Zion Is the Pure in Heart ~ Part Two

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening,

this post should take three to five minutes to read from start to finish.

This post focuses on a BYU Devotional, and it is called "Zion Is the Pure in Heart" by Sister Elaine S. Dalton. This post is part two. I would like to share with you some highlights whilst I was reading the Devotional. 

Sister Dalton has mentioned; "Return to Virtue Could Save a Nation

... Faith without virtue would soon languish and die because without virtue there is no purity. Without virtue there is no strength. And without virtue there is no spirituality. It is clear that once you really understand who you are, you must be pure because purity precedes spiritual power. ... The power and strength of which I am speaking has everything to do with virtue, which is chastity and sexual purity. 

We live in a world that is concerned about cleanliness and purity the cleanliness of our air and the cleanliness of our environment, our water, and even our food. ... Yet society tolerates moral pollution in the form of pornography on billboards, television, and the Internet and in entertainment and other media. ... I believe that the lack of virtue in our society is directly responsible for many of our social, financial, and governmental ills. ... And I believe that a return to virtue could save an entire nation.

... What will your generation be known for? Will you be known as the tolerant generation, the consumer generation, Generation X or Y? Will you be known as the generation who was seduced into living your lives virtually instead of virtuously? Or will you, could you, be known for your purity and virtue and for your courage and strength in leading the rest of the world in a return to virtue a return so stunning that the very purity of your lives and the strength of your conviction change the course of society and change the world?

You are preparing for the Savior’s return. You must abhor sin. You must position and prepare yourselves now to be “more fit for the kingdom.” ...

Be Guardians of Virtue

In order to do this, each of us must be guardians of virtue. Young women, guard your personal virtue. ... You are daughters of God. You carry within yourselves the sacred power to create mortal life and to become mothers of Heavenly Father’s choice and pure spirits. It is one of God’s greatest gifts to His precious daughters. Safeguard that power by living the standards, dressing and acting modestly, and remaining virtuous. 

Safeguard your power through purity of thought and action. Do not allow anyone to tamper with your God-given gifts. By so doing, you, your family, and the generations that follow will be strengthened and blessed. Young men, you too are guardians of virtue. You hold priesthood power - the power to bless and to act for God here on the earth. 

The Lord has said to all priesthood holders, “Practise virtue and holiness before me” (D&C 38:24). Guard your personal virtue, your thoughts, what you view, what you say, and your actions. Do not allow pornography to diminish your personal power. Remain pure so that you can exercise the power of the priesthood with which God has entrusted you. ... Young men, priesthood men, keep yourselves pure so that you may be able to use your priesthood power at a moment’s notice.

"The WORK OF ZION commences in the heart OF
EACH person." - Brigham Young.

Remain Virtuous in a Toxic World

I truly believe that one virtuous young woman or young man, led by the Spirit, can change the world! But before we can change the world, we must change ourselves. 

President Boyd K. Packer said we live in an environment that “is becoming toxic, poisonous to the spirit.” So what are some of the things that we can do right now in order to remain virtuous in a toxic world?

First, repent. I am very aware that there are some listening tonight who don’t feel virtuous or who have made mistakes. That is why a return to virtue is so important. You must know that you can return. You can change. ... A return is always possible because of the Savior’s Atonement. 

President Monson has said to each of us who have made mistakes: If any of you has slipped along the way, there are those who will help you to once again become clean and worthy. Your bishop or branch president is anxious and willing to help and will, with understanding and compassion, do all within his power to assist you in the repentance process, that you may once again stand in righteousness before the Lord.

... The Savior suffered not only for our sins and imperfections, but He also took upon Himself our sorrows (see Alma 7:11). Through His infinite Atonement He will heal you and give you peace. ... Because of our Savior’s Atonement, God the Father will hear your prayers. He will answer through the Holy Ghost and others who will be placed in your path.

Second, be careful about your choice of friends. In today’s technological society, we may spend more time with nonhuman companions than we do with our peers. While we may be very careful about our human companions, sometimes we give little thought to the other companions that we allow to influence us. ... We have all been given three precious gifts for our mortal experience. These include our body, our agency, and our time. 

... Seek the companionship of virtuous friends, not virtual friends. Remember, “virtue loveth virtue [and] light cleaveth unto light” (D&C 88:40). ... In your pursuit of friendships and an eternal marriage partner, you cannot just make a list of all the qualities you are looking for in another or in an eternal companion. You must be your list at all times and in all things and in all places.

Stay Tuned until next time.