A Good Name

Today I read Ecclesiastes 7 and was struck by the very first phrase, a good name is better than ointment.  In this day and age that might not make much sense to people but there was a time, not too long ago even, when a person's word meant something.  It used to be that even a promise made to an enemy was kept no matter what, even if if cost one their life.  We know that ancient China and Japan had a high sense of honor and they would die to keep it intact, but it wasn't just Asia that felt this way.  In our own history, American's used to keep their word to each other without the need of contracts and signed paperwork.  My parents raised me to keep my word and to not break a promise and I used to think that was the way everyone was.  I soon found out though that unfortunately that is not the case and most people think nothing of lying and cheating their friends and family members to get ahead.  It's sad that we have come to such a state as a culture and as a world.  Heavenly Father is not pleased by such actions at all.  As Latter-day Saints we need to stand as a beacon to the world of righteousness and honesty.  Set an example of a better way of life and lead the way for others to follow.  Until tomorrow.