“Holiness to the Lord in Everyday Life” by Elder Gerrit W. Gong
In his talk “Holiness to the Lord in Everyday Life,” Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles emphasizes the significance of making everyday actions sacred by aligning them with God’s holiness.
He begins by sharing a lighthearted family story about a dad jokes contest at a Gong family reunion, where he humorously faced off against an artificial intelligence programmed to mimic his style.
Through this, Elder Gong illustrates that humor and joy are essential parts of a gospel-centered life, where holiness and happiness are interconnected.
Elder Gong elaborates on the concept of holiness, explaining that it not only involves dedicating specific actions or places to God but also infusing everyday moments with sacred purpose. He underscores that holiness in daily life brings us closer to God, cultivates a deep sense of joy, and strengthens our relationships with each other. Holiness helps us become more like God, as He is holy, and by walking with Him, we can be uplifted and purified.
Nov 10 2024 EQ lesson (Gong and Stevenson) by John Dye
The General Conference address highlights the impact of holiness on individuals and families, offering various real-life stories from members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) whose lives reflect holiness in everyday actions. Elder Gong shares the experiences of young adults, missionaries, and senior Church members, demonstrating how their commitment to holiness, through things like gospel covenants, missionary service, and devotion to family, leads to personal growth, peace, and fulfillment.
Elder Gong points out that religious believers, on average, report higher levels of happiness, health, and fulfillment compared to those without spiritual commitment. He attributes these benefits to “religious structural stability,” which provides clarity, purpose, and connection amidst life’s challenges. Holiness, he argues, helps individuals navigate difficult times by offering a sense of purpose and by fostering meaningful connections with others.
One of the key messages is that holiness to the Lord can be seen in both grand and everyday actions. Elder Gong describes the strength and peace that can come from personal spiritual experiences, such as the healing found through temple worship, the power of covenants, and the importance of prayer. He reflects on his mother’s life and her deep commitment to the Lord, drawing inspiration from her example of enduring faith.
Elder Gong concludes the talk with an invitation to all, encouraging individuals to seek holiness in their daily lives by coming closer to God, embracing the sacred, and preparing themselves to live with Him forever. He testifies of God’s love for each person and emphasizes that holiness is not a distant or unattainable goal but something that can be practiced every day through small, consistent actions that bring us closer to the divine.
10 Quotes:
- “Holiness to the Lord makes daily living sacred. It draws us closer and happier to the Lord and each other.”
- “Holiness sets things apart for sacred purpose. But holiness also invites us to infuse daily living with the sacred—to rejoice in daily bread amidst this world’s thistles and thorns.”
- “What researchers call ‘religious structural stability’ offers clarity, purpose, and inspiration amidst life’s twists and turns.”
- “Holiness to the Lord says no to the profane, no to snarky cleverness at others’ expense, no to algorithms that monetize anger and polarization.”
- “Holiness to the Lord says yes to the sacred and reverent, yes to our becoming our freest, happiest, most authentic, best selves as we follow Him in faith.”
- “Before we got married, I was honest with my fiancé that I didn’t have a great testimony of tithing. Why did God need us to give money when others had so much to give? My fiancé helped explain it’s not about money but following a commandment asked of us.”
- “I really saw my testimony grow… Somehow paychecks were enough.”
- “I learned in that moment to pray not for what I wanted but for what the Lord knew the person needed.”
- “Your covenants are with me.”
- “Holiness to the Lord makes daily living sacred. It draws us closer and happier to the Lord and each other and prepares us to live with God our Father, Jesus Christ, and our loved ones.”
10 Questions:
- How can I make my everyday actions more sacred and intentional in aligning with God’s will?
- In what ways can I infuse holiness into my routine activities, such as work, family life, and social interactions?
- Do I feel connected to God through my daily habits, or are there areas where I could invite Him into my life more fully?
- How do I react when I face challenges in my faith or beliefs? How can I learn to respond with greater peace and trust in God?
- How can I better support and uplift others, especially when they are facing difficult situations, as I strive to live a holy life?
- What are some small changes I can make in my day-to-day actions to become a more authentic, loving, and joyful follower of Christ?
- Do I truly believe that God sees and understands my struggles, just as He saw and understood the struggles of the individuals Elder Gong mentioned?
- How can I invite the sacred into my home, family, and relationships more regularly?
- What covenants do I need to focus on more deeply in my life to draw closer to God and find greater fulfillment?
- When was the last time I sought peace through prayer, and how can I strengthen my connection with God through personal prayer moving forward?
dyejo
Guest Author
