Benjamin gave the family night lesson two weeks ago. It was brilliant; positively brilliant. He issued a family challenge. Each person was challenged to clean their bedroom. Really clean their bedroom. In two weeks, he would announce the winner according to a rubric that identified and graded each area. We were stunned, because his bedroom was not the model bedroom. For years it has been an unyielding monolith of clothes, books and papers that would be correctly designated; matter unorganized. Our attempts to encourage more order and cleanliness were not met with any kind of general understanding that a clean room had value. So the prospect of having everyone excited about the contest to clean rooms was thrilling!
The next question was even more brilliant! “What are the underlying scriptures and principles of a clean room?” He assigned us in teams for the quest. The “cleanliness is next to godliness,” team soon found that it is a wise saying but does not exist in the scriptures. Ideas suggested included:
- Excessive things or lost items that steal our time take away from our capacity to accomplish the essential. Having too many things or focusing on things can become idolatry. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matthew 6:24)
- We have a responsibility to take care of our earthly possessions. Our rooms are our stewardship. This idea is related to "every man shall be made accountable unto me, a steward over his own property," (Doctrine and Covenants 42:32)
- Bedrooms could be inspiring places. This could be connected to the idea, "I will lift up mine eyes..." Bedrooms can be a source of strength as the remind us of Christ and covenants.
- When we learn to take care of small things, we are ready to take care of bigger things. "Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.." (Matthew 25:21)
- We can share our things with others. "Thou shalt open thine hand wide ... to thy poor..." (Deuteronomy 15:11)
- Our homes should be orderly. They should be in the pattern of the temple. “Organize yourselves; … establish a house, even … a house of order, a house of God.” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:119)
So what did I learn? Teenagers are full of delightful surprises! Cleaning that is encouraged by a child carries more power than cleaning encouraged by a parent. Clean rooms are in the pattern of heaven, inspiring and help us better focus on what matters. Thank you Ben! Thank you for inspiring us to do better, be better and live truth!
