It’s not always easy to tell the truth, but it beats the alternative.
We’re all painfully familiar with the awkward circumstance in which we know that the truth won’t be well-received. Is it really worth making the other person angry or frustrated, and possibly being blamed or treated unfairly as a result? And isn’t it possible that the other person will never find out, or that when they do, they will have moved on, and it won’t matter any more?
Of course, truth has a way of coming out. When someone needs to know something and we withhold that information or prevaricate, we’re setting ourselves up for a more painful conversation, beginning with the question, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
The apostle Paul urged the Ephesians to put on “the whole armour of God,” including “having your loins girt about with truth” (Ephesians 6:14). The Savior gave this same admonition to Joseph Smith in 1830. (See Doctrine and Covenants 27:16.) In this metaphor, honesty is like a belt which holds all of the rest of the armor and weapons in place. Our commitment to the truth allows other virtues like faith and diligence to be used in the right way.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). His adherence to truth gives us confidence and enables us to exercise faith in Him. When God told Enos that his sins were forgiven, he felt no more guilt because he “knew that God could not lie” (Enos 1:6). When the Savior asked the brother of Jared if he believed what he was being taught, he replied, “I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie” (Ether 3:12). (See also Titus 1:2.)
One of the admirable characteristics of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies is that “they were perfectly honest and upright in all things” (Alma 27:27). And they passed that characteristic on to the next generation. Helaman, who led some of their sons in battle, described them as “true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted” (Alma 53:20).
Elder David B. Haight taught, “Honesty is not only the best policy, it is the only policy!” (“Ethics and Honesty,” General Conference, October 1987).
Today, I will gird myself with the truth. I will be honest with myself and with others. I will not withhold information which ought to be shared. I will build trust by striving to emulate God’s perfect honesty.
Great commentary for modern times, especially when DC & media elites are essentially paid liars. So much social influencing which bends or sways the truth. No wonder the worldly ways are so confusing. Satan’s sophistry is there to beguile us all.
Thanks for the comment, Greg. It’s not hard to find examples of dishonesty, so we need more people with an ironclad commitment to truth. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.