In Time One Who Makes Decisions Based Upon Circumstance Is Virtually Assured to Commit Serious Transgressions

In time one who makes decisions based upon circumstance is virtually assured to commit serious transgressions. There is no iron rod of truth to keep that person in the right way. He or she will continually be faced with many subtle temptations to make deviations from the commandments. Those choices are justified by arguing that they are not that bad, that they are more socially acceptable and provide a broader base of friends. A clever individual without foundation principles can at times acquire, temporarily, impressive accomplishments. Yet that attainment is like a sand castle. When the test of character comes, it crumbles, often taking others with it.


Richard G. Scott, “The Transforming Power of Faith and Character,” Ensign, Nov 2010, 43–46 

See Thomas S. Monson Story about Clayton M. Christensen in the Priesthood Session of this Conference, to supplement this quote.