Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Aspirational Attributes

 

V. Aspirational Attributes

WHAT?
The thirteenth article of faith provides special insight into how we should conduct our lives and present ourselves. It reads:

“We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”
 
All of us should aspire to embody these attributes and lead lives that exemplify them. The truths taught in the Articles of Faith build upon one another like the components of a cell phone mutually supporting one another. Like the elaborate supply chain that adds components to a cell phone, the Articles of Faith supply us with key doctrines of the Restoration. Each article of faith adds unique value to our understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ.


SO WHAT?
 
The Prophet Joseph references the writings of Paul when he penned the thirteenth Article of Faith.  The quote comes from the fourth chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippian Saints:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any gvirtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (verse 8)
 

NOW WHAT?
That verse was preceded by two of my favorite verses in scripture:

Be careful [full of care] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (verses 6, 7)
 
We live in a world full of care.  The only peace on earth that we can know is through Jesus Christ.  We do that through prayer and supplication, giving thanks for the multitudes of blessing given us by Him Who love us first.
 
With Thanksgiving just a little over a week away, it is wise to remember to thank God before we ask God.
 
Text copyright November 2013, Gebara Education
 
Picture from www.mormonshare.com
 
 
 

 

    

 

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