Gospel Principles
Unit 7: Perfecting Our Lives
Chapter 31: Honesty
Concept 4: We Must Not Excuse Our Dishonesty
"People use many excuses for being dishonest. People lie to protect themselves and to have others think well of them. Some excuse themselves for stealing, thinking they deserve what they took, intend to return it, or need it more than the owner. Some cheat to get better grades in school or because "everyone else does it" or to get even.
These excuses and many more are given as reasons for dishonesty. To the Lord, there are no acceptable reasons. President Kimball taught that when we excuse ourselves, we cheat ourselves and the Spirit of God ceases to be with us. We become more and more unrighteous. (see Faith Precedes the Miracle, p. 234).
Discussion
What happens to us spiritually when we excuse our dishonesty?"