We Believe: Christlike Lives

Article of Faith #13: 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.

We believe that when all is said and done, the most important thing is who we are.  Are we men and women who embody that which is good or do we not?  Are we sons and daughters of God who have spent our time in the service of our brothers and sisters, or did we focus on ourselves and our own desires?  How are we going to feel when we look at Christ at the final judgment with the remembrance of all we did.  Are we going to be pleased with our time here on the earth?

We believe that the attributes of God that we can develop are gifts from our Heavenly Father to become more like Him (see Preach My Gospel pp.115).  These attributes include, but are not limited to: faith, charity, virtue, diligence, humility, and benevolence.  As we continue to develop the characteristics of godliness, we can feel closer to our Heavenly Father and our Savior as well as find greater peace and joy in this life.  The apostle Paul taught it wonderfully when he said, "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 virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8)."  The Savior's invitation to "Come, follow me" is more than just staying in his footsteps, but an invitation to become like Him.

We believe that wherever good is found comes from God.  As the prophet Mormon taught, "But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God...for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God (Moroni 7:13,16)."  No matter where good is found, we can learn from it and continue to grow.  Truly we should seek after good, no matter how far or how difficult.

I know that our Heavenly Father is the ultimate source of goodness in the universe.  I know that Jesus Christ is our perfect example of service and the way we should live our lives.  I know that as we put forth the effort to become more like our Savior, that our lives and our relationship with others can only improve.  I am grateful for the chance that I have had to study more fully the Articles of Faith and to share what we believe and what I know.