"The Finest Homes," by Elder L. Whitney Clayton
Lesson by Tina Gregoire
The Savior is the perfect engineer, builder, and interior designer. His project is the perfection
and eternal joy of our souls.
Elder Clayton begins his talk by asking the question: what is a finest home? He then gives us four
observations about fine homes.
First: “From the Lord’s perspective, establishing the finest homes has everything to do with the
personal qualities of the people who live there. The finest characteristic of any home is the
image of Christ reflected in the home’s residents…..Christlike attributes adorn the lives of those
who strive to live with goodness.”
Second: “Residents in the finest homes make time to study the scriptures and the words of
living prophets. President Nelson has invited us to “transform” and “remodel” our homes
through gospel study. His invitation recognizes that fine homes house the tender, vital work of
personal growth and remodeling our weaknesses.”
Third: “Fine homes follow the blueprint created by the Lord for His finest home, the
temple…..As we continue in faith, the Lord gradually changes us . We receive His image in our
countenance and begin to reflect the love and beauty of His character. As we become more like
Him, we will feel at home in His house.”
Fourth: “The finest homes are refuges from the storms of life. The Lord has promised that those
who keep the commandments of God ‘prosper in the land’. God’s prosperity is the power to
press forward despite the problems of life.”
Elder Clayton ends his talk on this note: “Wherever you live, whatever your house looks like, and
whatever the composition of your family you can help build the finest home for your family.
The restored gospel of Jesus Christ provides the plans for that home.”
As we navigate this “new normal” that is life right now, I am grateful for a living prophet that has
prepared us for Home Centered, Church Supported Learning and in all ways to strengthen
ourselves and our family from our own homes
I testify that as we try to live Christlike lives, study the scriptures, be worthy for and attend the
temple and keep the Lord’s commandments, our faith will be strengthened every day and our
homes will be “fine” for The King.
Tina, I loved your thoughtful summary of Elder Clayton’s talk and I so appreciate your insight that we are able to “navigate this new normal, because through a living prophet we are being prepared”.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I was also being reminded to look for the Lord’s perspective. I have lots of “warts”, and my family has a few too, and we get to enjoy them all, but the Lord sees more than a family with “warts”. His “project is the perfection and eternal joy of our souls”. He invites me to live in a home where Christ is central, and the “warts” will go, and He will make the “finest version” of me and my family.