Two Words

I love the temple! I know, that's not two words, but I love the temple nonetheless!

Today I got to go to the Jordan River temple.

I recently read this post by Stephen Palmer. Again.

And while at the temple, I was able to connect more clearly with my core life mission. It is, as you've guessed, two words: Inspire Righteousness.


Why Righteousness?

I strongly considered the word goodness. My perception is that the word goodness is perhaps more acceptable or politically correct; it has less of a judgemental connotation in today's world than righteousness. But why is that? If it's because much evil is considered good and good evil, then the message is more susceptible to individual interpretation and ambiguity.

We all have good judgement in our own eyes, so what is there to be inspired about? It becomes the principle that everyone needs but me, since I've already got it.

Righteousness however has some clear implications. To me these include:
* Continual development of one's relationship with God and family
* Continual development of one's character
* Purity and virtue in mind, heart, and soul
* Seeing people as people -- respecting individual sovereignty and worth


Why Inspire?

Righteousness is impossible to coerce because it is not an action -- it is a willful determination of heart and mind. Actions are merely an evidence or fruit of whatever determination one's heart and mind hold.

One could attempt to manipulate righteousness, but this will not persist when the manipulation is past.

Inspiring righteousness is indeed the only way to make a lasting impact.

Purpose
As I consider how this mission plays out in my life, I find that inspiring righteousness is my fundamental why -- it is the reason I do all I do. When my actions are not aligned with this standard, I want to investigate what within me is the root of this misalignment and change it!

Whenever considering a decision of any significance, my goal is to make inspiring righteousness as my core standard upon which to judge.

Why do I strive to be a good husband and father? To inspire righteousness in myself, my family, and perhaps others who might be quiet, unknown observers.

Why do we homeschool? We (or at least I -- I haven't asked Bont) feel it is the best way to inspire righteousness in our family.

Why do I serve in my church? It inspires righteousness in my own life, in the life of my family by example, and I hope, in those I teach.

What motivates what I do in my assigned church service? My drive to inspire righteousness.

Why do I engage in scripture study and personal development? To seek my own inspiration to righteousness and become more effective at inspiring righteousness.

Why do I promote Strongbrook? To inspire righteousness. It is my platform of choice for generating Peaceful Prosperity.

Why do I promote Peaceful Prosperity? You can see previous posts about it, but Peaceful Prosperity comes down to having a relationship with God, seeing people as people, and creating significant financial wealth so that this influence can reach further and wider than it would without such wealth.

Joseph Smith taught "A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race." I promote Peaceful Prosperity to inspire righteousness throughout the earth.

Perfection
Are my actions always the most inspiring? Definitely not! I am far from perfect! Fortunately, there is no rule that states one must be perfect to inspire another; I have oft been inspired by imperfect men and women. Christ is perfect, and to inspire righteousness eventually comes back to Him. Always.

Jesus said "but he that is greatest among you shall be your servant." Matthew 23:11 What makes one great? I believe it is the capacity to inspire men and women to devoting their best selves to a worthy cause. Service -- being a Go Giver -- is one of the most powerful ways to become great.

Jesus' life and mission is, when understood, the most powerful inspiration to righteousness that exists -- there is no coercion or manipulation in it. He, in securing our immortality and enabling our salvation, is the greatest Servant of us all.