Integrity and Happiness

I greatly appreciated Elder Lynn G. Robbins talk "Making a Living and a Life." He shared a great reminder that wealth and possessions can create a fertile ground for Satan to tempt us with pride. I loved his analogy that Satan did not have much to tempt Adam and Eve with because there were no other people around for them to compete with. His words that working in the world to make a living was not only part of Heavenly Father's plan to help us survive but also to see how we will get along with others -- to see if we we will be honest in everything we do.

Elder Robbins' grades/levels of motivation for money were very helpful for me:

A-Grade/Level: Primary Motivation - Love of God & fellowmen; Secondary Motivation - Income and living for mankind, helping others

B-Grade/Level: Primary Motivation - Money; Secondary Motivation - Love of fellowmen

C-Grade/Level: Primary Motivation - Love of money; Secondary Motivation - Indifferent to clients, customers, and people in general

D-Grade/Level: Primary Motivation - Filthy Lucre $; Secondary Motivation - Harmful to clients, customers, and people

F-Grade/Level: Primary Motivation - Filthy Lucre; Secondary Motivation - Harmful to customers and society, destroys nations

It made me stop and think about myself. I definitely want to be an A-grade person. Where am I right now? No one is exempt from Satan's influence and I need to always be aware.

Sister Sheri Dew's talk "True Blue, Through and Through" stuck with me with the seven ways that will  help us become men and women of integrity:

1. Decide today, once and for all, that you will be worthy of trust.
2. Have faith that the Lord can and will  help you and then diligently seek His help.
3. Make covenants and keep them.
4. Stand up for what you believe.
5. Expect your integrity to be challenged.
6. Don't ever give up.
7. Covenant or renew your covenant with your Father and His Son to do what you came here to do.

From the video "The Formula and Happiness" from Launching Leaders, I took away the formula for success that truly resonated with me. The combination of J. Paul Getty's three steps and David B. Haight's three steps are definitely something that I want to remember my whole life as well as share with others:

1. Get up early
2. Work hard
3. Get your education
4. Find oil
5. Make your mark
6. Prepare to serve and give back