Valiant - Choice or Character?

While reading an article in the latest Ensign, I learned something that came as a huge eye opener to me.  Every time I think of being valiant, courageous, honest, compassionate, etc, I think of someones character.  Therefore, making those words characteristics.  While this conclusion is ultimately correct, my mind has always skipped over the most important part of these virtues and characteristics.  They are a choice. 

I'm sure most of you are thinking, "wow, big revelation, I've always known that", but to me, it kinda shell shocked me.  I had spent... well forever really, thinking these traits were either something you had or didn't have and that if you worked really really hard, you could develop those traits over a long period of time.  It never occurred to me that it came down to actually choosing whether or not you were going to have them. 

We are taught in order to receive the glory of the Celestial Kingdom we must be "valiant in the testimony of Christ".  The article in the Ensign was all about how we can be valiant in our testimonies of Christ and gave a list of examples for us to study.  The first suggestion listed is what made me realize this was a choice and not just a characteristic we were either born with or not.  The first suggestion said:

"You are valiant if you keep on going when you think you can't go anymore".

I, like most of you, have been at the point where I have said out loud.  I can't go another step.  I can't do this anymore. Sometimes, I'm happy to say, I've found myself on my knees praying for strength and guidance, other times, I haven't been as good. 

It brings me peace to know I can choose whether or not I have the characteristics and traits that will qualify me for the Celestial Kingdom and in the same breath I can say it also terrifies me to know it's up to me.  Because at the end of the day when all my desires, hopes, faith and character is measured, it will be me who either qualifies or falls short of the blessings of exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom. 

I know if each day we choose to be valiant, courageous, virtuous and to seek after the things that are pleasing to the Lord we will have confidence that our lives are pleasing to our Heavenly Father. I am grateful for the gift of agency which allows us the freedom to choose which path we will follow. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.