As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you have covenanted to be honest in your dealings with your fellowmen. For many in the world, and maybe even for some members of the Church, however, business is business and church is church— suggesting that there may be a difference between church honesty and business honesty. Describe how the terms “unequal distribution of wealth” and “economic virtue” relate to you as an individual Church member. Reflecting on your own work and church experiences, describe how you strive, and think others should strive, to show integrity on a daily basis. Be sure to provide some specific examples (either hypothetical or real) to demonstrate your ideas.

We don’t get what we don’t earn.

To me “unequal distribution of wealth” means people have more money than they need while others don’t have enough. People get upset knowing others have more money than them and so they complain and try to get more money through not so good methods. There will never be an equal amount of money among the social class. There are people with money who oppress those with their wealth yes but people oppresses people anyway with and without money. In my mind people have the opportunity to improve their quality of life with their own power? Everyone has the means to be successful if they apply themselves in the right way with the right motives. In my mind you don’t get what you don’t earn. For example there was a time I was jealous of a friend who had great job and boyfriend and I was like why couldn’t that be me? I realized she was applying herself doing what she could do to reach her goals while I was sitting on my couch doing nothing. If you want to change your life or circumstances then apply yourself. In my mind everyone has the power to change their life using the right means and values.

Virtue is virtue whether it’s temporal or spiritual. We all need values or beliefs that define our lives and character to live the best life possible. “Economic virtue” means to me is the ability to make money righteously and ethically without comprising your values and beliefs. You can be successful in life without comprising what you believe in and without breaking the law. For example there is no example to embezzle millions from your own company or take money from charity donations etc. You can make money honestly without taking from others. Unfortunately In today’s world there is a lot people who have the sense of entitlement that clouds their judgement. In my mind if people were less worried about what they don’t have or comparing themselves to others they can realize they can achieve whatever they want. If people just were patient and willing to work hard for what they want they can get eventually. It’s when people want to do the shortcut get rich fast schemes they get into trouble.

Knowing all this I strive to show integrity by being honest with myself and others. I believe that by keeping my standards in all my dealings with man has helped me be successful in life. For example I don’t lie or cheat in all things I am first and foremost honest with myself. There is no difference between church honest and business honesty. Honesty is honesty in all aspect of your life. It’s the way you live your life when no one is watching that matters.  I also believe knowing your own capabilities and not going over your own limits. So in conclusion if people get over their own sense of entitlement and jealously they can accomplish all they want in life. In fact humility is true strength and power to change your life