Robert D. Hales on the blessings of temple covenants and service

Elder Robert D. Hales (1932- ) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"We have been taught in the scriptures that the personal worthiness required of us by the Lord to enter the temple and to take upon us the sacred covenants therein is one of the greatest blessings available to us in mortality. Then, after taking upon us the covenants in the temple, our obedience in living the covenants daily is a demonstration of our faith, love, devotion, and spiritual commitment to honor our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ and prepares us to live with Them in the eternities. The temple's saving ordinances are essential to—and even the central focus of—the eternal plan of happiness....
"We need to acquire a testimony and a reverent feeling of the temple being the house of the Lord. The temple is truly a place where you are 'in the world and not of the world.' When you are troubled and when you have crucial decisions that weigh heavily on your mind and soul, you can take your cares to the temple and receive spiritual guidance....
"The temple is a sacred edifice, a holy place where essential saving ceremonies and ordinances are performed to prepare us for exaltation. It is important that we gain a sure knowledge that our preparation to enter the holy house and our participation in these ceremonies and covenants are some of the most significant events we will experience in our mortal lives."
- Robert D. Hales, "Temple Blessings," BYU devotional, November 15, 2005
Click here to read the full talk

In anticipation of an upcoming stake conference, my stake presidency encouraged all stake members to prepare by "pondering, discussing, and praying about the many blessings of temple covenants"; anticipating that the conference will "bring about a renewed energy and commitment toward temple service in the stake." That's a wonderful challenge and wonderful goal.

My response to their invitation led me to this talk by Elder Hales, where I found much to ponder, First, the concept that just the standard of worthiness related to temple activity "is one of the greatest blessings available to us in mortality." In other words, simply ensuring that we become worthy and remain worthy will result in great blessings.

Second, the covenants of the temple bless us profoundly. Our demonstration of devotion to the Father and Savior prepare us for greater things to come.

And third, regular attendance in the temple gives the opportunity for spiritual guidance that is crucial in our lives today.

I have truly experienced aspects of these blessings in my life, and look forward to renewing and increasing my commitment to receive more. We are fortunate indeed to have this privilege!

Joseph B. Wirthlin on progress and growth

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1986, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1986 until his passing in 2008 at age 91.

"The Church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things, or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect feelings. The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other as we press on in our journey to return to our Heavenly Father.
"Each one of us will travel a different road during this life. Each progresses at a different rate. Temptations that trouble your brother may not challenge you at all. Strengths that you possess may seem impossible to another.
"Never look down on those who are less perfect than you. Don't be upset because someone can't sew as well as you, can't throw as well as you, can't row or hoe as well as you.
"We are all children of our Heavenly Father. And we are here with the same purpose: to learn to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. (Mark 12:30-31.)"
- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Virtue of Kindness", Ensign, May 2005, pp. 26-28
Click here to read the full talk

This is such an important principle, one that is occasionally forgotten, perhaps sub-consciously, by Church members. We're all falling short, striving to improve and grow.

I love Elder Wirthlin's description of how we each progress differently in life, and develop different abilities and skills. How critically important it is for each of us to seek our own personal strengths and gifts, to acknowledge our abilities and advances, and allow others their different strengths!

James E. Faust on finding and sharing happiness

President James E. Faust (1920-2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"The most fundamental of all human searches is for happiness. We each choose our own happiness. As President Harold B. Lee once said: 'Happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you but on what happens inside of you. It is measured by the spirit with which you meet the problems of life' ("A Sure Trumpet Sound: Quotations from President Lee," Ensign, Feb. 1974, 78). It will often be necessary for all of us to choose between having a good time and leading a good life.
"Each of us is born with natural 'happiness' hormones. When stimulated, they secrete powerful chemical substances into our bodies. There are many kinds. Some are called endorphins. Generally when we are in pain or distress, endorphins give us a sense of well-being. Medical science has long known that our mental outlook and well-being affect our physical health. A sign in a large hospital says, 'Laughter is the best medicine.' Smiling is good for the soul.
"Smiling brings a glow to our countenances that radiates to others. Being friendly to our neighbors, to people at school, at church, or at work is a great way to show the Lord that we want to keep the covenant we made at baptism 'to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light' (Mosiah 18:8). I recommend friendliness because so many people are shy or lonely and need a kind word or smile. Lifting others expands our inner selves. It is also the way of the Master. (See Luke 6:31.)"
- James E. Faust, "Who Do You Think You Are?", Ensign, Mar. 2001, pp. 2-7
Click here to read the full talk

One of the lines from this quote jumped out at me: "It will often be necessary for all of us to choose between having a good time and leading a good life." That's an interesting statement to find in the middle of a talk about happiness. Pres. Faust didn't discuss it or clarify in any way. Some view "having a good time" as a definition of happiness, and in the world's view it may conflict with "leading a good life" — hence the need to choose between the two. But in a very real sense, the only true and lasting way to have a good time is to lead a good life. That's the path to happiness.

Happiness is magnified as we share it with others.We never know whom we bless just with a smile or encouraging word. And the promise is that our own souls expand as we do so; what a great thing to work on more diligently!

Ezra Taft Benson on the timing of rewards and consequences

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"Daily, constantly, we choose by our desires, our thoughts, and our actions whether we want to be blessed or cursed, happy or miserable. One of the trials of life is that we do not usually receive immediately the full blessing for righteousness or the full cursing for wickedness. That it will come is certain, but ofttimes there is a waiting period that occurs, as was the case with Job and Joseph.
"In the meantime the wicked think they are getting away with something. The Book of Mormon teaches that the wicked 'have joy in their works for a season, [but] by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return' (3 Ne. 27:11).
"During this testing time the righteous must continue to love God, trust in His promises, be patient, and be assured...
"I testify to you that God's pay is the best pay that this world or any other world knows anything about. And it comes in full abundance only to those who love the Lord and put Him first.
"The great test of life is obedience to God.
"The great task of life is to learn the will of the Lord and then do it.
"The great commandment of life is, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength' (Mark 12:30).
"May God bless us to put the first commandment first and, as a result, reap peace in this life and eternal life with a fulness of joy in the life to come."
- Ezra Taft Benson, "The Great Commandment — Love the Lord," Ensign, May 1988, p. 4
Click here to read the full talk

In my experience, both personally and in counseling with others, it's so easy and so common to blame our troubles or challenges on other people, on fate, on circumstances.  And occasionally, that is valid; but so often, our state in life is a result of our own choices and actions. President Benson makes this point very forcefully, also reminding us that though God is deeply aware of us, he often postpones the consequences so that we can learn and grow in faith.

Knowing that the "waiting period" is there for a purpose, but is truly temporary, can make all the difference in how we endure. And doesn't this final statement from President Benson encapsulate so much in a few beautiful words?

Neal A. Maxwell on the road to consecration

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) served as a Seventy from 1976-1981, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve until his death from cancer in 2004.

"Each of us might well ask, 'In what ways am I shrinking or holding back?' Meek introspection may yield some bold insights! For example, we can tell much by what we have already willingly discarded along the pathway of discipleship. It is the only pathway where littering is permissible, even encouraged. In the early stages, the debris left behind includes the grosser sins of commission. Later debris differs; things begin to be discarded which have caused the misuse or underuse of our time and talent.
"Along this pathway leading to consecration, stern and unsought challenges sometimes hasten this jettisoning, which is needed to achieve increased consecration (see Hel. 12:3). If we have grown soft, hard times may be necessary. If we are too contented, a dose of divine discontent may come. A relevant insight may be contained in reproof. A new calling beckons us away from comfortable routines wherein the needed competencies have already been developed. One may be stripped of accustomed luxury so that the malignant mole of materialism may be removed. One may be scorched by humiliation so pride can be melted away. Whatever we lack will get attention, one way or another....
"Consecration is thus both a principle and a process, and it is not tied to a single moment. Instead, it is freely given, drop by drop, until the cup of consecration brims and finally runs over."
- Neal A. Maxwell, "Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father," Ensign, Nov. 1995, pp. 22-24
Click here to read the full talk

One of Elder Maxwell's favorite topics was discipleship; he gave some wonderful counsel about what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ. In this excerpt, he notes that sometimes what we perceive to be challenges and frustrations in life may be the things needed to lead us to deeper discipleship. Our "meek introspection" can bring "bold insights" into our personal situation.

But I especially love the analogy about the process of becoming a true disciple — following the path, "jettisoning" the parts of our life that don't belong as we move ahead. In Moroni's memorable language, it means that we "deny [ourselves] of all ungodliness" (Moroni 10:32), gradually and steadily removing those things from our lives and discarding them, like litter along the pathway.

It's interesting to ponder the progression of that process that Elder Maxwell mentions, starting with "the grosser sins of commission" but then, as we mature spiritually, moving forward to eliminate things like "the misuse or underuse of our time and talent." And that's where the "meek introspection" should help me find what is the next thing that needs to be left behind in my life.

Thank you, Elder Maxwell, for always stretching us by your deep thoughts and beautiful expressions.

D. Todd Christofferson on the consecrated life and work

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (1945- ) was called to the Seventy in 1993, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2008.

"To consecrate is to set apart or dedicate something as sacred, devoted to holy purposes. True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives—that is, our time and choices—to God's purposes (see John 17:1, 4; D&C 19:19). In so doing, we permit Him to raise us to our highest destiny....
"A consecrated life is a life of labor. Beginning early in His life, Jesus was about His Father's business (see Luke 2:48-49). God Himself is glorified by His work of bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of His children (see Moses 1:39). We naturally desire to participate with Him in His work, and in so doing, we ought to recognize that all honest work is the work of God. In the words of Thomas Carlyle: 'All true Work is sacred; in all true Work, were it but true hand-labour, there is something of divineness. Labour, wide as the Earth, has its summit in Heaven.' (Thomas Carlyle, Past and Present (1843), 251)
"God has designed this mortal existence to require nearly constant exertion. I recall the Prophet Joseph Smith's simple statement: 'By continuous labor [we] were enabled to get a comfortable maintenance' (JS-H 1:55). By work we sustain and enrich life. It enables us to survive the disappointments and tragedies of the mortal experience. Hard-earned achievement brings a sense of self-worth. Work builds and refines character, creates beauty, and is the instrument of our service to one another and to God. A consecrated life is filled with work, sometimes repetitive, sometimes menial, sometimes unappreciated but always work that improves, orders, sustains, lifts, ministers, aspires."
- D. Todd Christofferson, "Reflections on a Consecrated Life", Ensign, November 2010, p. 16-19; click here to read the full talk

I love the phrase "a consecrated life." It denotes a quality of living that is no longer self-centered or self-serving, no longer distracted by worldliness; but is "set apart" or dedicated "as sacred, devoted to holy purposes." Elder Christofferson notes that in that kind of a mindset, we recognize that we are a part of God's work—and can be in any type of labor. With the consecrated mindset, "all honest work is the work of God."

I remember in my youth hearing a Seminary teacher whom I greatly respected quote 2 Nephi 26:31, "But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish." He used the passage to explain why he was a professional Seminary teacher. I was impressed by that, and wondered if I should follow in his professional shoes. But that misses the whole point. It's not about the vocation; it's about the motivation. Are we laboring for money, for personal gain and prosperity? Or are we laboring "for Zion," as a consecrated life, desiring to aid and build up the kingdom of God and do His work, regardless of the vocation?

And further, Elder Christofferson explains, it's the work itself that helps to ennoble and purify us in the process. The labor of a consecrated individual "enables us to survive the disappointments and tragedies of the mortal experience." What a great promise!

Neil L. Andersen on the spiritual haven of the temple

Elder Neil L. Andersen (1951- ) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009 (the most recent member called).

"The Lord has given you another way to stand firm, a spiritual gift more powerful than the whirlwinds of the adversary! He said, 'Stand... in holy places, and be not moved' (D&C 87:8).
"When I was a teenager, there were only 13 temples in the Church. Now there are 142. Eighty-five percent of Church members live within 200 miles (320 km) of a temple. The Lord has given your generation greater access to His holy temples than any other generation in the history of the world.
"Have you ever stood in the temple, dressed in white, waiting to do baptisms? How did you feel? There is a tangible feeling of holiness in the temple. The peace of the Savior subdues the swirling whirlwinds of the world.
"The way you feel in the temple is a pattern for how you want to feel in your life."
- Neil L. Andersen, "Spiritual Whirlwinds," Ensign, May 2014, pp. 18-21; click to read the full article

I always appreciate the reminders and suggestions offered by leaders about the temples. The remarkable expansion of their availability in our generation should be a clear message to us of their importance to our lives. I remember as a youth thinking that I would love to visit all the temples some day — a goal that was attainable when there were so few. But now I recognize that a more practical and beneficial goal is just to make frequent visits to the ones that are close by.

Elder Andersen points out one of the important reasons we should go to the temple. The patterns we discover there truly can make a difference in our daily lives.