Virtue

            Families, communities, and nations are strengthened as individuals seek greater knowledge. This is the ninth and last post in a series on the Young Women values. The first post in the series can be found here. It discusses the Young Women values and the Personal Progress program that assists women of all ages to develop these attributes. Each value is represented by a specific color.

            The eighth Young Women value is virtue, and it is represented by the color gold. This color reminds us of the purity of gold. It also reminds us that gold is precious but must be refined. It is never harsh or brash, such as brass.

            Sister Elaine S. Dalton was sustained as the new general Young Women president in April 2008 and spoke in the October 2008 General Conference in a talk titled “A Return to Virtue.” She explained that she held her first presidency meeting two days after the April General Conference with a hike to the top of Ensign Peak. Her presidency looked out over the Salt Lake Valley and “saw the temple with the angel Moroni shining in the sun.” This sight convinced them that the focus of their presidency was to be the temple. They felt that their duty was to “help prepare each young woman to be worthy to make and keep sacred covenants and receive the ordinances of the temple.” Standing on Ensign Peak the new presidency decided that their ensign, their standard, and their banner would be a calling to return to virtue. Sister Dalton continues.

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.” 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. President Monson has counseled, “You be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone. Have the moral courage to be a light for others to follow. There is no friendship more valuable than your own clear conscience, your own moral cleanliness – and what a glorious feeling it is to know that you stand in our appointed place clean and with the confidence that you are worthy to do so.”

            Sister Dalton speaks about the confidence that comes to men and women who are guided by the Holy Ghost, and President Monson speaks of the importance of standing for right and truth and being a light for others to follow. Sister Dalton is correct when she says that “virtue begins in the heart and in the mind” because one must desire to be virtuous in order to gain virtue. The Holy Ghost dwells only in clean hearts and minds, and His presence is a refiner’s fire that burns away the dross, just as gold is refined by fire. As we live the principle of virtue, we will have the strength to hold up the Light of Jesus Christ, even when we must "stand alone."

            The Personal Progress booklet reminds Young Women that “Virtuous living `at all times and in all things, and in all places’ qualifies you for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.” Each person who is baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is given the gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift is given to guide members “in all aspects on [one’s] life. Since the Holy Ghost does not dwell in unclean tabernacles, living a virtuous life is a prerequisite to having the companionship of the Holy Ghost and receiving the blessings of temple ordinances.” 

            Virtue is an essential qualification to entering the temple as well as returning to the presence of God. As we practice virtue, we will become purified and prepared to welcome the Savior, even Jesus Christ, when He returns to earth. Virtue is a quality that will strengthen individuals, families, communities, and nations.

Virtue

                Nations, communities, and families are strengthened when individuals have virtue.  Virtue is a Christlike attribute, and He commands everyone to develop this attribute.  “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God…” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:45).  

                In a world where a large majority of Americans believe our nation’s moral values are declining, we must model and teach virtue to the rising generation.  In a Gallup poll taken in early May 2015, 72 percent of those polled believe “the state of moral values” in America are “getting worse.”  Our nation and world definitely need more people with virtue.

                So, what is virtue?  Two past leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints described virtue.  President James E. Faust (1920-2007) described virtue as encompassing “all traits of righteousness that help us form our character.”  (See “The Virtues of Righteous Daughters of God,” Ensign, May 2003, 108.) 

                President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) added this to the definition of virtue:  “Love of God is the root of all virtue, of all goodness, of all strength of character.”  (See “Excerpts from Recent Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, Apr. 1996, 73.)  

                In addition, Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught the women of the Church, “… of all your associations, it is your relationship with God, your Heavenly Father, who is the source of your moral power, that you must always put first in your life.  Remember that Jesus’s power came through His single-minded devotion to the will of the Father.  … Strive to be that kind of disciple of the Father and the Son, and your influence will never fade.”  (See “The Moral Force of Women,” Ensign, Nov. 2013, 31.)

                So, why does our rising generation need virtue?  If virtue can help one stand strong in the presence of God, it will also give courage to face the difficult people and things in life – such as bullies.  It will give our children and youth courage to do the right thing for the right reason.  While the world seems to be spiraling down into moral decay, virtuous members of the rising generation can strengthen their families, communities, and nations.

Chastity and Virtue

                    The law of chastity is very simple to understand:  We are to have sexual relations only with our spouse to whom we are legally and lawfully married.  No one, male or female, is to have sexual relations before marriage.  After marriage, sexual relations are performed only with our spouse.

                    The law of chastity is not a new law because the Lord told the Israelites, "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14).  This law has been repeated with the very same words in our day (see Doctrine and Covenants 42:24).  The law of chastity means more than sexual intercourse.  The First Presidency warned of other sexual sins:  "Before marriage, do not do anything to arouse the powerful emotions that must be expressed only in marriage.  Do not participate in passionate kissing, lie on top of another person, or touch the private, sacred parts of another person's body, with or without clothing. Do not allow anyone to do that with you.  Do not arouse those emotions in your own body" (For the Strength of Youth [pamphlet, 2001], 27).

                    A person who lives the law of chastity is said to be virtuous, but virtue is actually more than just being chaste.  "Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards.  It includes chastity and [moral] purity….  Virtue is a requirement to have the companionship and guidance of the Holy Ghost….  Being virtuous is a requirement to enter the temple.  And it is a requirement to be worthy to stand in the Savior's presence" (Elaine S. Dalton, "Guardians of Virtue," Ensign, 121-124).

                    Homosexual behavior is a serious sin just like other violations of the law of chastity.  Latter-day prophets have warned about the dangers of homosexual behavior and about concern for people who may have such inclinations.  President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "In the first place, we believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.  We believe that marriage may be eternal through exercise of the power of the everlasting priesthood in the house of the Lord.

                    "People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians.  My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God.  They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control.  Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times.  If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church.  If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are.

                    "We want to help these people, to strengthen them, to assist them with their problems and to help them with their difficulties.  But we cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so-called same-sex marriage situation.  To permit such would be to make light of the very serious and sacred foundation of God-sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of families" (Ensign, Nov. 1998, 71).

                    So why is obedience to the law of chastity so important?  When God created the earth, He commanded each living thing to reproduce after its own kind (see Genesis 1:22).  It was part of God's plan that all forms of life would continue to exist on the earth through reproduction of their own kind.

                    After God created all the animals, birds, fish, etc, He created Adam and Eve after His own image.  They were His spirit children, and He brought them together in eternal marriage in the Garden of Eden.  Then He commanded them to multiply and replenish the earth (see Genesis 1:28).  They were to govern their lives by moral laws and not by animal instincts.

                    God planned for His spirit children to be born into families where they could be cared for and taught properly.  As the posterity of Adam and Eve, we too are to provide bodies for God's spirit children.  The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have stated, "We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed" ("The Family:  A Proclamation to the World," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).  God has commanded that sexual relations are to take place in a legal and lawful marriage between a man and a woman.  This commandment is the law of chastity.

                    Satan is cunning and powerful as he does all that he can to destroy the plan of God by enticing us to break the law of chastity.  Because Heavenly Father wants us to keep our bodies covered modestly, Satan attacks the standards of modesty.  Satan knows that immodest dress encourages improper thoughts and actions.  Satan also tempts us through our emotions and chooses a time when we are lonely, confused, or depressed to tempt us to break the law of chastity.  If we will rely on Heavenly Father, He will give us the strength to pass through these trials unharmed.

                    Genesis 39:1-18 tells the story of a righteous young man named Joseph, who was trusted by his master Potiphar.  Joseph had command over everything that belonged to Potiphar.  When Potiphar's wife lusted after Joseph and tempted him to commit adultery with her, Joseph resisted and fled from her, exclaiming, "There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife:  how then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God" (italics added).

                    Breaking the law of chastity is very serious.  The prophet Alma told his son Corianton that unchastity is next to murder in seriousness when he said,  "Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?" (Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Christ, Alma 39:5).

                    Heavenly Father wants all of His children to obey the law of chastity and any members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who break this law or influence others to do so are subject to Church discipline.  Those who break the law of chastity can receive forgiveness and peace, but the way is not easy.  President Spencer W. Kimball said, "To every forgiveness there is a condition.  … The fasting, the prayers, the humility must be equal to or greater than the sin.  There must be a broken heart and a contrite spirit….  There must be tears and genuine change of heart.  There must be conviction of the sin, abandonment of the evil, confession of the error to properly constituted authorities of the Lord" (The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 353).

                    Confession is usually the most difficult part of repentance for confession must be not only to the Lord but to those who have been offended.  President Kimball warned, "Even though forgiveness is so abundantly promised there is no promise or indication of forgiveness to any soul who does not totally repent ….  We can hardly be too forceful in reminding people that they cannot sin and be forgiven and then sin again and again and expect repeated forgiveness" (The Miracle of Forgiveness, 353, 360).

                    Chastity and virtue are "most dear and precious above all things" (Book of Mormon, Mormon 9:9) and must be guarded both in ourselves and in others.  We must prepare ourselves daily for this duty by daily personal prayer, daily scripture study, and by weekly attendance at Church.  Sister Dalton suggested that we can make "decisions in advance [to] help you be guardians of virtue … write a list of things you will always do and things you will never do.  Then live your list.

                    "Being a guardian of virtue means you will always be modest not only in your dress but also in your speech, your actions, and your use of social media.  Being a guardian of virtue … means that you understand the importance of chastity because you understand that your body is a temple and that the sacred powers of procreation are not to be tampered with [outside of] marriage.  You understand that you possess a sacred power that involves the holy responsibility of bringing other spirits to earth to receive a body in which to house their eternal spirit.  This power involves another sacred soul.  You are a guardian of something `more precious than rubies' [Proverbs 3:15].  Be faithful.  Be obedient…."

                    Living the law of chastity helps us to live without guilt or shame.  It also brings blessings into our own life and into the lives of our children and grandchildren, born and unborn.  Our children look to our example and follow in our footsteps, and we must make sure we are walking in the ways we should be going. 

Virtuous Leaders

The topic of discussion for this Freedom Friday is virtuous leaders. Virtuous leaders can assist and lead their followers to be virtuous and morally strong. The Prophet Joseph Smith recognized this principle of freedom. When he was asked how he governed such a large group of people, he answered, "I teach them correct principles and then they govern themselves."

There are numerous examples in the scriptures of good men leading their people in righteousness. One such man was Enoch, who taught his people so well that the entire city was taken into heaven (Moses 7:23-23). Another good man who led his people in righteousness was Melchizedek, who taught his people so well that he was able to establish peace in the land. He was known as the prince of peace (Alma 13:17-18).

The Founders of our nation knew that leaders must be good men in order to have virtuous and moral people. They also understood the dangers of wicked rulers. James Madison wrote, "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary" (The Federalist Papers, No. 51, p 319).

Our Constitution was written for a moral people. There have been numerous times and places in our nation when wicked men were controlling the circumstances. At a time when some of his followers were being persecuted and killed, the Prophet Joseph Smith received the following revelation: "I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free. Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn. Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil" (Doctrine and Covenants 98:8-10).

The Founders were good, honest and wise men who set up our government in such a way as to keep evilness in check. That is the reason why we have three branches of federal government as well as state governments. At the same time they encouraged good men to become public servants. They knew that a good example could encourage people to become better. Any person who reads about Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, Adams, etc. should feel a sense of pride in the greatness of our Founders. Let us continue to seek for good, honest, and wise men and women to lead our states and nation. When we find them, let's support them!

Virtue and Morality

The topic of discussion for this Freedom Friday is the need for virtue and morality. This principle of freedom is based on the idea that a republican type of government needs virtuous and morally strong citizens to survive. The Founders had a great desire for independence but worried that they might not be good enough to make it work. They identified virtue and morality as being obedient to God's will, particularly the Ten Commandments.

Benjamin Franklin understood the importance of virtue and morality in obtaining and maintaining liberty: “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters” (Writings of Benjamin Franklin, 9:569).

The Founders also understood that virtue comes only with effort and learning and that it must be cultivated and exercised. They wondered if their posterity would make the effort to teach the rising generations to be virtuous and moral.

John Adams said, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." (Quoted in John R. Howe, Jr., The Changing Political Thought of John Adams, p 189).

We must be virtuous and moral people and teach our posterity to be the same. This is one of the most important things we can do to protect the freedom, independence, and liberty guaranteed by our Constitution.

Virtuous Leaders

This principle of freedom is based on the idea that virtuous leaders can help their people to be virtuous and morally strong. The Prophet Joseph Smith recognized this principle of freedom. When he was asked how he governed such a large group of people, he answered, "I teach them correct principles and then they govern themselves." There are numerous examples in the scriptures of good men leading their people in righteousness. One such man was Enoch, who taught his people so well that the entire city was taken into heaven (Moses 7:23-23). Another good man who led his people in righteousness was Melchizedek, who taught his people so well that he was able to establish peace in the land. He was known as the prince of peace (Alma 13:17-18). The Founders of our nation knew that leaders must be good men in order to have virtuous and moral people. They also understood the dangers of wicked rulers. James Madison wrote, "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary" (The Federalist Papers, No. 51, p 319). Our Constitution was written for a moral people. There have been numerous times and places in our nation when wicked men were controlling the circumstances. At a time when some of his followers were being persecuted and killed, the Prophet Joseph Smith received the following revelation: "I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free. Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn. Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil" (Doctrine and Covenants 98:8-10). The Founders were good, honest and wise men who set up our government in such a way as to keep evilness in check. That is the reason why we have three branches of federal government as well as state governments. At the same time they encouraged good men to become public servants. They knew that a good example could encourage people to become better. Any person who reads about Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, Adams, etc. should feel a sense of pride in the greatness of our Founders. Let us continue to seek for good, honest, and wise men and women to lead our states and nation. When we find them, let's support them!

Virtue and Morality

The second principle of freedom is based on the idea that a republican type of government needs virtuous and morally strong citizens to survive. The Founders had a great desire for independence but worried that they might not be good enough to make it work. They identified virtue and morality as being obedient to God's will, particularly the Ten Commandments. The Founders also understood that virtue comes only with effort and learning and that it must be cultivated and exercised. They wondered if their posterity would make the effort to teach the rising generations to be virtuous and moral. John Adams said, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." (Quoted in John R. Howe, Jr., The Changing Political Thought of John Adams, p 189). Let us be virtuous and moral and teach our posterity to be the same. This is one way that we can protect the freedoms we enjoy.

Virtue and Morality

In order for a nation to survive under a system of self-government, commonly called republicanism, the citizens must be virtuous and morally strong. The Founders of this nation understood that this is a true principle and that the Constitution could not be maintained without virtue and morality. Benjamin Franklin wrote, "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters" (Smyth, Writings of Benjamin Franklin, 9:569). George Washington praised the American Constitution but explained that it would only last "so long as there shall remain any virtue in the body of the people" (Saul K. Padover, ed., The Washington Papers, Harper & Brothers, NY, 1955, p 244). James Madison said, "Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks, no form of government, can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical [imaginary, fantastic, unreal, absurd] idea. If there be sufficient virtue and intelligence in the community, it will be exercised in the selection of these men; so that we do not depend upon their virtue, or put confidence in our rulers, but in the people who are to choose them" (Quoted in Jonathan Elliott, ed., The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution, 5 vols., JB Lippincott Company). Samuel Adams wrote the following in a letter to Richard Henry Lee: "I thank God that I have lived to see my country independent and free. She may long enjoy her independence and freedom if she will. It depends on her virtue" (Wells, Life of Samuel Adams, 3:175). John Adams said, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other" (Quoted in John R. Howe, Jr., The Changing Political Thought of John Adams, Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 1966, p 189). A prophet also spoke about the importance of virtue and morality in nations. Gordon B. Hinckley, late President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, wrote: "The violation of moral virtues in this age, as in any age, brings only regret, sorrow, loss of self-respect, and in many cases, tragedy" and will "destroy not only individuals but also the nations" where virtues are missing. "The challenge to recognize evil and oppose it is one that every moral, virtuous person must accept" (Standing for Something, pp 32-33, 39). So, what is virtue and morality? Virtue has been defined as "general moral excellence; right action and thinking; goodness or morality; chastity" (New World Dictionary of the American Language, 2d College Ed., p 1587). Morality has been defined as "moral quality or character; rightness or wrongness, as of an action; right conduct; virtue in sexual conduct" (New World Dictionary, p 925). It is the responsibility of each individual to live a virtuous and moral life. We must become more moral in our hearts, minds and lives. The teaching of virtue and morality begins in the home with parents teaching their children by word and example. A good parental example encourages children to learn the same. President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints taught that "most people will not commit desperate acts if they have been taught that dignity, honesty and integrity are more important than revenge or rage; if they understand that respect and kindness ultimately give one a better chance at success" ("Family Values in a Violet Society," Deseret News, Jan. 16, 1994, A12, as quoted in "Finding Peace," Ensign, Mar. 2004, 4). As we teach virtue and moral principles to our children, our family will become stronger. As more and more families become virtuous and morally strong, our communities and nation will grow stronger and our Constitution will become more secure. The idea for this post as well as the quotes from Founders are from The Five Thousand Year Leap by W. Cleon Scousen, pp 41-46.