Integrity is the bedrock of Character.

I love my Stake President. He's so inspiring and loving. I look up to him so much! He once shared something with us which I've been thinking a lot about lately. It's from a talk given by Richard G. Scott.

It reads, "Faith will forge strength of character available to you in times of urgent need. Such character is not developed in moments of great challenge or temptation. Character is woven patiently from threads of principle, doctrine, and obedience. The bedrock of character is integrity. Righteous character is what you are becoming. It is more important than what you own, what you have learned, or what goals you have accomplished. It allows you to be trusted. It enables you in times of trial and testing to make difficult, extremely important decisions correctly even when they seem overpowering. No matter what occurs, no matter how topsy-turvy the world becomes, you can always have the sustaining power of faith." 

I love this quote. It remind me whenever I see it that integrity is key in becoming like our Savior. And we gain it in little steps. Each step we gain makes difficult choices easier. And when the forks in the road come you will know which road to choose. There won't be a question. You will know what is right. Satan won't be able to touch you. You will be holding fast to the iron rod (1 Nephi 15:24), and you will not let go. 

A couple months ago, my best friend and I gave a presentation for a youth night on integrity. I learned a lot more about the topic than any student we taught. I like to relate integrity to being on an escalator. There are 3 scenarios:

1. Cruising towards Eternal Life

When we make right choices, we are on the escalator moving towards our Heavenly Father. While we make good choices, we rely on the Holy Ghost to help us make these decisions. Our relationship with the Godhead as a result is greater because we align our will more to our Father in Heaven. 

We continue up the escalator, and we see the end! We're excited! We see how far we've come! And it's a great feeling. Continue up those escalators.

2. "I swear this was the up escalator!"

If you don't have a solid testimony, Satan will catch you. Even if you think he's not there, he's dragging you slowly. Build your testimony. "Seek first to obtain my word" and "when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Lucifer has been working on God's children for thousands of years. He didn't just start his job last year. His training ended a long time ago. He's the best in the business when it comes to temptation and persuasion. If you're on cruise control and not paying attention to what's happening around you and if you're not continuously engage in a good cause, you put a big target on your head. "Hey get me!" Hopefully you realize that you aren't progressing to the next level when you're on an escalator in real life, but Satan makes it look as if you are going up! You can't continue on the path back to heaven by procrastination. Don't be the person who realizes until its too late. 

3. "Oh, the escalator's broken?"

Are you on cruise control? Is there something better you could be doing? The Gospel and this Church is one of improvement. You can always change. When an escalator breaks, they're still good for something. Walk up them. This is a very obvious answer when it applies to real life, but think about it in a spiritual aspect. Are you standing on an escalator enjoying the view? What can you be doing to better serve your family or friends? 

The escalator analogy can be used in numerous ways. Apply ultimate the way that the Holy Ghost would have you. He is the teacher. But, if there's one thing that I want to get across, it's that integrity is the bedrock of character. 

I know that this Church is true. I know that families can be together forever. I'm so grateful for this Earth and all of the beautiful things we witness every day. I'm grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who wants to help us in anything we need and will answer if we ask sincerely. And I say that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.