your standard of living to that of temple worthiness. After keeping your standards for a least a month, record your thoughts and goals in your journal and continue to keep your commitment.
2. Read Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting: Building Up a Righteous Posterity, February 9, 2008. List the issues, trends and problems that weaken the family. Write in your journal how you can strengthen the home and family. Share your plan with a friend or leader. Implement an action step from your plan. Record how your home and family were strengthened and share your feelings in a testimony meeting.
3. Living the law of the fast is an opportunity to practice integrity. Read True to the Faith – Fasting and Fast Offerings pages 66-69. On a designated fast Sunday abstain from food and drink for two consecutive meals and contribute to your family’s fast offering. Have a specific purpose in mind as you fast. You might fast for a sick friend, to overcome a bad habit, to obtain a special blessing for your self, to better understand the ordinances of the temple, or to give thanks. Begin and close your fast with a prayer.
4. Study the lives of several individuals who lead lives of integrity. Read Genesis39, the book of Esther, Daniel 3, and Daniel 6, Acts 26, D&C 124:15, and Joseph Smith – History 1:21-25. In your Journal identify the ways these people demonstrated integrity. Think of a time when you had the courage to show integrity, especially when it was not popular. Share your experience and feelings about it in a testimony meeting or discuss with a family member, friend or leader.
5. Teach a lesson in Relief Society, Young Women, Primary or Sunday school or give a talk on personal integrity. As part of your less or talk, bare your testimony of your experiences in living your life in keeping with the Lord’s standards. Include large and small blessings.
6. Develop a pattern of personal integrity in your life as you select a personal behavior you wish to change. This could include avoiding gossip; avoiding inappropriate jokes, swearing and profanity, and being light minded about sacred subjects; being completely truthful; being morally clean; and honest, dependable and trustworthy in your work, church responsibilities and other activities. Pray daily for the Holy Ghost to help you live with integrity. After you have established this habit, record your feelings in your journal.
7. Read Mosiah 18:9 and the Relief Society Declaration. Learn what it means to stand as a witness at all times and in all things and in all places. What does it mean to stand for truth and righteous? What responsibilities do we as women in the Church have to be an example to others in our homes, church and our community? Choose a behavior that you need to improve so you can be a better example. Develop integrity in your life as you practice your new behavior for two weeks. Record your progress in your journal.
Service Project –
Elder Marvin J. Ashton (1914-94) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said,
“Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again.” (Ensign, June 2004)
There are many ways to give simple service to others. If you need ideas, your Relief Society President may know of service opportunities in the ward or stake. (No time measurement is given for this service project because service opportunities vary in length and intensity. Please use your judgment as a guide.)
