Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “To Hold
Sacred,” by Paul B. Pieper, Ensign, May 2012, 109.
Thought:
Our strength to endure faithfully depends upon
recognizing, remembering, and holding sacred that
which we receive from above.
Sacred means worthy of veneration and respect. By designating something as sacred, the Lord signals
that it is of higher value and priority than other
things. Sacred things are to be treated with more
care, given greater deference, and regarded with
deeper reverence.
(Paul B. Pieper, “To Hold Sacred,” Ensign, May 2012, 109.)
Song:
“Reverence is Love,” Children’s Songbook, p. 31.
Scripture:
Remember that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit; and in this there is no condemnation, and ye receive the Spirit through prayer; wherefore, without this there remaineth condemnation.
(Doctrine and Covenants 63:64)
Lesson:
Show your family a picture of an expensive watch or piece of jewelry. Talk about why it would be inappropriate to give that jewelry to the family dog, or any other animal, for a toy. What would an animal do with jewelry? Ask your family to read Matthew 7:6. Ask:
• What does it say swine (pigs) will do to pearls?
• What does it mean to “trample them under their feet”?
• What other valuable thing is mentioned in that verse that tells us that Jesus is not
talking about real pigs or real pearls? (“That which is holy.”)
• What “holy” things, as valuable as pearls, do you think Jesus is talking about?
To help answer that last question, have your family read the Joseph Smith Translation
additions to this verse. (See JST Matthew 7:9–11 in the Bible Appendix.) Ask:
• What other word is used to describe these holy things? (Mysteries.)
• What other word is used for the dogs and swine? (The world.)
• What do you think the “mysteries” are and why can the world not know them? To help answer that question, share the following:
“There are, however, certain ‘mysteries’ that are held in reserve for those whose hearts are right and whose faith is full (3 Ne. 26:9–11; Ether 4:7).
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the mysteries can only be revealed to men of faith, for the moment you teach these sacred secrets to those of fallible faith, ‘they will be the
first to stone you and put you to death’ ([Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith], 309).” (Brewster, Doctrine and Covenants Encyclopedia, 374.)
Share with your family experiences you have had sharing the gospel with others and how you could tell who was likely to listen with respect and who was not.
(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The New Testament, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2006], p. 16.)
Story:
"In the Holy Land," Taken from President McKay’s world tour diary.
Bethlehem is a city of about 3,000, nearly all of whom profess to be Christians.
Over the [place] where Christ was born, stands the church built by Constantine, in which Greek
Catholics, Roman Catholics, and Armenians respectively have chapels.
The silver and the gold decorations and trappings that surround the sacred spot where the child
Jesus was born seemed to me to be desecrations. And when our guide pointed out the lines of demarkation between the Greeks and the Latins, and the Armenians and told us how they fought each other if one happened to trespass upon his neighbor, I was disgusted!
Twenty-five years ago the Armenian Christians, who have just a small corner for their altar, happened to move their carpet off their assigned place while they swept the floor. The consequence was that in the struggle that followed, so our guide reported, three of them were killed!
Roman Catholics dare not cross the Greek Catholic part! Pictures hang on the wall, undusted and so begrimed that they cannot be recognized for what they are, but no one dares touch them because the other sects would be so aroused in jealousy! And all this in the very precinct of the spot where he was born whose birth was heralded by a heavenly host singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14.)
The spirit of contention, of bigotry, and of jealousy has banished the Spirit of the Christ from the place of his nativity! After spending an hour or so in Bethlehem, we returned to Jerusalem.
(by Clare Middlemiss, David O. McKay, Cherished Experiences from the Writings of President David O. McKay, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1955], p. 122.)
Activity:
Take turns singing each family member’s favorite hymn.

Refreshment
Fruit Dip
1 8-ounce tub strawberry or pineapple soft-style cream cheese 1 7-ounce jar marshmallow crème
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
In a mixer bowl, beat together cream cheese, marshmallow creme, orange juice, and lemon juice. Beat until smooth. Refrigerate before serving. Serve with fresh fruit. Makes about 2 cups.
(Lion House Entertaining, [Salt Lake City: Eagle Gate, 2001], p. 25.)
Get the PDF version of "FHE: Sacredness."