Our Campfire of Faith
Gerrit W. Gong, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Gong invites us to find joy and strength through faith, creativity, and loving service.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- How can creativity enhance your faith and gratitude for life?
- What role does ministering play in strengthening our faith and connection to others?
- Why is it important to love God and our neighbors with all our hearts and souls?
- How can establishing regular patterns of righteous living deepen your spirituality?
- What does it mean to seek perfection in Christ rather than in ourselves?
Topics
Find Joy in Wholesome Creativity
Elder Gong discusses how engaging in creative activities can help us observe and appreciate God's creations, fostering a spirit of gratitude and enhancing our faith.
Creativity can engender a spirit of gratitude for life and for what the Lord has woven into your being.
There is joy in imagining, learning, doing worthwhile new things. This is especially true as we deepen faith and trust in Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
- How does creativity help us observe and appreciate God's creations?
- What are some ways that engaging in creative activities can strengthen our faith?
- What creative activities bring you joy and help you feel closer to God?
- How can you incorporate more creativity into your daily life to enhance your faith?
Minister in New, Higher, and Holier Ways
Elder Gong highlights the importance of ministering with love and compassion, sharing a story of a priesthood brother whose efforts helped a family become active in the Church and be sealed in the temple.
Such ministering brings miracles and the blessings of covenant belonging—where we feel God’s love and seek to minister to others in that spirit.
Imagine how grateful the children and grandchildren are to their father and mother and to the ministering brother who came as a friend and companion with their father to minister to and love others.
- Why is ministering with love and compassion important in the gospel?
- How can ministering lead to miracles and blessings in our lives and the lives of others?
- Reflect on a time when you were ministered to in a meaningful way. How did it impact your faith?
- How can you improve your ministering efforts to be more loving and compassionate?
Love the Lord and Others with All Your Heart and Soul
Elder Gong emphasizes the scriptural invitation to love God and our neighbors with all our hearts and souls, highlighting the joy and blessings that come from such devotion.
The scriptures invite us to place all we are and are becoming on the altar of love and service.
We rejoice in the invitation to devote our whole souls to seeking higher and holier ways to love God and those around us.
- What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, and might?
- How can loving your neighbor as yourself strengthen your faith?
- In what ways can you show greater love for God in your daily life?
- How can you better love and serve those around you, including your family, friends, and community?
Establish Regular Patterns of Righteous Living
Elder Gong encourages the establishment of holy habits and righteous routines that deepen our faith and spirituality, such as prayer, scripture study, and keeping the Sabbath day holy.
These holy habits, righteous routines, or prayerful patterns may include prayer; scripture study; fasting; remembering our Savior and covenants through the ordinance of the sacrament.
When righteous patterns and spiritual yearnings join, time and eternity come together.
- Why are regular patterns of righteous living important for our spiritual growth?
- How can daily religious observance draw us closer to God?
- What holy habits and righteous routines can you establish or improve in your life?
- How can you ensure that your daily practices align with your spiritual goals?
Seek Perfection in Christ, Not in Ourselves
Elder Gong reminds us that perfection is found in Jesus Christ, not in ourselves or the perfectionism of the world. He encourages us to come unto Christ and rely on His grace for strength and peace.
God’s invitations are full of love and possibility because Jesus Christ is "the way, the truth, and the life."
In this assurance "by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ" is also the comfort, peace, and promise that we can continue forward with faith and confidence in the Lord.
- What does it mean to seek perfection in Christ?
- How can relying on Christ's grace bring us peace and strength?
- How can you shift your focus from achieving personal perfection to seeking perfection in Christ?
- What steps can you take to more fully rely on Christ's grace in your daily life?
