My Guiding Virtues
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The following is a list of guiding virtues that I have established because of the example of Benjamin Franklin who, at the age of twenty-two, sought daily to work toward achieving moral perfection. His list included virtues such as: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, and chastity. In his essay (found here), Hyrum W. Smith, founder of Franklin Quest, not only explains the importance of forming one's own list of virtues, but the need to develop morally in a morally imperfect and lost world. Accordingly, I have taken his council into consideration and have established a list of values that are of utmost importance to me. They are phrased in a way that I, in my future--hypothetically perfect--self, would describe my established virtues and characteristics.
Loving
I love God, my family, and my fellow men with all of my heart, might, mind and strength. I demonstrate this love in all I say, think, and do. I am trying to be like Jesus, and He loved everyone.
Faithful
I live the principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I never lose hope or my childlike trust in Heavenly Father’s plan.
Charitable
I give of my time and effort to others. I am kind like the Savior Jesus Christ, and I forgive all men. I am generous and give to those in need.
Honest
I am honest with myself, and in my dealings with others. I do not gossip or speak insincerely. I do not avoid owning up to my mistakes. I am honest, but kind. I stand for truth.
Obedient
I obey all of the commandments and the laws of the land. I obey and honor my spouse and my parents. I am obedient to the will of the Lord.
Clean
I am morally and physically clean. I practice good hygiene and do not participate in anything that drives the spirit of God away. I recognize that my body is a temple and treat it accordingly.
Wise
I strive to learn in every situation. I seek opportunities to learn and go the extra mile in my education. I make smart decisions and am not prideful in my knowledge.
Loyal
I am completely loyal in thought and actions toward my husband. I am loyal to my family and to the principles of the gospel. I support and advocate them. I am loyal to my country, school, and job.
Diligent
I do not avoid responsibility or work. I do not waste time and always work my hardest. I do not participate in meaningless distractions. I focus on the betterment of others and myself.
Patient
I am patient with my parents, husband, children, and others. I am patient for blessings that will surely come. I remember that all good things will happen in the Lord’s time.
Frugal
I live by the motto: “Fix it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” I am careful and wise with our finances. I utilize a realistic budget and plan for our larger expenses and for the future. I teach my children the importance of managing money.
Trustworthy
I am dependable. I complete tasks when I say that I will. I do not procrastinate. People know they can trust my word.
Selfless
I think of others before myself. I give time to the Lord, my husband, my children, and my neighbors. I look for ways to serve them with love and compassion.
Humble
I am not prideful. I show gratitude to God for my abilities and strengths. I demonstrate my gratitude in my graciousness toward others.
Cheerful
I uplift others. I am positive and happy, and bring joy and the light of Christ to others’ lives. I dwell on the good and focus on my many blessings.
Helpful
I am helpful and willing to serve others. I am willing to sacrifice time for the needs of others’. I go the extra mile and go out of my way to aid my fellow men.
Well-Read
I read the very best books and seek to find greater meaning and understanding from them. I share these books with others and put them to use in my studies as an English major.
Healthy
I obey the Word of Wisdom and exercise daily. I go to bed early and rise early. I eat healthily and take time to meditate and find peacefulness.
Courageous
I do not fear the unknown. I am brave in the face of evil or wickedness. I know that Christ is ever on my side. I turn to Him when I am afraid. I have the courage to do the right thing. I endure when I feel weak.
Organized
I balance my time. I keep a clean house, and live a simplified life. O owe no debts, and make time solely for our family. I make Church callings a priority and get tasks done right and when they are due. I prioritize and evaluate my time.
The following is a list of guiding virtues that I have established because of the example of Benjamin Franklin who, at the age of twenty-two, sought daily to work toward achieving moral perfection. His list included virtues such as: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, and chastity. In his essay (found here), Hyrum W. Smith, founder of Franklin Quest, not only explains the importance of forming one's own list of virtues, but the need to develop morally in a morally imperfect and lost world. Accordingly, I have taken his council into consideration and have established a list of values that are of utmost importance to me. They are phrased in a way that I, in my future--hypothetically perfect--self, would describe my established virtues and characteristics.
Loving
I love God, my family, and my fellow men with all of my heart, might, mind and strength. I demonstrate this love in all I say, think, and do. I am trying to be like Jesus, and He loved everyone.
Faithful
I live the principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I never lose hope or my childlike trust in Heavenly Father’s plan.
Charitable
I give of my time and effort to others. I am kind like the Savior Jesus Christ, and I forgive all men. I am generous and give to those in need.
Honest
I am honest with myself, and in my dealings with others. I do not gossip or speak insincerely. I do not avoid owning up to my mistakes. I am honest, but kind. I stand for truth.
Obedient
I obey all of the commandments and the laws of the land. I obey and honor my spouse and my parents. I am obedient to the will of the Lord.
Clean
I am morally and physically clean. I practice good hygiene and do not participate in anything that drives the spirit of God away. I recognize that my body is a temple and treat it accordingly.
Wise
I strive to learn in every situation. I seek opportunities to learn and go the extra mile in my education. I make smart decisions and am not prideful in my knowledge.
Loyal
I am completely loyal in thought and actions toward my husband. I am loyal to my family and to the principles of the gospel. I support and advocate them. I am loyal to my country, school, and job.
Diligent
I do not avoid responsibility or work. I do not waste time and always work my hardest. I do not participate in meaningless distractions. I focus on the betterment of others and myself.
Patient
I am patient with my parents, husband, children, and others. I am patient for blessings that will surely come. I remember that all good things will happen in the Lord’s time.
Frugal
I live by the motto: “Fix it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” I am careful and wise with our finances. I utilize a realistic budget and plan for our larger expenses and for the future. I teach my children the importance of managing money.
Trustworthy
I am dependable. I complete tasks when I say that I will. I do not procrastinate. People know they can trust my word.
Selfless
I think of others before myself. I give time to the Lord, my husband, my children, and my neighbors. I look for ways to serve them with love and compassion.
Humble
I am not prideful. I show gratitude to God for my abilities and strengths. I demonstrate my gratitude in my graciousness toward others.
Cheerful
I uplift others. I am positive and happy, and bring joy and the light of Christ to others’ lives. I dwell on the good and focus on my many blessings.
Helpful
I am helpful and willing to serve others. I am willing to sacrifice time for the needs of others’. I go the extra mile and go out of my way to aid my fellow men.
Well-Read
I read the very best books and seek to find greater meaning and understanding from them. I share these books with others and put them to use in my studies as an English major.
Healthy
I obey the Word of Wisdom and exercise daily. I go to bed early and rise early. I eat healthily and take time to meditate and find peacefulness.
Courageous
I do not fear the unknown. I am brave in the face of evil or wickedness. I know that Christ is ever on my side. I turn to Him when I am afraid. I have the courage to do the right thing. I endure when I feel weak.
Organized
I balance my time. I keep a clean house, and live a simplified life. O owe no debts, and make time solely for our family. I make Church callings a priority and get tasks done right and when they are due. I prioritize and evaluate my time.