3 Truths from Conference about How the Temple Can Empower Your Life
Whether we have a temple near us or not, these truths about the temple can still influence our daily lives.
What’s the nearest temple to you? Regardless of where you live, it’s possible that there’s a new temple coming closer to you soon. In fact, this conference, President Russell M. Nelson announced 15 new temples to be built around the world,1 adding up to a total of 350 temples in various phases!
With the significant number of new temples, Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posed this question: “Why is the Lord now bringing hundreds of His temples closer to us?”2
This question made me stop and consider the significance of temple covenants in my life. As I listened to the messages from our Church leaders, I was inspired by their testimonies and reminded of my own powerful experiences in the temple. My heart was filled with deep gratitude for the power of God that flows into my life because I have made covenants with Him, and I felt excited that this blessing will be more accessible to more people all around the world.
Although your current circumstances may not allow you to attend the temple very often, Church leaders have testified of the blessings available to us as we choose to make and keep covenants in the temple. So, as Elder Andersen explained, temple work is being accelerated because “[the Lord] has promised to strengthen and bless His covenant Saints, and His promises are being fulfilled!”3
Here are a few of the many beautiful truths we learned about temple covenants this conference:
1. Everything in the Temple Points to Jesus Christ
Sister J. Anette Dennis, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, taught about the sacred symbolism in our temple worship and in the temple garment:
“Everything we do in the temple points to our Father’s plan for us, at the heart of which is the Savior and His atoning sacrifice. The Lord will teach us line upon line through the symbolism of the ordinances and covenants as we open our hearts and prayerfully seek to understand the deeper meanings. …
“The garment of the holy priesthood is deeply symbolic and also points to the Savior. … Our temple garment reminds us that the Savior and the blessing of His Atonement cover us throughout our lives. As we put on the garment of the holy priesthood each day, that beautiful symbol becomes a part of us.”4
2. The Temple Reminds Us Who We Are
President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, shared how the temple reminded him of somewhere he felt he had been before—his heavenly home. He taught: “As we attend the temple, we can be reminded of the eternal nature of our spirits, our relationship with the Father and His divine Son, and our ultimate desire to return to our heavenly home.”5
President Nelson also promised: “Time in the temple will help you to think celestial and to catch a vision of who you really are, who you can become, and the kind of life you can have forever.”6
3. Covenants Arm Us with the Power of God
Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, explained: “God’s power is a real power that helps us face challenges, make good decisions, and increase our capacity to endure difficult situations. It is a power with which we can grow in the specific abilities we need.”7
President Nelson also taught: “All who worship in the temple leave with the power of God and with angels having ‘charge over them’ [Doctrine and Covenants 109:22]. How much does it increase your confidence to know that, as an endowed woman or man armed with the power of God, you do not have to face life alone?”8
We Will Be Blessed as We Keep Covenants
Conference was full of beautiful testimonies about the immense blessings offered to us in the temple and through keeping our covenants. As we continue to study and learn from these messages, we can make the temple a priority in our lives. We will be blessed as we strive to be worthy of a temple recommend, prepare to receive the covenants and ordinances of the temple, wear the temple garment, and worship in the temple as frequently as we can.
Whether you have a temple close to you, there’s one being built near you, or it’s still just a hope for the members in your area, the temple can still influence your life as you treasure your temple covenants.