Good Habits Develop Good Character

The lesson we missed on 8-28-11 due to Hurricane Irene was going to be on Good Habits Develop Good Character by Theda.  Here are some points from that lesson...

“We sow our thoughts, and we reap our actions; we sow our actions, and we reap our habits; we sow our habits, and we reap our characters; we sow our characters, and we reap our destiny.” A saying quoted by President David O. McKay

We are not born into this world with fixed habits. Neither do we inherit a noble character. Instead, as children of God, we are given the privilege and opportunity of choosing which way of life we will follow—which habits we will form.

Good habits are not acquired simply by making good resolves, though the thought must precede the action. Good habits are developed in the workshop of our daily lives. It is not in the great moments of test and trial that character is built.

“I say to our young men, be faithful, for you do not know what is before you, and abstain from … bad habits.” Brigham Young

In the conduct of our lives we learn that good character-building habits mean everything. The way we live outweighs any words we may profess to follow.

Bad habits are a reflection of our thoughts and personalities, our behavior and conduct. They are degrading to the choice qualities which are our God-given spiritual endowments of faith, honesty, integrity, and uprightness.

Evil tendencies destroy character and ruin lives. When first yielding to sin, one’s resistance, self-control, and character are weakened and further transgressions usually result.

Our great challenge is to learn how to control ourselves. We must learn for ourselves and act for ourselves, being careful not to follow those who are not divinely led.

The human will is naturally inclined toward the right. We are spirit children of God and have born within us the power to overcome all evil practices.

We draw ourselves close to the Savior when we faithfully keep his laws and commandments.

We should become so involved in acquiring good quality traits and participating in character-building activities that there is no time to engage in anything worthless or harmful. Our habits should be those that make us susceptible to faith and testimony.

Maintaining good personal habits which are pleasing to our Heavenly Father will strengthen our character, increase our influence for good, improve our example, bless our loved ones and friends, enrich our lives, and enable us to accomplish those things that yield true personal satisfaction and build peace and happiness in our hearts.