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The Thirteenth Article of Faith

© Rebecca Talley

The Thirteenth, and last, 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 Article of Faith is quite inclusive of many of the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We believe that honesty and integrity are of utmost importance in a man or woman of God. Our character should be above reproach. Honesty must be an important part of our everyday life. In Romans 12:17 we read, "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men." We must not only be honest and true in our dealings with our fellowmen, but also with ourselves and with God.

The Law of Chastity is one of the singly most important commandments we can keep. The adversary works overtime in his attempt to entice us and tempt us to become unchaste. "For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts." (Jacob 2:28) "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." (Proverbs 31:10) It is vitally important that we not only understand the Law of Chastity, but that we seek to keep it under any and all circumstances, and that we always keep our virtue in tact.

Benevolence involves the unselfish desire to give back to the Lord, in some small measure, His love, by serving and having compassion on His children. Exhibiting kindness, charity, love, and compassion all fall under benevolence.

We should constantly be involved in doing good. "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing . . ." (Doctrine and Covenant 64:33) Again in Doctrine and Covenants 58:27, we learn, "Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness." Matthew, Mark, and Luke teach us in the New Testament that when we lose our lives in the service of God we will find it. In other words, when we immerse ourselves in serving others and seeking to do the Lord's will, we will find our true selves and our reward. Those in need surround us everyday. Someone may be in need of a meal, a visit, or just a phone call. Extending service and doing good does not have to be on a grand scale, but rather is a tapestry of small acts intertwined throughout our lives.