Virtue

"The true test of a mans character is what he does when no one is watching." - John Wooden

So true.

Isn't is James 3:4 "Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth."

A lot of people refer to this scripture to help us think of the tongue. But I would like to think that a thought is even smaller than our tongue.

While I was on my mission, I was given a Manual called "Preach My Gospel". It's purpose is to help missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints understand and build testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Within this wonderful Manual is a section about the Christlike Attributes, and how we can develop them. One of the attributes it goes into depth for is Virtue. The following is a paragraph that I think ties very closely with today's quote.

"Your mind is like a stage in a theater; in the theater of your mind, however, only one actor can be on stage at a time. If the stage is left bar, thought of darkness and sin often enter the stage to tempt. But these thoughts have no power if the stage of your mind is occupied by wholesome thoughts, such as a memorized hymn or verse of scripture that you can call upon in a moment of temptation. By controlling the stage of your mind, you can successfully resist persistent urges to yield to temptation and indulge in sin. You can become pure and virtuous."

I believe that when we are alone, that is really when we see who we are. And sometimes we have to be brutally honest about things that we believe and love. What we truly love. And the best part about it, we can choose what appears on the stage. We are not victims, tied to the theater chairs with our eyes forced open. Nope, we can close our eyes, and "boo" those bad thoughts and images off to stage left, and to never come back.

We also have Divine help in this endeavor. I know personally that Heavenly Father and His Son are always trying to inspire us, through the promptings of the Holy Ghost. If we can pay attention to Them, we will easily be able to cast those thoughts off of our stage. That is the greatest help that we can receive. All you have to do is ask for it, and follow the promptings you receive. Then will your stage be full of wonderful acts, inspiring you to be better.