I am so happy to be here with you today! We love you! We love seeing you in the House of the Lord! We are grateful for your service in the temple, and for all of the many ways that you serve the Lord.
The amazing thing about service is that when we serve a roommate, or a friend, or a stranger, or someone on the other side of the veil—anytime we serve anyone—we are serving the Lord.
“And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” [1]
And there is one more thing about serving that is amazing: By some incredible miracle, we, ourselves, receive the immediate blessing of joy when we serve. Why is this?
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave this explanation:
“Can it be that in our search for joy, the best way to find it is to bring joy to others? Brothers and sisters, you know and I know this is true! Joy is like a barrel of flour or a jar of oil that will never run out. True joy multiplies when it is shared.” [2]
The hymn we sing says it all: “Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven.” [3]
When I was a young girl, I was introduced to a simple poem that has stayed with me all my life. The author is unknown, but it goes like this:
Are you discouraged with life, little girl?
Weary, despondent, and sick?
Let me tell you the very best cure in this world:
Do something for somebody quick!
I have put this advice to the test many times, and I believe that the principle it teaches is absolutely true. I always feel better and happier and lifted when I am serving someone.
Elder Rubén V. Alliaud of the Seventy taught:
“We have the privilege and opportunity to learn about Jesus Christ through studying the scriptures. But to truly know Him and be His disciple, reading and studying are not enough. We know the Savior more deeply by doing the things He would do—especially serving others as He would serve.
“By walking where He walks, loving what He loves, and embracing what He embraces, we can come to know Him.
“Even in the most difficult circumstances of His life, it was in Jesus Christ’s character not to think of Himself. He always thought of others.
“After learning that John the Baptist had been killed, Jesus invited His Apostles to depart with Him to a solitary place to rest. A multitude of more than 5,000 followed Him. Jesus set aside [what may have been some] desired rest to heal, teach, and feed them—all of them.
“As Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once noted, as human beings, we naturally tend to turn inward during our challenges or distress, but Jesus Christ did exactly the opposite. Even in His most demanding and stressful moments, He always opened Himself to the needs of others. He still does.” [4]
I testify that “[Jesus] went about doing good.” [5] And we can, too!
I testify that as we serve others, we are serving God, and He will bless us with His joy … which is the greatest joy we can receive here upon this earth.
I testify of the sacredness and holiness of the temple and of the joy that is found there.
Notes
[1] Mosiah 2:17.
[2] Dieter F. Uchdorf, “A Higher Joy”, Liahona, May 2024, 66-69.
[3] “Praise to the Man, Hymns, no. 27.
[4] Rubén V. Alliaud, “Come to Know Your Savior,” Liahona, Apr. 2025, 44-47.
[5] Acts 10:38
About President Robert E. and Sister Robin C. Chambers
Robert E. Chambers and Robin C. Chambers began their service as president and matron of the Rexburg Idaho Temple in September 2025. President Chambers is a temple sealer, former Area Seventy, mission president in the Utah Salt Lake City South Mission, stake president, and bishop. He retired from teaching in the Religious Education Department at BYU–Idaho in January 2024.
Sister Chambers’ previous callings include service as a mission president’s companion, ward Young Women president, Primary president, Relief Society presidency counselor, and a temple worker.
The Chambers have five children and 21 grandchildren.