Knowledge #3

Memorize Article of Faith number thirteen and recite it to a parent, a leader, or another adult. Then visit a museum or exhibit or attend a performance that involves dance, music, speech, or drama. Using this article of faith as a guide, evaluate what you saw and heard. In your journal write your thoughts about how you can use this article of faith as a guide for all you do so the Holy Ghost will be your constant companion. Share those thoughts with a parent or leader.

I memorized this Article of Faith when I was 10 years old. For our Primary Program that year, the oldest kids (Blazers and Merry Miss) memorized and recited it, and at each practice they repeated it, so I sort of learned it by accident. This year it is the Theme for the youth:

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.

At Christmastime we had the opportunity to attend a Christmas Concert in Herriman. My brother-in-law Brett plays in the community orchestra, (the trombone, and also the piano) so we have been to a couple of their concerts. It met a lot of these attributes, it was virtuous (there were no inappropriate songs, lyrics, or attire, at least in the performers!), the music was lovely, and the musicians were definitely praiseworthy, and their performance was of good report.

I've also attended concerts in the past that didn't quite meet these standards, I'm ashamed to say. Rock concerts often have inappropriate lyrics, sometimes profanity, beats that are not conducive to chastity or virtuous thoughts, not to mention substances used and attire worn by fellow attendees which are not of good report or praiseworthy.

I think that if any activity can measure up to the standard of the 13th Article of Faith, it would pass mustard with even the most pious attendee. Conversely, if it doesn't measure up, a faithful Latter-Day-Saint wouldn't want to be there. That goes for concerts, movies, art exhibits, Theater, and even hanging out with friends or family. If we have this article of faith memorized it can be our checklist for any place we may be in, giving us guidance and direction, and helping us be in tune with the Holy Ghost. The Spirit of the Lord cannot dwell in unholy places, so if we are in a place or doing an activity that doesn't measure up to this standard, we are essentially dismissing the Holy Ghost, and saying we don't need Him, and don't want His help. And He certainly won't help us if He is not wanted.