Study Guide for "Be Thou Clean"

In his heartfelt talk "Be Thou Clean," Elder D. Martin Goury of the Seventy shares a personal childhood experience that taught him the significance of spiritual purity and repentance. Reflecting on a moment from his youth in Côte d'Ivoire, Elder Goury emphasizes the importance of cleansing our spirits through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He urges us to embrace daily repentance as a means to draw closer to our Savior and to better recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Elder Goury's message highlights the transformative power of repentance and the essential role of the Holy Ghost in our spiritual journey.

Before Reading

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

What childhood experience did Elder Goury share to illustrate his understanding of spiritual purity?
How does Elder Goury describe the role of repentance in our lives?
What analogy does Elder Goury use to explain the importance of daily spiritual cleansing?
How can the Holy Ghost guide us in our daily lives according to Elder Goury?
What example does Elder Goury give of following the promptings of the Holy Ghost?

Topics

Embrace Spiritual Purity

Elder Goury recounts a childhood experience where he misunderstood a preacher's call for cleanliness, which later taught him about the importance of spiritual purity. He emphasizes that spiritual purity is achieved through repentance and the Savior's atonement.

No unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood.

The preacher’s message was centered on the importance of spiritual purity.

What does spiritual purity mean in the context of Elder Goury's talk?
How does the Savior's atonement contribute to our spiritual purity?
How can you strive for spiritual purity in your daily life?
What steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually prepared for the Savior's return?

Repentance Brings Joy

Elder Goury highlights the joy and peace that come from genuine repentance. He references President Nelson's invitation to experience daily repentance and encourages members to not delay in this essential practice.

Please do not fear or delay repenting. Satan delights in your misery. Cut it short.

The joy that emanates from genuine repentance surpasses understanding.

Why is repentance described as a joyful process?
How does repentance help us overcome the natural man?
What are some areas in your life where you can apply daily repentance?
Reflect on a time when you felt joy after repenting. How can this motivate you to continue repenting daily?

Daily Spiritual Cleansing

Using the analogy of his wife's daily routine of cleaning her hearing aids, Elder Goury illustrates the importance of daily repentance in maintaining our spiritual clarity and connection with the Holy Ghost.

Just as her daily hearing aid cleaning allows her to hear clearly, daily repentance allows us to discern the guidance of the Lord through the Holy Ghost.

What does Elder Goury compare daily repentance to, and why?
How does daily repentance affect our ability to receive guidance from the Holy Ghost?
What daily habits can you establish to ensure spiritual cleanliness?
How can you improve your spiritual "hearing" to better discern the Holy Ghost's promptings?

Follow the Holy Ghost's Guidance

Elder Goury stresses the importance of being receptive to the Holy Ghost's promptings. He shares a story of following an impression to visit a family in need, illustrating how the Holy Ghost can guide us to minister 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.

In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.

What role does the Holy Ghost play in our spiritual survival?
How can we increase our ability to receive promptings from the Holy Ghost?
Reflect on a time when you felt prompted by the Holy Ghost. How did you respond?
What can you do to be more open to the Holy Ghost's guidance in your daily decisions?

Testimony of the Atonement and Prophetic Guidance

Elder Goury bears testimony of the Savior's atonement and the importance of following the prophet. He emphasizes that through the Holy Ghost, we can be led to repent and use the Savior's atonement in our lives.

I testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real and that as we learn to follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost, He will lead us to repent and use the power of the Savior’s Atonement in our lives.

President Russell M. Nelson is the true and living prophet of the Lord, with all priesthood keys on the earth today.

How does the Holy Ghost help us utilize the Atonement in our lives?
Why is it important to follow the prophet's guidance?
How can you strengthen your testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
What steps can you take to more closely follow the prophet's counsel in your life?