My Foundation: Show Integrity—Maximum Time: 20 Minutes

“My Foundation: Show Integrity,” Personal Finances for Self-Reliance (2017), 110–11


Ponder:

Why does the Lord love those with “integrity of heart”?

Watch:

“What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul?” available at srs.lds.org/videos. (No video? Read page 111.)

What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul?

If you are unable to watch the video, read this script.

still from What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul

Elder Robert C. Gay: The Savior once asked His disciples the following question: “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

This is a question that my father taught me to carefully consider years ago. As I was growing up, my parents assigned me chores around the house and paid me an allowance for that work. I often used that money, a little over 50 cents a week, to go to the movies. Back then a movie ticket cost 25 cents for an 11-year-old. This left me with 25 cents to spend on candy bars, which cost 5 cents apiece. A movie with five candy bars! It couldn’t get much better than that.

All was well until I turned 12. Standing in line one afternoon, I realized that the ticket price for a 12-year-old was 35 cents, and that meant two less candy bars. Not quite prepared to make that sacrifice, I reasoned to myself, “You look the same as you did a week ago.” I then stepped up and asked for the 25-cent ticket. The cashier did not blink, and I bought my regular five candy bars instead of three.

Elated by my accomplishment, I later rushed home to tell my dad about my big coup. As I poured out the details, he said nothing. When I finished, he simply looked at me and said, “Son, would you sell your soul for a nickel?” His words pierced my 12-year-old heart. It is a lesson I have never forgotten.

(“What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul?” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 34)

Back to page 110.

Discuss:

What does it mean to have integrity? What are some small ways people give away their souls to get things in this life?

Read:

Articles of Faith 1:13 and Job 27:5 (on the right)

Discuss:

Read Mosiah 4:28 (on the right) and the quote by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (on page 111). Why is repaying a debt or business or student loan (like a PEF loan) a matter of personal integrity?

Commit:

Commit to do the following actions during the week. Check the box when you complete each action:

  • Improve one of the eight areas you rated above.

  • Share what you’ve learned today about integrity with your family or friends.

  Listen