Study Guide for "The Finest Homes"

In his talk, Elder L. Whitney Clayton explores the concept of what makes a "finest home," drawing from his experiences visiting homes of Church members around the world. He identifies four key characteristics of fine homes, emphasizing the importance of Christlike attributes, daily scripture study, following the Lord's blueprint for the temple, and creating a refuge from life's storms. Elder Clayton encourages members to strive for these qualities in their own homes and lives.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does Elder Clayton identify as the key characteristics of a "finest home"?
How does Elder Clayton describe the importance of scripture study in creating a fine home?
What role does the temple play in establishing a fine home?
How can our homes become a refuge from life's storms?
What steps can we take to establish a "finest home"?

Topics

Establishing Christlike Attributes in Our Homes

Elder Clayton emphasizes that the finest homes are characterized by Christlike attributes, such as love, kindness, and understanding. These attributes are acquired over time through intentional progress along the covenant path and fill homes with gospel light.

The finest characteristic of any home is the image of Christ reflected in the home’s residents. What matters is the interior design of the souls of the inhabitants, not the structure itself.

Christlike attributes adorn the lives of those who strive to live with goodness. They fill homes with gospel light, whether the floor is mud or marble.

What does it mean to have the "image of Christ" reflected in a home's residents?
How can we acquire Christlike attributes?
How do Christlike attributes contribute to a fine home?
What steps can you take to cultivate Christlike attributes in your home?
How have you seen the impact of Christlike attributes in your own home or in others" homes?
What attributes do you feel you need to work on to better reflect the image of Christ in your home?

Daily Scripture Study in Our Homes

Elder Clayton explains the importance of daily scripture study in creating a fine home. Studying the scriptures brings us closer to the Savior, assists our personal growth, and provides invaluable guidance for righteous living.

Residents in the finest homes make time to study the scriptures and the words of living prophets every day.

The Bible, Book of Mormon, and Pearl of Great Price tell the stories of families, so it’s not surprising that those divine volumes are incomparable handbooks for constructing the finest homes.

Why is daily scripture study important in creating a fine home?
How can scripture study assist our personal growth and remodeling our weaknesses?
How can you make scripture study a daily habit in your home?
What insights have you gained from the scriptures that have helped you in creating a fine home?
How has scripture study brought you closer to the Savior?

Following the Lord's Blueprint for the Temple

Elder Clayton discusses how fine homes follow the blueprint created by the Lord for His finest home, the temple. He encourages members to keep the basic commandments, experience a mighty change of heart, and maintain a close connection to the temple.

Fine homes follow the blueprint created by the Lord for His finest home, the temple.

We can maintain our home’s close connection to His home by qualifying for and using a temple recommend as frequently as circumstances allow.

What does it mean to follow the Lord's blueprint for the temple in our homes?
How can keeping the commandments and experiencing a mighty change of heart contribute to a fine home?
How can we maintain a close connection to the temple in our homes?
What steps can you take to follow the Lord's blueprint for the temple in your home?
How can you strive to keep the commandments and experience a mighty change of heart?
How can you maintain a close connection to the temple in your home, especially if you live far from a temple?

Creating a Refuge from Life's Storms

Elder Clayton emphasizes that the finest homes are refuges from the storms of life. He shares an experience from Paraguay, where he learned that faithful living provides strength, vision, and heavenly help in times of turmoil.

The finest homes are refuges from the storms of life.

Mortality always brings challenges, but time after time I have seen that those who strive to obey the commandments are blessed to find their way forward with peace and hope.

How can our homes become a refuge from life's storms?
What role does faithful living play in creating a refuge from life's storms?
How can you make your home a refuge from life's storms?
What experiences have you had where your home has provided a refuge from life's storms?
How has faithful living helped you find peace and hope in times of turmoil?