Time to unfurl a banner calling for return to virtue
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Now is the time for each member to arise and unfurl a banner to the world calling for a return to virtue, said Young Women General President Elaine S. Dalton.
"I testify that a return to virtue is possible because of the Savior's example and the 'infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice' (The Living Christ). I testify that we will not only be enabled and strengthened to do hard things, but to do all things."
Speaking Sunday morning, Sister Dalton recalled hiking to the top of Ensign Peak with her counselors in the Young Women general presidency and — like early pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley — unfurling a banner. The banner "was our ensign, our standard to the nations — our banner calling for a return to virtue," she said.
Virtue is a prerequisite to entering the Lord's holy temples and to receiving the Spirit's guidance, Sister Dalton said.
"Virtue is a pattern of thought and behavior based on high moral standards. It encompasses chastity and moral purity. Virtue begins in the heart and in the mind. It is nurtured in the home. It is the accumulation of thousands of small decisions and actions. Virtue is a word we don't hear often in today's society, but the Latin root word virtus means strength. Virtuous women and men possess a quiet dignity and inner strength. They are confident because they are worthy to receive and be guided by the Holy Ghost."
What can each Church member do? she asked.
"The course and training program will be unique to each of us. I have derived my personal training program from instructions found in the scriptures: 'Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly' (Doctrine and Covenants 121:45); 'cleave to your covenants; (Doctrine and Covenants 15:13); 'stand in holy places' (Doctrine and Covenants 87:8); 'lay aside the things of the world' (Doctrine and Covenants 25:10); 'believe that ye must repent' (Mosiah 4:10); 'always remember Him and keep His commandments' (Moroni 4:3); and 'if there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy seek after these things' (13th Article of Faith)."
