Reverence for Sacred Things
Ulisses Soares, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Soares teaches that reverence for sacred things deepens spirituality and strengthens our connection to God.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin by sharing a personal experience where you felt reverence in a sacred setting, and invite class members to think about similar experiences in their lives.
- Play a hymn about reverence and ask the class to reflect on the feelings and thoughts it inspires.
- Start with a discussion on what reverence means to each member and how it is demonstrated in their daily lives.
- Share a brief story of Moses and the burning bush from Exodus, highlighting the moment of removing shoes as a sign of reverence.
- Ask the class to consider and share what sacred things in their lives deserve more reverence.
Topics
Cultivate Reverence in Daily Life
Elder Soares emphasized the importance of cultivating reverence as a vital spiritual quality. Reverence connects us to holiness and reflects our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It is the foundation of spirituality, leading to a deeper communion with God.
Reverence for sacred things is the greatest manifestation of a vital spiritual quality; it is a by-product of our connection to holiness and reflects our love for and proximity to our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ.
- How can we cultivate reverence in our daily activities?
- What are some ways to teach children about reverence?
- How does reverence affect our relationship with God?
- What changes can we make to show more reverence in our homes?
- Why is reverence considered the essence of spirituality?
Combat Irreverence in the World
Elder Soares warned about the increasing irreverence in the world, which leads to casualness and carelessness. This attitude can diminish our sense of accountability and weaken our covenant bonds with God, ultimately disrupting our channels of revelation.
The absence of respect for the sacred produces an increasing casualness in attitude and carelessness in conduct, which can rapidly spiral one generation into apathy and catapult the next generation into misery.
- What are some examples of irreverence in today's world?
- How can we protect ourselves and our families from the influence of irreverence?
- What are the consequences of irreverence for sacred things?
- How does irreverence affect our spiritual sensitivity?
- What can we do to maintain a sense of reverence amidst worldly distractions?
Reverence in the Use of Technology
Elder Soares discussed the importance of using technology reverently, especially when depicting sacred images or creating content. He emphasized that technology should not replace the inspiration of the Holy Ghost.
As followers of Christ, we need to be careful not to weaken our connection with God and His Son by using AI-generated content and images inappropriately.
- How can we use technology in a way that honors sacred things?
- What principles should guide our use of technology according to Elder Bednar?
- Why is it important to avoid relying on technology as a substitute for spiritual experiences?
- How can technology be both a blessing and a challenge to our spirituality?
- What steps can we take to ensure our use of technology aligns with gospel principles?
Transform Homes into Sacred Spaces
Elder Soares encouraged members to transform their homes into places of reverence by protecting them from worldly influences and focusing on prayer, scripture study, and covenant keeping. This creates a spiritual refuge similar to Moses" mountain experience.
Focusing on such actions can surely help transform our homes into reverent places of spiritual refuge—personal sanctuaries of faith where the Spirit resides, much like the mountain experience of Moses.
- What are some practical ways to make our homes more reverent?
- How does creating a sacred home environment affect our family relationships?
- What role does prayer play in transforming our homes into sacred spaces?
- How can we involve our family members in maintaining a reverent home?
- What challenges do we face in keeping our homes free from worldly influences?
Experience Reverence in Worship
Elder Soares highlighted the importance of reverence in worship, particularly in temple worship and during the sacrament. Reverence in these settings allows us to focus on the Savior and renew our covenants, leading to personal transformation.
Turning aside—like Moses—from worldly distractions, especially our cell phones or anything not in harmony with this sacred moment, enables us to turn our full attention to partaking of the sacrament, with our minds and hearts focused on the Savior and His atoning sacrifice along with our own covenants.
- How can we prepare ourselves to experience reverence during worship services?
- What steps can we take to ensure our temple worship is reverent and meaningful?
- How does reverence during the sacrament enhance our spiritual experience?
- What distractions might hinder our ability to worship reverently, and how can we overcome them?
- How can we encourage others to participate reverently in worship services?
Additional Discussion Questions
- What does the story of Moses and the burning bush teach us about reverence?
- How can reverence lead to a transformation in our discipleship?
- Why is it important to maintain reverence in our depiction of sacred images?
- What are the dangers of becoming casual in our attitude towards sacred things?
- How does reverence influence our ability to receive revelation?
- What role does the Holy Ghost play in helping us develop reverence?
- How can we teach reverence to those who may not understand its importance?
- What impact does reverence have on our sense of gratitude and happiness?
- How can reverence help us endure trials and challenges in life?
- In what ways can reverence bring us closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
