Be Thou Clean
Written by April T Giauque
Elder D Martin Goury
As I see the title of this talk, there is a power from Christ that stands as a gate that seems to be locked or opened depending on how I am doing. When I have an open, willing, and repenting heart, I feel prepared for the Savior’s return. Daily repentance is a gift from God—take advantage of it!
Elder Goury shares a story of when he was very young in his African village. He was playing football with his friends behind the church, and he heard the preacher tell the congregation to cleanse their clothing to prepare for the Savior. He ran home and shared with his mother. His mother washed and prepared his clothing. He returned to the church in his damp clothing, but no one was there. He was disappointed. He walked back home. I love how his child-like heart was prepared and how he wanted to see the Savior. I pray I am like that every day.
Prepare for the Savior’s Return
You have read the expression for your garments to be washed/cleansed in His blood.
“And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithful.”
Elder Goury teaches how our Heavenly Father understands our mortal journey and the inevitability of sin in our lives. I am forever thankful, as is Elder Goury, that He has provided a Savior to atone for our transgressions. Through the Savior’s redemptive sacrifice, each of us can repent, seek forgiveness, and become clean. What a gift! We know that no unclean thing can return to God, so Repentance is the tool to help us.
Repentance!
Repentance, a foundational gospel principle, is essential for our spiritual development and resilience as we navigate life’s challenges. Do we take advantage of this and repent daily? Do we know what that looks and feels like, and do we desire it?
Russell M. Nelson invited every member of the Church to experience the joy of daily repentance. He said:
“Please do not fear or delay repenting. Satan delights in your misery. Cut it short. Cast his influence out of your life! Start today to experience the joy of putting off the natural man. The Savior loves us always but especially when we repent. …
“If you feel you have strayed off the covenant path too far or too long and have no way to return, that simply is not true.”
Joy in Repentance
Elder Goury teaches that the joy that emanates from genuine repentance surpasses understanding. Our burdens of guilt are lifted and replaced with a sense of peace and tranquility through repentance.
As we repent earnestly, we are sanctified through the Savior’s blood, increasing our sensitivity to the promptings and influence of the Holy Ghost.
Repentance is Daily Maintenance
Elder Goury shares a personal story that really helps to demonstrate why daily repentance is daily maintenance: My eternal companion was born with a hearing impairment and, as a result, must wear hearing aids. She must clean them daily to hear most effectively. When she overlooks this daily ritual, her ability to hear suffers throughout the day; spoken words gradually fade and eventually become inaudible.
Just as her daily hearing aid cleaning allows her to hear clearly, daily repentance allows us to discern the guidance of the Lord through the Holy Ghost.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
Follow the Holy Ghost, and Growth Happens
Jesus prepared his disciples to know that the Holy Ghost would be there to comfort and guide them back to Him.
From President Nelson, “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” I am grateful that each of us can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost at the time of our confirmation.
I love studying these talks because it helps me to choose to follow the guidance of prophets and apostles consciously; our capacity to have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion grows.
Elder Goury shares that the Holy Ghost clarifies decision-making, prompting thoughts and impressions that align with our Heavenly Father’s will. Having the Holy Ghost as a constant companion is crucial for our spiritual growth. When we are receptive to the guidance of the still, small voice, we are better equipped to minister to those in need more effectively.
Personal Story: Being Clean and Following the Holy Ghost
Elder Goury was assigned to oversee a Stake Conference. He joined the Stake President in visiting members of the Stake. They completed the task and had time left. The Stake president felt another prompting, and they both agreed to follow it.
They discovered Sister Jones confined to bed due to illness. She needed a priesthood blessing. With her permission, they administered it to her. Sister Jones asked, “How do we know of her urgent need for a blessing?” Elder Goury says, “The truth is, we didn’t know. However, our Heavenly Father did.” Just like Elder Goury, when we are in tune with the Holy Ghost, we can be prepared for His return!
Elder Goury then shares this testimony: I testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real and that as we learn to follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost, He will lead us to repent and use the power of the Savior’s Atonement in our lives. And when we are clean, we will be ready for the Saivor’s return!
I can’t wait to share this with you on Tuesday at 6:30 pm Mountain on the Beacon of Light Podcast from the Pulpit.
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