Constructing a Soul Virtual Tour
An Exhibition in the Education in Zion Gallery
Exhibition Content
The Parallels Between People and Buildings
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul compared human bodies to temples: “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you?” (1 Cor. 6:19). As individual human beings, with bodies and spirits, we have many similarities to physical buildings.
This exhibition explores four key parallels between constructing a building and constructing a soul. Each of these processes applies to our lives in helping us grow spiritually and physically to reach our full potential. It has been thoughtfully designed to help visitors see the importance of appropriately implementing the processes of planning, construction, improvement, and rebuilding throughout our lives.
This exhibition explores four key parallels between constructing a building and constructing a soul. Each of these processes applies to our lives in helping us grow spiritually and physically to reach our full potential. It has been thoughtfully designed to help visitors see the importance of appropriately implementing the processes of planning, construction, improvement, and rebuilding throughout our lives.
Pre-Building
Like any construction project, personal development begins with creating a design, identifying resources, and planning for problems. |
“‘Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;’ (D&C 88:119) Where could any of us locate a more suitable blueprint whereby he or she could wisely and properly build a house to personally occupy throughout eternity?”
—President Thomas S. Monson, “Your Eternal Home,” April 2000
What are my resources?What has God given me to build?What resources are required for me to build? |
Building
Just as a successful building is constructed in a sequence of steps, often with temporary support, a happy and successful life is built line upon line, by following our Father’s plan and relying on others for support. |
“Like the designers and builders of our time, our loving and kind Father in Heaven and His Son have prepared plans, tools, and other resources for our use so that we can build and frame our lives to be sure and unshaken.”
“The Church itself will continue to be the first and foremost institution—the ‘scaffolding’ as it were—to help build strong families.”
–Presiding Bishop Dean M. Davies, “A Sure Foundation,” April 2013
“The Church itself will continue to be the first and foremost institution—the ‘scaffolding’ as it were—to help build strong families.”
–Elder M. Russell Ballard
What tools have I been given to build myself?In what ways am I supported as I build myself?How do I maintain safety while constructing my soul? |
Comparison Matrix
Buildings | Our Spirits | Our Bodies |
Pre-building Choosing a site and drawing up estimates with architects’ plans | Praying for guidance, reading scriptures, & choosing the right | Developing a diet, exercise, and recreation program |
Building Constructing with specified materials and processes | Making sacred covenants & doing the will of the Lord. | Getting enough sleep, eating well-balanced meals, and exercising. |
Improving Maintaining, extending, & enhancing facilities | Seeking further light & knowledge | Setting higher goals in education & physical fitness |
Rebuilding Reconstructing after natural or manmade damage | Repenting, changing behavior and attitudes, and enduring to the end | Seeking treatment & healing for injuries, illnesses, or emotional traumas |
Rebuilding
Structures can be rebuilt and repurposed if they are destroyed by natural or man-made disasters; so too can God rebuild and repurpose his children who have been ravaged by sin or circumstance. |
“If man can take the ruins, rubble, and remains, of a broken city and rebuild an awe-inspiring structure that rises towards the heavens, how much more capable is our Almighty Father to restore His children who have fallen, struggle, or become lost?”
—Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “He Will Place You on His Shoulders and Carry You Home,” April 2016
Are there things in our lives we need to improve or change?Have we suffered a grievous loss?Do we need to seek forgiveness from Heavenly Father? |
Improving
Just as buildings require continual maintenance and improvements, so our lives also need constant effort for growth and wellbeing. |
“The first great principle that ought to occupy the attention of mankind is the principle of improvement. The object of this existence is to learn.”
—Brigham Young
What is broken and in need of repair in my life?Am I clean? Is it time for a remodel?What am I doing to maintain my testimony? |