Virtue and Charity . . .

Perhaps the second most powerful discourse ever given on leadership is in Doctrine and Covenants 121. This powerful revelation was given to the prophet Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail in response to his prayer to see God's hand amidst the suffering of the Saints. In response, God taught Joseph powerful leadership principles. I would like to focus on one of those that stood out to me today that is tied to my writings on leadership.

In my book, Momentary Leadership, I argue that our lives are made up of moments and that to be an effective leader, we need to focus on being intentional in every leadership moment. This means thinking about the way of being, thinking, and acting we bring to each moment. A few passages towards the end of this chapter provide a powerful, yet simple, gospel perspective on this idea.

Towards the end of the section, the Savior declared,

Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever. (D & C 121: 45-46)

In this passage, the Savior suggested that the way of being that should characterize a leader is charity. The leader's way of thinking should be virtuous, or characterized by true and righteous principles. The leaders way of acting should be rooted in these and guided by the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. In this simple statement, the essence of Gospel leadership is conveyed. To align your leadership practice with these principles.

1) Pray to be filled with Charity and strive to see others as God sees them so that you can be filled with His love.

2) Find ways to fill your thoughts with gospel principles and integrate them into your thinking and conversation in all aspects of your life as a leader and follower.

3) Be worthy and aware of, attend to, and act on the influence and guidance of the Holy Ghost as it guides you on a daily basis in your life.