Virtue Requires That You Control Your Mind And Thoughts

Gospel Basics Series: Christlike Attributes

Virtue begins with your thoughts and desires. Virtue has a high moral standard in which you pattern your thoughts and behavior after. The greatest mistake in life is being without the spirit. The Holy Ghost does not dwell in unholy bodies. It is impossible to have the power and influence of the Holy Ghost when you are not virtuous.

There are at least two big tests of your character. The first is what you do when you are alone and think nobody is watching. What do you do when you are bored? How do you spend your discretionary time? Another big test of your character will come when you find yourself in a novel (new) setting. It is a setting where you are with complete strangers in a strange place. You feel a need to belong with the group, you want to be accepted and not rejected and not feel alone. The group is doing things that offend the spirit, but if you don’t participate you may feel rejected and be alone. What are you going to do?

There are times when you will have to stand alone and possibly be rejected.

Virtuous people control their thoughts and push out the unworthy and dirty thoughts. Both psychologists and the prophets agree that you can only think about one thing at one time. The key to overcoming impure thoughts is to replace those thoughts with virtuous thoughts because you can’t think about both at the same time.

Your mind is like a stage, and there can only be one actor on the stage. If nothing is playing, usually dark thoughts and sins enter the stage.

Being virtuous means being obedient to God’s commandments. Praying for strength to overcome temptations and repenting when you sin. Virtuous people know the power of the word of God. They know the word of God is the most powerful weapon on this earth. His word is how God destroys Satan’s lies, deceptions and temptations.

Chapel Address and contact information: 1928 E. South Campus Drive, Salt Lake City; (University of Utah, next to the institute) 801-562-8089. You can also call 801-259-6709 for the mission home in Midvale if you want to talk to someone.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a worldwide church. Most likely there is a chapel near you.

Go here to find a chapel near you if you don't live in the Salt Lake City, Utah area.

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