Lesson Prepration Guide for "Integrity: A Christlike Attribute"

In this talk, Elder Jack N. Gerard discusses the Christlike attribute of integrity. He explains how Jesus Christ exemplified integrity during His mortal ministry and how we can follow His example. Elder Gerard emphasizes the importance of being true to God, to others, and to our divine identity.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Start with a personal story about a time when you had to choose between doing what was easy and doing what was right, and how you felt after making the right choice.
Begin by asking the class to share their understanding of the term "integrity" and discuss why it's a Christlike attribute.
Open with a discussion about the Savior's integrity as displayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, and how this example can inspire us in our daily lives.

Topics

Understanding Integrity as a Christlike Attribute

Integrity is a Christlike attribute that Jesus Christ exemplified, especially in the Garden of Gethsemane. It requires us to be true to God, to each other, and to our divine identity. It means not lowering our standards or behavior to impress or be accepted by others.

As the Only Begotten of the Father, Jesus Christ had power over death, pain, and suffering but did not shrink. He fulfilled the covenant He had made with His Father and, in doing so, manifested a Christlike attribute increasingly important in the world in which we live—the attribute of integrity.

How can we develop the attribute of integrity in our lives?
What are some examples of how we can show integrity in our daily lives?
How does integrity relate to our relationship with God?
How can we maintain our integrity when faced with pressure from the world?
In what ways does our integrity impact our relationships with others?

Being True to God

Being true to God is a crucial aspect of integrity. We must resist the temptation to care more about the things of this world than the things of God. Our response to the worldly pull is a measure of our integrity.

A life of integrity requires us to first and foremost be true to God.

What does it mean to be true to God?
How can we show our integrity by being true to God?
What challenges might we face in being true to God?
How can being true to God set us apart from the world?
Can you share a personal experience when you had to choose between being true to God and conforming to the world?

Being True to Others

Integrity also involves being true to others, which flows from the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. Our actions must align with our words, and our focus should be on doing the will of the Lord.

Just as integrity flows from the first great commandment to love God, being true to each other flows from the second, to love our neighbors as ourselves.

How can we show our integrity by being true to others?
Why is it important to be true to others?
How can our actions demonstrate our integrity?
Can you share a personal experience where you had to make a choice to be true to others?
How can we avoid actions that may be perceived as serving our own interests?

Being True to Our Divine Identity

Integrity requires us to be true to our divine identity. We should not deceive ourselves, but instead remain true to the light and knowledge we have received and the person we know we can become.

Finally, a life of integrity requires us to be true to our divine identity.

What does it mean to be true to our divine identity?
How can we show our integrity by being true to our divine identity?
Why is being true to our divine identity important?
How can we resist the temptation to deceive ourselves?
Can you share a personal experience where you had to make a choice to be true to your divine identity?

Additional Discussion Questions

How does the story of Daniel in the lions' den exemplify integrity?
How can we develop a greater sense of integrity in our lives?
What are some practical ways we can demonstrate integrity in our daily lives?
How can we teach our children the importance of integrity?
How does integrity relate to other Christlike attributes?
How does our integrity affect our ability to serve in the Church?
How can we maintain our integrity in difficult situations?
How does integrity relate to our covenants with God?
What are some scriptural examples of individuals demonstrating integrity?
How does integrity affect our relationship with God and others?