Chapter 53: Integrity

"The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them."

Proverbs 11:3

Hello from Dundee! What a crazy week, but Elder Danielson and I made it safely up here to Dundee and I do have to say that it's beautiful here. It's right on the eastern coast of Scotland and we've had just really pleasant, sunny weather these past couple weeks. After playing lots of tennis in the mornings I guess you could say I've received a literal 'warm welcome'.

The members here are phenomenal as well; we were invited to an activity Friday night with the Elders Quorum, or the men's group of the local community of members here and it was unlike anything I had ever been a part of. We walked in and were instantly greeted by the kindest older men who clapped our hands and immediately started making jokes about our names and places of origin. Scottish humor is unlike anything else.

As the night went on, we all were on different teams competing in different activities including karaoke. To see these men just having such a great time being themselves made me feel so happy. There was such a tangible love between the men. I feel like I will enjoy my time here.

With that said, it hasn't been all good times this week. Elder Danielson and I have had to have some hard conversations with other missionaries and participate in perhaps the not as great part of being a Zone Leader. Without going into any unnecessary detail, I've learned a lot about the importance of integrity this week, and I just love this scripture and the deep truths it teaches us.

If we have integrity, we will always be guided. That simply is true. As we hold true to a set of fixed principles based on the principles of righteousness determined by our Heavenly Parents, we never will go astray. We may face hard times, but we always will no matter what, and with those fixed Christlike principles, we have a sure foundation to stand on (Helaman 5:12). We can feel secure amid unstable circumstances.

When we lack integrity, however, the opposite is true. Perverseness is the tension of the soul that causes a mounting of pressure which eventually, and gradually, cracks the foundation of integrity until, over time, it shatters completely. This, in fact, will destroy us. We must be true "at all times and in all things, and in all places" or else we allow Satan's influence to slowly destroy us (Mosiah 18:9).

I've seen it happen. It's a process that we all go through at times to some degree. But, the Atonement of Jesus Christ was provided that we may have a way out: a way to mend the cracks of our foundation and be strong once again. Such a way is only possible because of the grace Christ offers us, and can be accepted only by way of sincere repentance: a turning away from sin and more fully turning to our Heavenly Parents, who yearn so desperately for us to hold true to who they know we can be.

In all of us, they see our potential. They, "beholding [us], love [us]" and work desperately hard to help us follow those commandments which will bring us certain peace (Mark 10:21).

Strive to hold true to what you know to be true, especially when you think no one will know. Doing so is to be closer to God.

And lastly, if you are struggling to always do as you should, know you aren't the only one. Just keep trying, and above all else, involve God in the process; your Heavenly Parents and Savior will never forsake you. "For all this...[their] hand[s] [are] stretched out still" (Isaiah 9:12).

Life is good.

God is wise.

Don't give up.

Elder Childers

Me and Elder Danielson

Pictures from Glamis Castle!

Especially liked this one painting of a flying head.