Virtue

Youth Gems - 10 November 2009

Worthy Music, Worthy Thoughts

“A wise man once said, ‘Music is one of the most forceful instruments for governing the mind.’ Whether it governs in a positive way or a negative way is determined by what it brings onto the stage of your mind. If you can say that a song is spiritually inspiring or that it urges you to see yourself in a more noble perspective, the music is worthwhile. If it merely entertains or lifts your spirits, then it also has a useful place. But if it makes you want to respond in a carnal, sensual way or to consider unrighteous desires, then that music should be avoided. It is not worthy.”

Boyd K. Packer, “The Message: Worthy Music, Worthy Thoughts,” New Era, Apr. 2008, 9

Topics: Temptation, Music, Virtue

Youth Gems - 10 September 2009

Lives of Virtue

“All over the world young women are living lives of virtue and purity. It shows in your eyes and radiates in the light that shines forth from your countenance. Never has there been a time in the history of the world when virtue is more needed.

“The blessings and promises of being virtuous will help you be free and happy and worthy to enter the Lord’s holy temples.”

Elaine S. Dalton, “Cherish Virtue,” New Era, Mar. 2009, 17

Topics: Virtue

Youth Gems - 8 September 2009

Cherish Virtue

“Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue includes modesty—in thought, language, dress, and demeanor. Virtue provides an anchor on the path leading to our Heavenly Father’s presence. The paths of virtue lead to happiness in this life and in the life to come. The paths of virtue lead to strong families. The paths of virtue contain the foundation stones for the blessings of eternity. They lead to the temple.”

Elaine S. Dalton, “Cherish Virtue,” New Era, Mar. 2009, 16

Topics: Virtue

Youth Gems - 21 April 2009

Virtue

"Virtue is a prerequisite to entering the Lord's holy temples and to receiving the Spirit's guidance. Virtue 'is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards' (Preach My Gospel [2004], 118). It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. It is nurtured in the home. It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions. Virtue is a word we don't hear often in today's society, but the Latin root word virtus means strength. Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength. They are confident because they are worthy to receive and be guided by the Holy Ghost."

Elaine S. Dalton, "A Return to Virtue," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 79

Topics: Virtue

Daily Gems - 24 February 2009

Loving Relationships

"Jacob taught that the Lord delights 'in the chastity of women' (Jacob 2:28). I delight in the chastity and purity of all women and men. How it must grieve the Lord to see virtue violated and modesty mocked on every side in this wicked world. The Lord has provided for His children great joy through intimate, loving relationships, as my grandchildren were learning. I delight in the clarity of the proclamation to the world on the family which warns that 'individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God.' "

Susan W. Tanner, "My Soul Delighteth in the Things of the Lord," Ensign, May 2008, 82

Topics: Chastity, Virtue

Daily Gems - 10 April 2008

Holding to the Iron Rod in Times of Crisis

"At . . . moments of crisis and challenge, some choose to abandon faith just at the time when it most needs to be embraced. Prayer is ignored at the very hour when it needs to be intensified. Virtue is carelessly tossed aside when it needs to be cherished. God is forsaken in the all-too-human yet mistaken fear that He has forsaken us.

"The truth is that our only safety, our only security, our only hope is to hold fast to that which is good. As the mists of darkness gather around us, we are only lost if we choose to let go of the iron rod, which is the word of God."

David S. Baxter, "Faith, Service, Constancy," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 14

Topics: Virtue, Scripture, Faith

Young Single Adult Gems - 23 November 2007

Living Close to the Spirit

"Many of you are single. You are students; you are working; you are new to Relief Society. Some of you have been longtime members. . . . Each of you is valued and needed. Each of you brings love, energy, perspective, and testimony to the work. Your efforts to live close to the Spirit bless us all because you have learned to rely on the Spirit for strength and direction."

Bonnie D. Parkin, "Sweet Moments," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 107

Topics: Virtue, Spirituality

Young Single Adult Gems - 25 July 2007