The 13th Article of Faith states: "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."

This short statement of belief contains a road map for our happiness and points us in the direction of eternal life. If each of us would abide by the ideals set forth in this article, imagine the good that could be accomplished and the evil and misery that would be thwarted.

The 13th Article of Faith provides a set of personal characteristics that we can strive to achieve while, at the same time, pointing to nearly the same set of ideals to seek after continually on our journey through mortality.

President David O. McKay, the ninth president of the Church, wrote, "Men love to praise integrity, but are slow to practice it. To maintain it in high places costs self-denial. . . . No Latter-day Saint can be true to his country, true to his Church, true to his God, who will violate the laws which relate to the moral welfare and the spiritual advancement of mankind." (Pathways to Happiness, p. 122.)

By exemplifying the principles of trustworthiness, temperance, chastity, honesty and justice, President McKay continued, "we contribute to the transformation of society, we translate our religion into better social conditions and bring salvation and peace to men here and now." (Ibid.)

The apostle Paul invited the Ephesians: "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore, take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:11-13.)

In His Sermon on the Mount, the Savior exhorted His disciples, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5: 14-16)

Notice, the Savior's invitation is not to call attention to one's own actions, but rather to go about our business doing those things that help others and glorify God. Selfishness, pride or seeking some temporal reward have no place in the work.

Moroni, the Book of Mormon prophet, counseled: "For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; 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 7:16.)

One of our hymns reflects this scripture:

May we who know the sacred Name

From every sin depart.

Then will the Spirit's constant flame

Preserve us pure in heart.

("Sweet Is the Peace the Gospel Brings," Hymns, No. 14, verse 4.)

President Gordon B. Hinckley has said, "There is no substitute for virtue. Keep your thoughts virtuous. Rise above the filth that's all around you in this world and stand tall in strength and virtue. You can do this and you will be happier for it as long as you live." (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 681.)

Commenting on the 13th Article of Faith, President Hinckley said, "I wish every family in the Church would write out that article of faith and put it on a mirror where every member of the family would see it every day. Then, whenever we might be tempted to do anything shoddy or dishonest or immoral, there would come into our minds with some force this great, all encompassing statement of the ethics of our behavior. There would be less rationalizing over some elements of our personal conduct which we try to justify with one excuse or another." (Ibid, p. 678.)