President George Albert Smith was the LDS church president from 1945-1951, being a general authority through the Great Depression and World War II. To be a church leader through such difficult and challenging times helped to cultivate many admirable principles and values in this great man. Many an article could be created in relation to his great words and teachings. There is one particular set of ideas from President Smith that I wanted to share in this little article that I feel can be very helpful for singles. During singlehood, searching for a new relationship and spouse is only part of your journey. This is also a great opportunity to work on your own personal principles, values, and ideals. The healthier, happier, and more spiritual you become, the more prepared you will be for the next relationship. You will also have a much better version on yourself to offer that future relationship. Accordingly, the more we can learn about, emulate, and adopt President Smith’s ideals and wisdom, the better off we will be.
Personal Creed:
From the Teaching of the Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith, we learn the following:
When he was 34 years old, George Albert Smith made a list of resolutions that he called his “personal creed” 11 ideals that he committed to live by:
“I would be a friend to the friendless and find joy in ministering to the needs of the poor.
“I would visit the sick and afflicted and inspire in them a desire for faith to be healed.
“I would teach the truth to the understanding and blessing of all mankind.
“I would seek out the erring one and try to win him back to a righteous and a happy life.
“I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideals but rather love them into doing the thing that is right.
“I would live with the masses and help to solve their problems that their earth life may be happy.
“I would avoid the publicity of high positions and discourage the flattery of thoughtless friends.
“I would not knowingly wound the feelings of any, not even one who may have wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend.
“I would overcome the tendency to selfishness and jealousy and rejoice in the successes of all the children of my Heavenly Father.
“I would not be an enemy to any living soul.
“Knowing that the Redeemer of mankind has offered to the world the only plan that will fully develop us and make us really happy
here and hereafter, I feel it not only a duty but also a blessed privilege to disseminate this truth.”
Application for Singles:
George Albert Smith did his best to actually live up to these ideals throughout his entire life. And we can too. Follow this link for a few ideas for how you can apply and incorporate these same ideals.
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