Thank you for inviting the Spirit of God into this meeting. Surely there is great reason to “shout aloud for joy,” “singing Hosanna to God and the Lamb!” [1]
I so appreciate this wonderful opportunity to speak to you today.
I have learned for myself that our Father in Heaven is very interested in devotional at BYU-Idaho. I have also learned that He expects us to work and to struggle, like, a lot. Preparing my talk has brought me to my knees, even pleading for help and guidance. I often felt inadequate and yet I know that heaven is in this. I hope that you will choose to listen with open hearts. If you do, you will invite the Holy Ghost to teach you far more than what I have prepared. He will make my message personal to you.
In March 1844, the Prophet Joseph Smith told the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the Nauvoo Temple committee, “We need the temple more than anything else.” [2]
In those early days of the church, under extreme hardship, personal risk, and great sacrifice, the Prophet urged the Saints to build temples wherein the Lord will “manifest [Himself] . . . in mercy [to His people] in [His] house.” [3]
The attic to the Nauvoo temple was completed just under two years later, wherein the Saints received the temple endowment. Within six weeks, the Saints were forced to flee from their beautiful city Nauvoo.
From the book Saints, we read the following about their expulsion. The morning they were set to leave,
A crowd of Saints met [Brigham Young] outside the temple, eager for their endowment. Brigham told them it was unwise to delay their departure. If they stayed to do more endowments, their way out of the city could be impeded or cut off. He promised they would build more temples and have more opportunities to receive their blessings out west.
Then Brigham walked away, expecting the Saints to disperse, but instead they climbed the steps to the temple and filled its halls. Turning around, Brigham followed them inside. He saw their anxious faces, and he changed his mind. They knew they needed the endowment of power to endure the hardships ahead, overcome the sting of death, and return to the presence of God. [4]
The Saints refused to leave Nauvoo without first making temple covenants and receiving an endowment of power, even at great personal risk. I love this story as it captures so beautifully the importance of temples to those early Saints.
We honor and love those early Saints for their faith and strength to overcome great persecution in the early days of the church. Elder D. Todd Christofferson reflects on the strength of Saints like this. He says,
What is the source of such moral and spiritual power, and how do we obtain it? The source is God. Our access to that power is through our covenants with Him. . . .
Divine covenants make strong Christians. I urge each one to qualify for and receive all the priesthood ordinances you can and then faithfully keep the promises you have made by covenant. In times of distress, let your covenants be paramount and let your obedience be exact. . . . In His own time and way He will stretch forth his hand to you, saying, “Here am I.” [5]
Surely, God did manifest himself to those early Saints.
I’ve always loved this scripture to “cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made . . . and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive.” [6]
In preparing this talk, I have been drawn to a verse in the Book of Mormon—a vision that Nephi received of our day—of today.
I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord . . . and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory. [7]
I don’t know about you, but I want to be among those covenant people whom Nephi saw were armed with the power of God. Don’t you want to be part of this vision—to be among those whom prophets have spoken of for generations? Being a member of the church does not guarantee this power. We must seek for it; we must act; we must choose to put on this armor. There is nothing of greater importance to you and to me than receiving the knowledge and power available through the ordinances and covenants of the temple. [8]
Our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, has called the temple the “crown jewel” of everything we do in the Church. [9] It bears repeating: there is nothing of greater importance to us than what we receive in the temple.
How do we arm ourselves with the power of God as Nephi saw? President Nelson has counseled us as follows:
Begin by spending more time in holy places. The temple is a holy place. So is the chapel, where you make new sacramental covenants each Sunday. I invite you also to make your apartment, your dorm, your home, or your room a holy place where you can safely retreat from the dark distractions of the world. . . .
Spend more time—much more time—in places where the Spirit is present. That means more time with friends who are seeking to have the Spirit with them. Spend more time on your knees in prayer, more time in the scriptures, more time in family history work, more time in the temple. I promise you that as you consistently give the Lord a generous portion of your time, He will multiply the remainder. [10]
Despite a very busy time of your life, while you are preparing yourselves for your life’s work, our prophet is urging you to spend more time in holy places. It is in the temple and “in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.” [11]
As evident in our discussion board this past week, so many of you are enjoying this power in your life. Here are a few of your insights:
- In the temple, I receive personal guidance on things I should do to stay on the covenant path.
- In the temple, I find an added measure of courage, compassion, kindness, and comfort.
- In the temple, I feel increased strength to bear my burdens more easily.
- In the temple, I not only feel peace, but I better understand my purpose in life.
- In the temple, my challenges are put into an eternal perspective.
There were so many insights and experiences that were inspiring to me. Thank you for what you shared in the discussion board. Among those are experiences shared by Charlie Taylor and Kaylene Hathaway. I have invited Charlie and Kaylene to share their experiences with us. We’ll start with Charlie.
CHARLIE: I came home early from my mission about six months ago because I was experiencing extreme anxiety and doubt about the Church. I was struggling to find the foundational doctrines I once knew were true. I felt alone and distant from everything I had once loved.
I felt the only way to build up my faith was to work in the Temple. The first day working in the temple was especially difficult for me. I had never been in more pain than I was that morning. I was extremely nervous because I didn’t feel worthy to be inside the temple and I was so scared for what this day was going to bring.
I cannot describe the feelings of overwhelming love, peace, and joy that I felt as soon as I walked through the temple doors. I felt closer to Christ than I have ever felt before, and I discovered, in that life changing moment, that the Temple is the only place where I can completely forget my struggles and focus 100% on my love for the Lord. There is no place that I have ever felt the love of God more purely than walking into His temple that morning.
Four months later, I can see how it has changed my life every day. I know that as you start going to the temple regularly, you will begin to see the same everyday miracles I see and the temple will change your life the same way it has changed mine.
KAYLENE: When I was younger, I went through some experiences that will affect me the rest of my life. There was a moment in the temple last semester when I was really caught up in my thoughts. I was prompted to turn to a scripture in Matthew 9:22 that states, “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.” All those feelings of guilt, shame, and heartache faded away and I knew that I had received His mercy and He would remember them no more. That moment helped me to realize how important temples are and it renewed my faith in the future. His mercy is full of love and hope.
The temple is a place that I can truly talk one-on-one with my Savior. A few years ago, my uncle passed away and my dad was diagnosed with cancer. I was angry with God even though I didn't know it. After a few months, I went to the temple and talked with God about my struggles. The Lord whispered sweet words of comfort to me and that he has a plan for me and for all of His children.
In these experiences, I felt God’s mercy and love when I needed Him the most.
BRO. COCHRAN: Charlie and Kaylene, thank you for your beautiful testimonies. In our devotional last week, Elder and Sister Ronald A. Rasband presented an inspiring message about temples. Elder Rasband said, “To the degree you include the temple in your daily lives, the stronger you and your testimonies will be.” [12] I believe Charlie and Kaylene are witnesses to what Elder Rasband has said.
Consider this quote from Elder John A. Widtsoe:
Temple work . . . gives a wonderful opportunity for keeping alive our spiritual knowledge and strength. . . . The mighty perspective of eternity is unraveled before us in the holy temples; we see time from its infinite beginning to its endless end; and the drama of eternal life is unfolded before us. Then I see more clearly my place amidst the things of the universe, my place among the purposes of God; I am better able to place myself where I belong, and I am better able to value and to weigh, to separate and to organize the common, ordinary duties of my life, so that the little things shall not oppress me or take away my vision of the greater things that God has given us. [13]
This eternal perspective is a tremendous blessing in my life as I’m sure it is to so many of you. In the temple, not only do we gain an eternal perspective, but we also better understand our place in God’s grand design—including our divine relationship as sons and daughters of God. Let’s consider the life of Moses for a moment.
Moses went to an exceedingly high mountain—this mountain being equivalent to temples today—and spake with God face to face, and “the glory of God was upon” him.
And God spake unto Moses, saying: . . . thou art my son; . . . I have a work for thee, Moses, my son; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten. [14]
I love how in the temple Moses was in the presence of God. It was there that his divinity as a child of God was emphasized, including his potential to become even as the Savior.
After having left the mountain, or temple, it says that “Moses was left unto himself.” [15] He was back in the world. And what happened? He was tempted by Satan to question his divinity as a child of God. Maybe you’ve had such moments in your life.
Moses, son of man, worship me. [16]
But Moses, having been endowed with great knowledge and power, knew better.
And it came to pass that Moses looked upon Satan and said: Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; . . . for his glory has been upon me, wherefore I can judge between him and thee. Depart hence, Satan. [17]
There are so many voices telling us that we aren't good enough, that we aren't worth it, or that we are less than others. That's what Satan was putting into Moses's mind. Where did Moses get the strength to resist this temptation and to hold firm to what he knew was true? From the temple, even the house of the Lord.
My wife, Bonnie, has prepared a few thoughts about the blessings of the temple in her life. Since temples are ultimately about families, we figured this might be a good time to show you our family.
BRO. COCHRAN: We’ve been blessed with four handsome boys . . .
SIS. COCHRAN: and one beautiful girl. In fact, our oldest and youngest haven’t even met! He left for his mission three months before she was born.
BRO. COCHRAN: We never would have timed our family this way, yet we’d have it no other way.
SIS. COCHRAN: When those 2 big boys of ours were toddlers racing each other on Hot Wheels bikes, we managed dorms here on campus. During one devotional, I remember hearing Elder David A. Bednar say,
I have come to understand better the protection available through our temple covenants and what it means to make an acceptable offering of temple worship.
There is a difference between church-attending, tithe-paying members who occasionally rush into the temple to go through a session and those members who faithfully and consistently worship in the temple. [18]
He was just vague enough to peak my interest. What is the difference? So when our then youngest child started preschool, I decided I would try to increase my temple attendance. That lasted for about a year, and then a period of chronic illness followed by morning sickness kept me from attending regularly. However, this last year I have once again tried to attend weekly. Of course, it doesn’t always happen and there isn’t a week that goes by (especially with a baby) that I don’t have 101 excuses as to why this would not be a good day to attend the temple. But, as I look back over the times when I attended the temple regularly and when I didn’t, I can testify without a doubt that what Elder Bednar said is true. There was and is a difference in our home when I am able to attend more regularly. I think the following quotes explain what the difference is:
President George Q. Cannon said: “Every foundation stone that is laid for a Temple, and every Temple completed . . . lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness.” [19]
Elder Richard G. Scott also testified that “a sure way to eliminate the influence of the adversary. . . [is to] immerse [ourselves in temple work].” [20]
In today’s world, Satan’s influence is rampant. I can really see the prophecy coming to pass that even the elect may be deceived. [21] I do not think it is a coincidence that while the adversary’s influence is increasing, the number of temples on the earth is also increasing. Just like the saints in Nauvoo, we need the power that comes from temple attendance and keeping our covenants. Isn’t it interesting that we go to the temple to help save those who have died and, yet, end up saving ourselves in the process?
Sometimes, while in the temple, I feel burdens literally being lifted. Sometimes I receive revelation. Sometimes comfort or peace. But most of the time nothing out of the ordinary happens. Yet I always feel the power of the adversary lessen in my life and in our home. It is never easy, but I do feel it is always worth it. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
BRO. COCHRAN:I love my wife and what we are building together in our home. I am so grateful for the literal power in priesthood keys found in the temple to seal our marriage and family for time and eternity. She reminds me of counsel from our prophet, President Nelson, who recently said, “Our need to be in the temple on a regular basis has never been greater.” [22]
Casualness Leads to Casualties
Bonnie introduced the difference between occasional temple attendance and regular attendance. I’d like to focus on this as I wrap up. While many people around the world sacrifice greatly to receive their temple blessings, those of us in Rexburg and in many other parts of the world don’t have to make such sacrifices given our proximity to temples. Elder Scott has offered counsel to those of us in such circumstances.
Because I love you, I am going to speak to you heart to heart, without mincing words. I have seen that many times individuals have made great sacrifices to go to a distant temple. But 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. [23]
Elder Scott is teaching us to be intentional in our use of time. Too often we devalue what is common and easily accessible.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell presented the idea that “’honorable’ members . . . may even pass through our holy temples, but, alas, they do not let the holy temples pass through them.” [24] In other words, “casualness leads to casualties.” [25]
I invite you to prayerfully consider your degree of casualness and what you might do, starting today, to engage more meaningfully and intentionally in temple service. If, for whatever reason, you do not currently hold a temple recommend, I invite you to visit with your bishop today to begin the process of receiving or renewing your recommend. So many blessings, even the power of godliness, can be ours as we enter holy temples.
We are agents empowered to choose for ourselves. [26] It is time to shake off the dust and to awaken to the great work of the Master. [27]
The work of the Lord is hastening. Let’s make the temple a daily part of our lives. Let’s seek after the blessings and power available to us in the house of the Lord.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[1] Doctrine and Covenants 109:79-80.
[2] “Chapter 36: Receiving the Ordinances and Blessings of the Temple,” Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2011), 412-22.
[3] Doctrine and Covenants 110:7.
[4] “Chapter 46: Endowed with Power,” Saints (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2018), 583.
[5] D. Todd Christofferson, “The Power of Covenants,” Ensign, May 2009.
[6] Doctrine and Covenants 25:13, 15
[7] 1 Nephi 14:14
[8] See Russell M. Nelson, “ Hope of Israel,” Worldwide Youth Devotional, Jun. 3, 2018.
[9] Sarah Jane Weaver, “Temple Service Is “Crown Jewel” of All Church Work, New Temple Presidents, Matrons Told,” Church News, Oct. 31, 2017.
[10] Russell M. Nelson, “Becoming True Millennials,” Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, Jan. 2016.
[11] Doctrine and Covenants 84:20.
[12] Ronald A. Rasband, “Rome, a ‘Hinge Point’ in History,” BYU-Idaho devotional, Apr. 2019.
[13] Howard W. Hunter, “The Great Symbol of Our Membership,” Ensign, Oct. 1994.
[14] Moses 1: 3, 4, 6.
[15] Moses 1:9.
[16] Moses 1:12.
[17] Moses 1:13, 18.
[18] David A. Bednar, “Honorably Hold a Name and Standing,” Ensign, May 2009 (see also David A. Bednar, “Brigham Young University-Idaho: A Disciple Preparation Center (DPC),” BYU-Idaho devotional, Aug. 31, 2004).
[19] George Q. Cannon, “The Logan Temple,” Millennial Star, Nov. 12, 1877, 743 (see also Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Temple Blessings,” Ensign, Aug. 2010).
[20] Richard G. Scott, “The Joy of Redeeming the Dead,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, emphasis added.
[21] Matthew 24:24.
[22] Russell M. Nelson, “Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints,” Ensign, Nov. 2018.
[23] Richard G. Scott, “Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need,” Ensign, May 2009.
[24] Neal A. Maxwell, “Settle This in Your Hearts,” Ensign, Nov. 1992.
[25] Taniela B. Wakolo, “Saving Ordinances Will Bring Us Marvelous Light,” Ensign, May 2018.
[26] See 2 Nephi 2:27-29 and D&C 58:27-28.
[27] See Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Are You Sleeping Through the Restoration?” Ensign, May 2014.