When a temple is built close by, within a short time, many do not visit it regularly. I have a suggestion: When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple. Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan. This pattern will guarantee that those who live in the shadow of a temple will be as blessed as are those who plan far ahead and make a long trip to the temple.
Elder Scott then talks about an experience he had fourteen years ago when his wife died:
Fourteen years ago I decided to attend the temple and complete an ordinance at least once a week. I have kept that resolve, and it has changed my life profoundly.
To hear an apostle say that regular temple attendance has "changed my life profoundly" is a motivation to me to get there regularly so that I can change my life profoundly.
Next, Elder Scott gave a list of suggestions of "how to gain more benefit from temple attendance." I have seen these listed on handouts from Relief Society and Priesthood. I am going to include them here because they are so good, it will be nice to have them handy.
- Understand the doctrine related to temple ordinances, especially the significance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. (The endnotes then reference the following sections from the Doctrine and Covenants - 88, 109, 131, and 132. Those would make some good scripture study topics.)
- While participating in temple ordinances, consider your relationship to Jesus Christ and His relationship to our Heavenly Father. This simple act will lead to greater understanding of the supernal nature of the temple ordinances.
- Always prayerfully express gratitude for the incomparable blessings that flow from temple ordinances. Live each day so as to give evidence to Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son of how very much those blessings mean to you.
- Schedule regular visits to the temple.
- Leave sufficient time to be unhurried within the temple walls.
- Rotate activities so that you can participate in all of the ordinances of the temple.
- Remove you watch when you enter the house of the Lord.
- Listen carefully to the presentation of each element of the ordinance with an open mind and heart.
- Be mindful of the individual for whom you are performing the vicarious ordinance. At times pray that he or she will recognize the vital importance of the ordinances and be worthy or prepare to be worthy to benefit from them.
- Recognize that much of the majesty of the sealing ordinance cannot be understood and remembered with one live experience. Substantial subsequent vicarious work permits one to understand much more of what is communicated in the live ordinances.
- Realize that a sealing ordinance is not enduring until after it is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise. Both individuals must be worthy and want the sealing to be eternal.
Later, in speaking again of his wife who passed away fourteen years ago, Elder Scott offers some good counsel to those who are facing great difficulties:
Fourteen years ago the Lord took my wife beyond the veil. I love her with all my heart, but I have never complained because I know it was his will. I have never asked why but rather what is it that He wants me to learn from this experience. I believe that is a good way to face the unpleasant things in our lives, not complaining but thanking the Lord for the trust He places in us when He gives us the opportunity to overcome difficulties.
He later added:
Everything else is in the hands of the Lord. We can do the best we can, but the final outcome is up to Him. We should never complain, when we are living worthily, about what happens in our lives.
This is very good counsel for when times get difficult. We should be grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow. And we should realize our small place in the bigger picture for now.
"What is there that is more important than attending and participating in the ordinances of the temple? What activity could have a greater impact and provide more joy and profound happiness for a couple than worshipping together in the temple?" When we haven't been to the temple in a while and we go on a different date, afterwards, I think: we should have spent that 2 hrs at the temple instead.
ReplyDeleteI loved the list of suggestions of how to make temple worship more meaningful. Here are somethings that stuck out to me:
-live each day so as to give evidence to Heavenly Father and Jesus how much temple blessings mean to you
-pray that the person you are doing work for will recognize the vital importance of the ordinances and be worthy or preparing to be worthy to benefit from them
-the sealing ordinance is not enduring until after it is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise. Both individuals must be worthy and want the sealing to be eternal.
Trials: "not complaining by thanking the Lord for the trust He places in us when He give us the opportunity to overcome difficulties." Elder Scott talks about not complaining. I'm going to listen to what I think and say to cut down on my complaining until it is gone altogether.