My favorite definition of integrity is “doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
The 2,000 young men that Helaman called his sons were described as:
“true at all times in whatsoever things they were entrusted.” (Alma 53:20)
“firm and undaunted” (Alma 57:20)
And they did “obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness.” (Alma 57:21)
They weren’t looking at their neighbor, waiting to see if he would do what was right.
They each had that conviction of integrity.
Which is interesting for me to reflect on.
Do I sometimes only do things because I know other people are watching?
Or because they would notice if I didn’t?
Ugh. Unfortunately, sometimes, yes.
But, more often, I think I’m building up my integrity.
I’m not looking to cut spiritual corners.
I’m not looking for praise.
I’m just fulfilling my covenants with the best integrity that I can.
When no one’s paying attention to me, I still watch the same shows and listen to the same music.
I still read my scriptures and pray.
My standards don’t change based on who I am with.
And I feel like I am in the great company of the sons of the Ammonites when I make these commitments.
I’m not sure what the Ammonite daughters were doing, but I imagine they were using their strong integrity to serve and support their brothers, to take on the jobs their brothers would have been doing at home while they were out fighting.
I am always drawn to people with integrity.
To the people who do what they say they will do, and who will do it in an honest way, or communicate if they can’t get something done.
Whenever I want to make grand statements about, “The world needs more people with integrity”…
… I stop and bring it back to myself.
Where can I be filled with integrity even more?
How can I make sure my beliefs and my actions align at all times?
How can I be just as proud of what I do when no one is watching, as I am when everyone is watching?
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
