Walk in the Paths of Virtue

View the first part of the discussion on D & C 25:2 regarding faith here.

Part 2:

As I discussed in my previous post, Doctrine & Covenants section 25 is a revelation received by Joseph Smith to his wife Emma.  However in the last verse (16) it says, "And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all. Amen." Although this was received for Emma, it applies to all of us.

In Doctrine and Covenants 25 verse 2 it reads:

"A revelation I give unto you concerning my will; and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion."

The phrase "Walk in the Paths of Virtue" is the action we need to take so the Lord will preserve our life and that we may receive of our Father's inheritance. Virtue is a fading term and concept in the world today.  Few hold it in value and yet the Lord has told us in this verse that it is equally as necessary as being faithful and most importantly, that it is His will.  As President Hinckley said it is part of that price we might pay if we want to receive the associated blessings from our Heavenly Father. So then, we examine how we can "Walk in the Paths of Virtue."  To walk means physical action and movement. It is progress on the straight and narrow path to return to our Father in Heaven . I think it's interesting to note here that Paths is used here in the plural.  I went to Merriam-Webster.com to look up the definition of Virtue:

Definition of VIRTUE

1. 1

   a : conformity to a standard of right : morality
   

   b : a particular moral excellence
   2

   plural : an order of angels — see celestial hierarchy
   3

   : a beneficial quality or power of a thing
   4

   : manly strength or courage : valor
   5

   : a commendable quality or trait : merit
   6

   : a capacity to act : potency
   7

   : chastity especially in a woman

The multiple definitions of Virtue identify the Paths of Virtue we are to follow.

• While I think the definition that society most often associates with the word Virtue is definition #7- the chastity of a woman. Amazing how little value the world gives to this quality that the Lord sees of highest value.   The part of President Hinckley's quote that is of great application to this path of virtue regarding Chastity is: "No woman can afford to demean herself, to belittle herself, to downgrade her abilities or her capacities. Let each be faithful to the great, divine attributes that are within her."  President Hinckley is asking us, reminding us to see ourselves as Jesus Christ and God the Father see us--as we truly are. As their daughters with divine traits and attributes.   Now I don't want to leave this definition of Virtue without looking at it in totality. It says "especially in a woman" but that does not exclude men.  The chastity of men is something rarely even considered in today's society let alone valued.  Men God's children too and deserving of the greatest and highest blessings also?  The world's messages to men does not place value on being a great husband,father, and patriarch.  But one of the greatest blessings in my life and in the eternities is my husband, because he chooses follow God.  And because he chooses faithfulness and virtue he is a great blessing to our children also.  

• Now the first definition of Virtue listed above is particularly interesting to me as I view the world we live in and raise our young daughters.  This two-part definition:

Conformity to a Standard of Right and a Particular Moral Excellence. 

This is a Path of Virtue that I want to teach my daughters to follow.  I have always loved the saying in the scriptures "Let Virtue Garnish thy Thoughts Unceasingly" and I think this definition is worthy of being in our thoughts unceasingly.

My children will not learn it in school, they will not learn it from their friends, or society.  They will learn it in our home.  There is right and wrong.  What society teaches tries to blur the lines making some think that right is wrong and wrong is right.  But the scriptures are very clear and they are our standard.  I am also so thankful for modern-day prophets and the standards that they have set as a guide for me in my youth and my little kids today.  As I read  "For the Strength of the Youth" it is clear that this is "A Particular Moral Excellence".  If you haven't heard of "For the Strength of the Youth" click on the link and study for yourself whether it is good.

• The second Definition is for the plural word Virtues meaning an order of angels.  Is there anything more beautiful and angelic than people that embody Virtue?
• 3rd: a beneficial quality or power of a thing: Virtue is a beneficial quality.  We are blessed with spiritual power when we are virtuous in our lives.  We are protected from the many trials and sorrows that may accompany an unvirtuous life. 
• 4th: manly strength or courage:  We may feel things spiritually, but if we don't physically do the things we are supposed to do (ie: attend church, get baptized, leave the party we know is not good, go to the temple) we won't receive the blessings God has for us.  Doing what is right today takes physical strength or courage, a lot of courage.  
• 5th: A commendable quality or trait: Choosing to live a virtuous life is commendable.  The world may not value it, but we are not seeking after the world's approval, but the Lords.   
• 6th: A capacity to act- Potency:  Having virtue also means having the capacity to act to stand up for what is right.  Everyone has a pretty good idea of right from wrong, but not everyone chooses to do what is right. Virtuous person has the ability to achieve and the capacity to bring about a particular result-standing for what is right and true. 

Blessings

The blessing pronounced in D & C 25:2 is:

I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion.

What a great blessing, that our life can be preserved.  There are fads all over the place to help us live longer and healthier and the only one with the sure promise that our life will be preserved is obedience to God's laws.  By being faithful and virtuous, we shall also receive and inheritance in Zion.