Lesson Prepration Guide for "Holiness to the Lord in Everyday Life"

In his inspiring talk, "Holiness to the Lord in Everyday Life," Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shares personal stories and insights that illuminate how we can infuse our daily lives with sacredness and joy. He emphasizes the power of holiness in transforming ordinary experiences into moments of spiritual growth and connection with God. Through relatable anecdotes and profound teachings, Elder Gong invites us to embrace holiness as a guiding principle in our everyday actions and relationships.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin the lesson by sharing a personal experience or story where you felt holiness in your everyday life. Invite a few class members to share brief stories as well.
Start with a discussion on the concept of holiness. Ask the class what holiness means to them and how it can be integrated into daily life.
Play a short video or share a quote about finding joy and holiness in everyday moments, then ask the class to reflect on how they can find similar moments in their lives.
Present a scenario where someone faces a challenge and ask the class how they could infuse holiness into that situation.
Begin with a group activity where members list ways they currently make life sacred and discuss how they might improve or add new practices.

Topics

Embrace Joy and Holiness Daily

Elder Gong emphasized that holiness can be infused into daily living, bringing joy and sacredness to everyday moments. By walking with the Lord and becoming holy, we can experience joy even amidst life's challenges.

Ours is a gospel of joy and holiness in everyday life. Holiness sets things apart for sacred purpose.

How can we find joy in our daily routines?
What are some small ways to make everyday actions more holy?
Why do you think joy and holiness are connected?
Can you share a time when you felt joy through holiness?
How does focusing on holiness change your perspective on challenges?

Live the Seven Cs of Holiness

Elder Gong introduced the "seven Cs" as a framework for living a holy life: communion with God, community, compassion, commitment, covenant, centered in Christ. These principles guide us to live more fulfilling and connected lives.

You live seven Cs: communion with God, community and compassion with each other, commitment and covenant with God, family, and friends—centered in Jesus Christ.

Which of the seven Cs do you find most challenging to live?
How can we improve our communion with God?
What role does community play in living a holy life?
Why is it important to be centered in Jesus Christ?
How do the seven Cs help us become more like Christ?

Recognize the Blessings of Religious Commitment

Elder Gong highlighted studies showing that religious believers often enjoy better health, happiness, and life satisfaction. This "religious structural stability" provides clarity and purpose, helping us navigate life's challenges.

Growing evidence highlights this striking fact: religious believers are on average happier, healthier, and more fulfilled than those without spiritual commitment or connection.

What are some blessings you have experienced from your religious commitment?
How can spiritual practices improve mental and physical health?
Why do you think religious believers report higher life satisfaction?
How does your faith provide clarity and purpose in your life?
Can you share an experience where your faith helped you through a difficult time?

Share Personal Stories of Holiness

Elder Gong shared various personal stories illustrating holiness in everyday life, from young couples living gospel principles to senior missionaries finding peace. These stories inspire us to seek holiness in our own lives.

Your stories of holiness to the Lord in everyday life inspire us.

Which story shared by Elder Gong resonated most with you and why?
How can sharing personal stories strengthen our faith community?
What stories from your life demonstrate holiness in everyday actions?
Why is it important to share experiences of living gospel principles?
How do these stories motivate you to seek holiness?

Find Strength in the Temple

Elder Gong discussed the power of the temple in bringing healing, strength, and spiritual power. Visiting the temple helps us feel closer to the Lord and strengthens our relationships with loved ones.

Holiness to the Lord in everyday life includes coming more often to the Lord in His holy house.

What feelings do you experience when you visit the temple?
How can regular temple attendance strengthen your family relationships?
What role does the temple play in your personal spiritual growth?
How can we make our homes more like the temple?
Can you share a specific blessing you have received from temple attendance?

Additional Discussion Questions

How can we incorporate the concept of 'Holiness to the Lord' in our daily decisions?
What are some barriers to achieving holiness in everyday life, and how can we overcome them?
How does living a holy life impact our interactions with others?
In what ways can holiness help us combat feelings of loneliness or isolation?
How can we teach our children to find holiness in their everyday activities?
What role does gratitude play in living a holy life?
How can we better support each other in our journey towards holiness?
What does it mean to you to 'walk with the Lord'?
How can we discern between what is sacred and what is profane in our lives?
What steps can we take to ensure our actions reflect our commitment to holiness?