By Virtue
I continue to reflect upon the lessons of this past weekend.
When attending the temple, our stake president encouraged us to evaluate the way in which we attend the temple. Are we there just to go through the motions or are we there to serve others, learn of the Lord, and open our minds and hearts to the personal revelation we are in need of. This has been on my mind a great deal as I rehearse the lessons taught.
We were asked specific questions about the blessings being pronounced upon us. One of the key words that caused my ears to perk was Virtue. Recently, the young women's organization has added Virtue to the list of values they should seek. But when I think of that work, I think of more than just one attribute or characteristic. There are many virtues that we should seek: love, peace, joy, godliness, charity, etc... It does not matter whether we are men or women, seeking them should be a part of our lives.
As my ears perked, I started listening carefully to the exact words pronounced and ponder them in their context and meaning. The wording is mentioned in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 121. "...by virtue of the priesthood..."
This verse talks about the very virtues the priesthood should operate under. Do they not mirror those mentioned above. persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, and by love unfeigned; kindness, and pure knowledge. These are the characteristics we should pursue. These are the characteristics we should have in our homes, our marriages, and our dealings with our fellow man.
These virtues are what give the priesthood power. The covenants we make in the temple require the commitment of both man and woman to make this power complete. Think about it.
I am grateful for the examples of such power in my life. I am honored to have a companion who seeks the same virtues with me, that we may be complete.
When attending the temple, our stake president encouraged us to evaluate the way in which we attend the temple. Are we there just to go through the motions or are we there to serve others, learn of the Lord, and open our minds and hearts to the personal revelation we are in need of. This has been on my mind a great deal as I rehearse the lessons taught.
We were asked specific questions about the blessings being pronounced upon us. One of the key words that caused my ears to perk was Virtue. Recently, the young women's organization has added Virtue to the list of values they should seek. But when I think of that work, I think of more than just one attribute or characteristic. There are many virtues that we should seek: love, peace, joy, godliness, charity, etc... It does not matter whether we are men or women, seeking them should be a part of our lives.
As my ears perked, I started listening carefully to the exact words pronounced and ponder them in their context and meaning. The wording is mentioned in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 121. "...by virtue of the priesthood..."
This verse talks about the very virtues the priesthood should operate under. Do they not mirror those mentioned above. persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, and by love unfeigned; kindness, and pure knowledge. These are the characteristics we should pursue. These are the characteristics we should have in our homes, our marriages, and our dealings with our fellow man.
These virtues are what give the priesthood power. The covenants we make in the temple require the commitment of both man and woman to make this power complete. Think about it.
I am grateful for the examples of such power in my life. I am honored to have a companion who seeks the same virtues with me, that we may be complete.
Comments