How the 13th Article of Faith Helps Guide Our Choices

The 13th Article of Faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches us to focus on things that are virtuous, lovely, or praiseworthy. This simple yet powerful message can help guide us in the things we choose to create, watch, listen to, and even talk about.

The article of faith says:

"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."

How Do We Use This to Guide Our Decisions?

This article of faith can help us make choices that bring positivity into our lives and the lives of others. Here are a few ways to think about it:

Creating Good Content

Whether you’re drawing, writing, filming, or even posting on social media, remember to focus on things that inspire, uplift, and help people feel good. Ask yourself, "Does this make the world a little better? Is this kind and true?" When we focus on positive values, we are more likely to create content that reflects goodness and honesty.

Consuming Good Content

This includes the movies we watch, music we listen to, and even the conversations we have. Think about whether these things bring joy, teach good lessons, or help us feel closer to others and to God. If we watch or listen to things that make us feel inspired or more kind, we’re likely on the right track!

Choosing Our Influences

Sometimes, we look up to certain people, whether they’re on social media, in books, or in real life. It’s good to ask, "Does this person encourage values that are lovely and praiseworthy?" Choosing positive influences can help us become kinder, more thoughtful, and more hopeful people.

The 13th Article of Faith is a reminder that we can use our time and energy to make choices that build us up, as well as those around us. This doesn’t mean we’ll be perfect, but if we seek to choose what’s “virtuous, lovely, or praiseworthy,” we’re more likely to create a life full of happiness and peace.