Virtue

     "The mind is like a stage. Except when we are asleep the curtain is always up. There is always some act being performed on that stage. It may be a comedy, a tragedy, interesting or dull, good or bad; but always there is some act playing on the stage of the mind.
     Have you noticed that without any real intent on your part, in the middle of almost any performance, a shady little thought may creep in from the wings and attract your attention? These delinquent thoughts will try to upstage everybody.
     If you permit them to go on, all thoughts of any virtue will leave the stage. You will be left, because you consented to it, to the influence of unrighteous thoughts.
     If you yield to them, they will enact for you on the stage of your mind anything to the limits of your toleration. They may enact a theme of bitterness, jealousy, or hatred. It may be vulgar, immoral, even depraved.
     When they have the stage, if you let them, they will devise the most clever persuasions to hold your attention. They can make it interesting all right, even convince you that it is innocent—for they are but thoughts.
     What do you do at a time like that, when the stage of your mind is commandeered by the imps of unclean thinking?—whether they be the gray ones that seem almost clean or the filthy ones which leave no room for doubt.
     If you can control your thoughts, you can overcome habits, even degrading personal habits. If you can learn to master them you will have a happy life." -Boyd K Packer (January 1974 Ensign, Inspiring Music—Worthy Thoughts.)

     What is Virtue? Virtue begins in our innermost thoughts and desires. "Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God." (D&C 121:45.) To me, virtue is equivalent to righteousness. Someone who has virtue focuses on wholesome, uplifting thoughts and drives wicked thoughts from their mind. Virtuous people obey all of God's commandments. They watch themselves and avoid sin at all costs. They keep themselves clean and pure spiritually; unspotted from the world. If a virtuous person commits sin, they repent of it quickly. What you choose to think and do when you are alone and you believe no one is watching is a strong measure of your virtue.

     Living a virtuous life brings a multitude of blessings. You will find yourself receiving guidance from the Holy Ghost on a daily, even hourly basis because you will always be worthy to receive such inspiration. You will have peace of mind and a better standing with God. Your relationship with your Heavenly Father will become. intimately close. Other people will be inspired by your righteous example as a disciple of Christ.