Be Thou Clean
D. Martin Goury, of the Seventy
Elder Goury emphasizes the importance of daily repentance for spiritual purity and guidance.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Start by sharing a personal experience of a time when you misunderstood a spiritual teaching, similar to Elder Goury's childhood story. Invite class members to share their own experiences.
- Begin with a discussion on the importance of cleanliness and purity in both physical and spiritual contexts, and how they relate to our readiness to meet the Savior.
- Play a short video or share a story about the process of repentance and how it leads to peace and joy in our lives.
- Ask the class to ponder silently for a moment about an aspect of their life where they feel they need to "cleanse" or improve spiritually.
- Invite a class member to read the scripture Elder Goury referenced about washing garments in the Savior’s blood, and then discuss what that means in practical terms.
Topics
Understand Spiritual Purity
Elder Goury shared an experience from his childhood that taught him the importance of spiritual purity. He initially misunderstood a preacher's call to cleanse clothes as a literal directive, but later learned that the focus was on spiritual cleanliness through repentance and faith in the Savior.
The preacher’s message was centered on the importance of spiritual purity. He urged the congregation to seek repentance, make changes in their lives, and turn to the Savior for redemption.
- How can we ensure that we are spiritually pure in our daily lives?
- What are some misconceptions people might have about spiritual purity?
- How can we teach children about the importance of spiritual purity?
- Why is it important to understand the difference between physical and spiritual cleanliness?
- What steps can we take to become spiritually pure?
Embrace Daily Repentance
Elder Goury emphasized the necessity of daily repentance as a means to experience joy and spiritual growth. He referenced President Nelson's invitation to not delay repentance and to feel the Savior's love through this process.
Please do not fear or delay repenting. Satan delights in your misery. Cut it short. Cast his influence out of your life! Start today to experience the joy of putting off the natural man.
- What does daily repentance look like for you?
- How can we overcome the fear or reluctance to repent?
- What are some blessings that come from regular repentance?
- How can we encourage others to embrace daily repentance?
- In what ways has daily repentance brought joy to your life?
Seek Guidance from the Holy Ghost
Elder Goury highlighted the role of the Holy Ghost in guiding and teaching us. He warned against letting worldly influences drown out the Spirit's voice and emphasized the need for the Holy Ghost's constant companionship.
In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.
- How can we improve our ability to hear and follow the Holy Ghost?
- What are some ways the Holy Ghost has guided you in your life?
- How can we ensure we are worthy to have the Holy Ghost with us?
- What are some challenges that might prevent us from feeling the Holy Ghost?
- How can we help others recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost?
Follow Prophetic Guidance
Elder Goury stressed the importance of following the guidance of prophets and apostles to enhance our spiritual growth and ability to receive the Holy Ghost's promptings.
When we consciously choose to follow the guidance of prophets and apostles, our capacity to have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion grows.
- Why is it important to follow the guidance of living prophets?
- How has following prophetic counsel blessed your life?
- What are some recent teachings from prophets that have impacted you?
- How can we help others see the value in following prophetic guidance?
- What role do prophets play in our spiritual journey?
Minister with the Spirit's Guidance
Elder Goury shared an experience where following a prompting led to ministering to someone in need. He illustrated how being receptive to the Holy Ghost enables us to serve others effectively.
When we are receptive to the guidance of the still, small voice, we are better equipped to more effectively minister to those in need.
- How can we be more receptive to the Spirit's promptings in our ministering efforts?
- What experiences have you had where following a prompting led to blessing someone else?
- How does the Holy Ghost help us in our ministering assignments?
- Why is it important to act on spiritual promptings quickly?
- How can we teach others to recognize and act on promptings?
Additional Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to wash our garments in the Savior’s blood?
- How can we help our family members understand the importance of repentance?
- What are some ways to teach children about the role of the Holy Ghost?
- How can we balance worldly knowledge with spiritual guidance?
- What are some practical steps to follow prophetic counsel?
- How can we prepare ourselves to receive the Holy Ghost’s guidance daily?
- What role does faith play in the process of repentance?
- How can we support someone who is struggling with repentance?
- What are some ways to ensure we are spiritually prepared for the Savior’s return?
- How can we cultivate a habit of listening to the Holy Ghost?
