YOUNG WOMEN

Building Our Characters

What is Character? The peculiar qualities, impressed by nature or habit on a person, which distinguish her from others; these constitute real character, and the qualities which she is supposed to possess, constitute her estimated character, or reputation. Hence we say, a character is not formed, when the person has not acquired stable and distinctive qualities.Distinguished or

good qualities; those which are esteemed and respected.

Good Stable Distinguished Qualities:Jesus did not worship false images (Idols,

pagan Deity)Jesus never made the things of God vainJesus honored a special day for worship with thanks & praiseJesus honored his mother and father and prospered for his obedienceJesus never killed and does not promote any form of crimeJesus never committed adultery or fornicationHe never stole or took what wasn’t his to haveHe was honest and he didn’t lie, or give false information, carried bad news (bad talk or Gossip…..He had fortitude and integrity, respect, honor, discipline, courage, strength to overcome weaknesses and defects.

Key Characteristic to haveFORTITUDE:That strength or firmness of mind or soul which enables a person to encounter danger with coolness and courage, or to bear pain or adversity without murmuring, depression or despondency. Fortitude is the basis or source of genuine courage and patience in suffering, of forbearance under injuries, in all conditions of life. We sometimes confound the effect with the cause, and use fortitude as synonymous with courage or patience; but courage is an active virtue or vice, and patience is the effect of fortitude.Fortitude is the guard and support of the other virtues.Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary

A motto of Fortitude to live by:I will be taught to have control over myself, and nobly overcome difficulties and if I do not willfully rush into danger, and needlessly place myself in the way of temptation; if I shun evil influences and vicious society, and when unavoidably I’m compelled to be in dangerous company, I will have strength of character to stand for the right and preserve principle, then will I come forth in the strength of God with my morals untainted. The moral powers of youth who have been properly educated, if they make God their trust, will be equal to stand the most powerful test. {CE 14.1}

Counsels to Intelligent Young Women

We can be better young women, if we are more kindhearted, more pitiful, more courteous, more full of tenderness, assertiveness and love; If we do not manifest to others the love that led Jesus to the world on His mission of mercy, we will not exert the right influence. He came to elevate, to ennoble, to make happy all with whom He came in contact. . . . He never did a rude action, never spoke a discourteous word. {SD 319.4} It is the privilege of every young women to make of her character a beautiful structure. . . . Seek the Lord most earnestly, that you may become more and more refined, more spiritually cultured.

The Description of a Virtuous Woman

Proverbs 31:10-31Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise [is] good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

Virtuous Woman continued:

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household [are] clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing [is] silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth [it]; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour [are] her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

A Promiscuous Girl Your mind is impure. You were relieved from care and labor altogether too long. Household duties would have been one of the richest blessings that you could have had. Weariness would not have injured you one tenth as much as have your lascivious thoughts and conduct. You have received incorrect ideas in regard to girls and boys associating together, and it has been very congenial to your mind to be in the company of the boys. You are not pure in heart and mind. You have been injured by reading love stories and romances, and your mind has been fascinated by impure thoughts. Your imagination has become corrupt, until you seem to have no power to control your thoughts. Satan leads you captive as he pleases. . . . {CG 452.4}

A Virtuous Woman vs. Promiscuous GirlPromiscuous turned Virtuous

HadassahMiriamRebeccaRuthHannahRachaelNaomiDeborah

MadonnaLil KimJennifer LopezRihannaBeyonceLady Gaga

RehabMary

Magdalene End of Part [1]