Live with Integrity

“Difficulty in life begins when small deviations from true standards are made to justify a quick move to a greater accomplishment. That pattern does not work in life. Strength comes from making no exceptions to foundation principles. Without such guidelines, an individual lives for the moment, making decisions according to current circumstances. Such an individual is doomed to violate eternal truths and lose by rationalization many of the marvelous opportunities of life with their resultant greater achievement and happiness. …

“… Real success is not centered in wealth or position. Should one’s prime interest be focused there, the means then become the end. That pattern is generally accompanied by an insatiable desire for more things and more power. True success comes from fulfilling the conditions of the Lord’s plan of happiness, beginning, when possible, by being a good mother or father and by forming a solid eternal family. It includes serving honorably and in a trustworthy way. It results in producing something of lasting benefit. In short, when your actions are consistent with the teachings of the Lord, that is success. …

“… Avoid compartmentalizing your life into segments that apply to profession, to Church, and to family, using different standards in each segment. Your life is a continuum where the same standards of integrity and hard work apply to every aspect of your life. …

“… Always have a Church assignment. Always. Don’t ask for specific callings, but ask to be used so that you can be constantly connected to the reality of eternal truth. That effort will keep your life in balance.”

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Brigham Young University commencement, 10 Aug. 2000.