By Andrew Pete
Seeking after beautiful things is one process of refinement that will draw people nearer to God, Elder Douglas L. Callister of the Second Quorum of the Seventy said at Tuesday''s Devotional, Sept. 19, 2006.
'The nearer we get to God, the more easily our spirits are touched by refined and beautiful things,' said Elder Callister. 'I image that our Heavenly Parents are exquisitely refined.'
Elder Callister spoke of the importance of living a life that is filled with beautiful things such as good books, clean language and a love for culture and arts.
To 'peek behind the veil,' he said, one would find a language of literature, music and art that is perfected and pure; we will feel more comfortable in the presence of God if we have developed proper habits of speech.
'I suppose that the language of heaven, properly spoken, may approach the form of music,' Elder Callister said.
He pointed out that the angels that appeared at Jesus'' birth spoke instead of sang, and said the language spoken by angels is a language that is refined, virtuous and pure.
When speaking about refined language, Elder Callister shared an experience of what happened to Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson was invited to speak at a commemoration when he forgot his notes. Instead of speaking to the audience without notes, Emerson went up to the pulpit and than went back to his seat.
'He preferred to say nothing, rather than words not well-measured,' Elder Callister said.
Refining one''s speech requires a person to seek words of wisdom from the best books and seek after music that is uplifting. It is important to seek after these beautiful things in preparation to return to God.
The few that speak of stirring ideas, compelling books and inspiring doctrine are the few that make a mark on this world, Elder Callister said.
'Refinement in speech is reflected not only in our choice of words, but also in the things we talk about,' Elder Callister said.'The subjects discussed in heaven are not trifling or mundane.'
Elder Callister explained a personal experience that exemplified the importance of refined language in his family. After church every Sunday his family would remain in church clothes and enjoy a dinner together. He said they were expected to remain at the table and speak about worthwhile things.
He compared his college experience of continuing this Sunday tradition, then compared it to today''s youth who spend most of the their time with electronics.
'I don''t know whether our heavenly home has a Television set or a DVD machine,' said Elder Callister. 'In my minds imagery, it surely has a grand piano with a magnificent library.'
He emphasized the importance of avoiding 'superficial' entertainment like television, corrupt music, video games or the Internet. Reading a good book, listening to uplifting music or attending a cultural event should be some of the activities that use moments of free time.
Elder Callister also stressed the concept that the images our minds are exposed to will later come back to influence our lives, and whatever is listened to or looked at has an influence over the mind.
'As with companions, so with books, we may choose those which will make us better, or intelligent or appreciative of the good and the beautiful of the world,' Callister said. 'A good book, such as the scriptures, becomes a lifelong companion.'