What Does It Mean to Be Honest?
Honesty is living with integrity.
It means being the same person in private as you are in public. It means choosing to do what is right even when no one else is watching.
An honest person doesn't change their values depending on who they're around. They don't give in to peer pressure or compromise their beliefs for acceptance.
Instead, they strive to follow Jesus Christ in every situation.
Honesty is not just about avoiding lies—it is about becoming someone whose words can be trusted and whose actions consistently reflect the gospel.
Why Is Honesty Important to God?
God is a God of truth.
Throughout the scriptures, He teaches His children to be truthful, trustworthy, and sincere.
When we are honest with ourselves, we are also honest before God.
Integrity allows us to recognize our strengths, admit our weaknesses, and sincerely repent when we fall short.
As we become people of integrity, we become dependable disciples whom the Lord can use in His work.
Honesty builds trust with God, with our families, and with those around us.
What Does Honesty Look Like in Everyday Life?
Honesty is practiced through countless small decisions.
It means working the hours you're being paid for instead of abusing the system.
It means completing your own schoolwork rather than taking shortcuts or claiming someone else's work as your own.
It means speaking kindly and respectfully about your spouse whether you're with them or talking about them to others.
It means admitting mistakes instead of making excuses.
It means keeping your promises, returning what doesn't belong to you, and choosing truth even when dishonesty would be easier.
These everyday decisions shape our character and help us become more like Jesus Christ.
What Blessings Come from Living Honestly?
Living honestly brings peace.
When we are honest, we don't have to remember what we said or worry about hiding the truth.
Integrity creates trust in our relationships and confidence in our own hearts.
The Lord also blesses those who strive to live truthfully.
As we consistently choose honesty, opportunities often come because others know they can rely on us.
More importantly, we strengthen our relationship with Heavenly Father and become more like His Son.
What If I've Struggled with Honesty?
Every disciple has room to grow.
The good news is that honesty can become a habit.
Start with the small things.
Choose to tell the truth, admit mistakes, and keep your promises, even when it's uncomfortable.
As you consistently practice honesty, integrity becomes part of your character.
Through the Savior's Atonement, we can repent of past mistakes and become people who are known for truth and trustworthiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is honesty just about not lying?
No.
Honesty includes truthfulness, integrity, keeping your word, and doing what is right in every area of life.
Why does honesty matter in temple preparation?
The temple is a place where we make sacred covenants with God. Living honestly helps us become people whose words and commitments can be trusted.
Can someone become honest if they haven't been in the past?
Absolutely.
Through sincere repentance, consistent effort, and reliance on Jesus Christ, anyone can develop a life of integrity.
Scriptures to Study
- Proverbs 12:22
- Luke 16:10
- Ephesians 4:25
- Colossians 3:9–10
- Doctrine and Covenants 97:8
- Mosiah 4:30
Final Thoughts
Honesty is one of the defining characteristics of a disciple of Jesus Christ.
It is not simply about avoiding lies—it is about becoming a person of integrity whose words, actions, and character consistently reflect the Savior.
As we strive to be honest in all that we do, we build stronger relationships, deepen our trust in God, and prepare ourselves to make and keep sacred temple covenants.
We hope this article has helped you better understand why honesty is such an important part of discipleship. Our prayer is that every resource we create points you toward the Savior and helps you prepare to make and keep sacred temple covenants.
Thank you for spending part of your temple journey with us.
— Scott & Riah Brough
Brough Made
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