Your home can be instrumental in creating a holy place
During the pandemic, church buildings were closed around the world, forcing members of all faiths to study on their own, to uplift themselves spiritually, and find other ways to satisfy the need for social contact. For many, this became a difficult time. It challenged us to be more self-reliant with how we become spiritually edified.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourages gospel study and the development of personal relationships with the Savior to begin in the home. This became especially valuable during the pandemic. Due to programs already in place, members were able to continue their gospel study without relying on an instructor to nourish them entirely. Yet, returning to full attendance doesn’t mean we should rely on the church as our only source of spiritual enrichment.
In today’s world, we need a place to seek refuge and receive peace and comfort during trying times. Jeffrey R. Holland, an apostle of the church, said of his late wife, “She made a temple of the home in which we lived. A love (or spirit) that made our home feel like Heaven and will someday make Heaven feel like home.”
It is important these days to create a home that feels like Heaven. Daily prayer, scripture and Sunday school lesson study, listening to inspirational music, and placing images around the home that inspire and encourage a Heavenly attitude can go a long way in attaining that goal. Applying love to the forefront of every decision and action while following the examples of Jesus Christ in word and deed can also help to obtain a strong spirit within our walls. During the Christmas season, many feel a spirit of joy as they perform acts of goodwill which brings them closer to Jesus. We need to carry those acts and feelings with us throughout the year. It not only helps our homes feel like Heaven, but others’ homes as well.
David Bednar, another apostle of the church said, “Our homes should be the ultimate combinations of both sacred time and holy place wherein individuals and families can learn and remember that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, Jesus Christ is our Savior, and enduring joy is found in the Lord.”
As we strive to create a home that feels like a holy place, we will be blessed with more joy, confidence, and assurance that one day Heaven will “feel like home.”
Robert King is the Cambridge Branch president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: How to make your home feel like Heaven
