How we can use the article of faith to guide our decisions in what we create and consume.

By Demesha K. Phillips 

As we live in a time when media consumes our daily lives, we must use media literacy skills to navigate and filter what we put out. Think of yourself as a brand. Now think about the message your brand wants to represent. Whatever your brand message says is how you will consume and create. The answer is beautifully outlined in Article of Faith 13, where it says, "13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, and virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—we believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and we hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."

So, what does your digital footprint say about you? How do you use social media to express yourself? What do you comment on? Think of all these things. Does it represent your personal brand as a child of God, as a Christian, or as a decent human being? We can navigate this massive digital landscape without losing our spiritual footing, as this isn't just a list of virtues to memorize; it is a practical, modern framework for intentional living. Let's break down how we can use this standard to guide what we consume and what we create. Consumption shouldn't be passive. If we just let the algorithms feed us, we often end up consuming and creating content that triggers anger, division, or cheap thrills.

• Ensure that your media elevate thought, not degrade human dignity or cheapen sacred things.
• Ensure what you consume is reputable, uplifting, aligned with truth, and not rooted in gossip, deception, or
  tearing others down.
• Ensure that every time you speak, write, post, or build, you leave a digital or physical footprint. 
• Ensure that someone will be better off, happier, or more enlightened after interacting with what you've made.
• Ensure that whatever you create helps people and does not mock or exclude others.
• Ensure it brings a sense of peace, beauty, and joy into your home or leaves you feeling neither anxious nor cynical.
• Ensure that you're sharing accurate information, not exaggerating for clout and clicks. Be authentic in the covenants. 

Living by high standards in a world that often rewards the opposite isn't always easy. It takes endurance to turn off a popular show that crosses a line. It also takes courage to create content that stands up for the truth when the crowd does not want it. But we should hope for all things because when we fill our minds with what is praiseworthy, we fuel that hope.

Let's all take a look inward. Reflect on Article of Faith 13 as a guide, and use its everyday application, which may look different for everyone but is worth a try.

Let us know your thoughts. Feel free to join the discussion below.