Reverence and a Higher Pattern of Spirituality

Each of us can transform our discipleship into a higher pattern of spirituality by making the virtue of reverence a sacred part of our spiritual character....reverence for the sacred fosters genuine gratitude, expands true happiness, leads our minds to revelation, and brings greater joy to our lives.

Reverence for Sacred Things

April 2025

General Conference

Ulisses Soares

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/51soares?lang=eng&verse=#p

Our homes should be the ultimate combination of both sacred time and holy place

 Today I repeat a principle I previously have emphasized. Our homes should be the ultimate combination of both sacred time and holy place wherein individuals and families can “be still” and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior. Leaving our homes to worship on the Sabbath and in the house of the Lord certainly is essential. But only as we return to our homes with the spiritual perspective and strength obtained in those holy places and activities can we then sustain our focus upon the primary purposes of mortal life and overcome the temptations so prevalent in our fallen world.

“Be Still, and Know That I Am God”

April 2024

General Conference

David A. Bednar

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2024/04/21bednar?lang=eng&verse=#p

A person cannot willfully sin on Saturday evening and expect that all he or she needs to do is eat a piece of bread and drink a cup of water on Sunday and magically be cleansed.

The sacrament was, however, not instituted as a specific means of securing a remission of our sins (see James E. Talmage, The Articles of Faith, 12th ed. [1924], 175). A person cannot willfully sin on Saturday evening and expect that all he or she needs to do is eat a piece of bread and drink a cup of water on Sunday and magically be cleansed. But the sanctifying effect of the Holy Ghost can cleanse all who repent with a sincere heart and with real intent.

Jesus Christ Is the Treasure

October 2023

General Conference

Dale G. Renlund

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/57renlund?lang=eng&verse=#p

Power of Paying Attention

 Livvy has watched general conference her entire life. In fact, in her home they traditionally watch all five sessions as a family. In the past, conference for Livvy had meant doodling or drifting into the occasional unintended nap. But this past October general conference was different. It became personal.

This time, Livvy decided to be an active recipient. She silenced notifications on her phone and took notes of impressions from the Spirit. She was amazed as she felt specific things God wanted her to hear and do. This decision made a difference in her life almost immediately.

Just days later her friends invited her to an inappropriate movie. She reflected, “I felt the words and spirit of conference return into my heart, and I heard myself declining their invitation.” She also had the courage to share her testimony of the Savior in her ward.

After these events she stated, “The amazing thing is, when I heard myself testify that Jesus is the Christ, I felt the Holy Ghost confirm it again for me.”

Livvy did not skip like a stone over the surface of conference weekend; she dove in, mind and spirit, and found the Savior there.

Never Give Up an Opportunity to Testify of Christ

April 2023

General Conference

Bonnie H. Cordon

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/04/12cordon?lang=eng&verse=#p

Severing Your Spiritual Roots and Moving Yourself Toward Stony Ground

Young people, if that teaching seems too general, here is a specific example. If the emblems of the sacrament are being passed and you are texting or whispering or playing video games or doing anything else to deny yourself essential spiritual food, you are severing your spiritual roots and moving yourself toward stony ground. You are making yourself vulnerable to withering away when you encounter tribulation like isolation, intimidation, or ridicule. And that applies to adults also.

General Conference, APRIL 2015,  The Parable of the Sower,  Dallin H. Oaks

Three Influences In Home Life Awake Reverence In Children

President David O. McKay counseled: “Three influences in home life awaken reverence in children and contribute to its development in their souls. These are: first, firm but Gentle Guidance; second, Courtesy shown by parents to each other, and to children; and third, Prayer in which children participate.”

April 1994 Ensign "Primary Days" Thomas S. Monson
A Prophets Voice - Messages From Thomas S. Monson p. 377-78
David O. McKay, Improvement Era, Dec. 1956, p. 915.

Harshness in Our Training Begets Resentment, Not Reverence

Harshness in our training begets resentment, not reverence.

Author: Margaret S. Lifferth
Title: Respect and Reverence
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 11–13

Reverence and Self Discipline

A toddler can learn to fold his arms and get ready for prayer. But it takes time, patience, and consistency. Remember that we are not only teaching a child his first lessons in reverence, but the child may be mastering his first attempts at self-discipline.

Author: Margaret S. Lifferth
Title: Respect and Reverence
Where: Ensign, May 2009, 11–13

They Are the Future of the Church

Often we equate the reverence of a congregation with the behavior of the children present. True, young children can provide a special challenge to reverence. But the first rule with respect to children is to bring them! They can be taught, they can be taken out, and they can be brought back into the meeting. And in the teaching it is better to minimize the number of training tools that are brought to church, such as toys and food. Latter-day Saint congregations are generally blessed with large numbers of children and youth, and we should be thankful for this. They are the future of the Church.


Author:Robert C. Oaks
Title: Worship through Reverence
Where: Ensign, Dec 2009, 20–23

1

1