He Turned Aside

Reverence is not just an aspect of spirituality; it is the essence of it—the foundation upon which spirituality is built

Elder Ulisses Soares, “Reverence for Sacred Things,” April 2025 general conference

As Moses watched his father-in-law’s flocks, he saw something awe-inspiring: a bush that appeared to be on fire but was not consumed. He said, “I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.” When God saw that Moses had “turned aside,” He called out to him by name: “Moses, Moses” (Exodus 3:1-4).

Turning aside when we encounter something holy means eliminating distractions: putting away our phones, ignoring our worldly concerns, and giving our full attention to the sacredness of the experience. It may involve dressing appropriately for the occasion — Moses removed his shoes (Exodus 3:5), just as Latter-day Saints remove their shoes before participating in temple marriage ceremonies (see “Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple” on churchofjesuschrist.org).

It also means letting go of behaviors and thought patterns that are inconsistent with holiness. As Alma encouraged the people in the city of Gideon: “Come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you” (Alma 7:15). And as Moroni urged readers of the Book of Mormon: “Deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and … then is his grace sufficient for you … that ye become holy, without spot” (Moroni 10:32-33).

Today, I will treat sacred things with reverence. As I participate in church services on this Palm Sunday, I will turn aside from the things of the world, in order to pay appropriate respect to the things of God.