Why is the Gohonzon important? Because, through having faith in it, we can bring forth the Gohonzon, or the state of Buddhahood, that is inherent in our own lives. The Daishonin states that the Gohonzon is found only in the faith of each one of us (see WND-1, 832).
>From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 125

Daisaku Ikeda

You are all magnificent, noble Buddhas. You are people with an incredibly precious mission. Don’t compare yourselves to others. Value and accept yourselves for who you are and always strive to develop your own unique potential. And just as each one of you is a Buddha, so is everyone else around you. That’s why it’s important to respect and treasure your fellow members to the utmost. That is the key to the unity of the Soka Gakkai. From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 52

Daisaku Ikeda

Discussion meetings are the heart of the Soka Gakkai. Mr. Toda often told us: “Mr. Makiguchi always made sure he got to the meeting place before anyone else. When thefirst person arrived, he would engage them in an earnest discussion. When a second and third person arrived, he included them in the conversation, sharing Buddhism with great personal warmth and care.”
From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 126

Daisaku Ikeda