President Steven C. Wheelwright of BYU–Hawaii addressed students and faculty at the first devotional of the Winter 2010 Semester, held on Tuesday, January 12, at the Cannon Activities Center.
He began by describing the characteristics of integrity: "Integrity means always doing what is right and good, regardless of the immediate consequences. It means being righteous from the very depth of our soul, not only in our actions but even more importantly, in our thoughts and in our hearts. Personal integrity implies such trustworthiness and incorruptibility that we are incapable of being false to a trust or covenant," said Wheelwright, quoting Joseph B. Wirthlin.
He continued, quoting Gordon B. Hinckley: "In all the world there is no substitute for personal integrity. It includes honor; it includes performance. It includes keeping one’s word. It includes doing what is right regardless of the circumstances."
"First, it's important to recognize that integrity, or 'honoring your word,' has two equally significant aspects. The first aspect of integrity comes before we give our word. This aspect requires that we carefully consider what it will take to 'honor' our word -that is, to keep it. We are far better off to decline giving our word when it is doubtful we can keep it, than to give our word and then not honor it," said Wheelwright.
Furthermore, he said, "A second aspect of integrity and honoring our word that is equally important. It has to do with how we respond when we discover that we will not be able to honor our word as it was given earlier. Dr. Michael Jensen, a Harvard researcher, suggests that if we truly honor our word, then as soon as we discover we won't be able to meet a commitment or promise we have made, we will inform all those who will be impacted and seek diligently to repair any damage that may result."
Wheelwright asked the audience to take a self-test: "Do your standards of integrity, honesty, and truthfulness match the Lord's standards as shared through the scriptures and His prophets? If not, now is the time to commit to make the changes necessary so that they will. You might start with that aspect of the honor code you find most challenging. You have given your word of honor. Decide that you will keep that promise, and then, whenever you become aware that you are falling short, repent and seek forgiveness as the Lord would have you do."
"As we make integrity, honesty and truthfulness fundamental elements of our character, we will be at peace with ourselves, with our families, and with God. And we will have the power to be a greater influence for peace in the world around us," he summed.
--Photo by Monique Saenz
Click here to read the full transcript of Steven C. Wheelwright's devotional