On Holy Ground

This Sunday I wish to write on the importance of attending the temple, and being worthy to attend. The temple is a holy place where we can make sacred covenants with our Heavenly Father which enable us to stand blameless before Him in the last day. It takes "clean hands and a pure heart" (Psalms 24:4). Elder David A. Bednar said the following, referring to the early saints of the Church:

What was it that gave those early Saints such strength? It was the fire of the temple covenant that burned in their hearts. It was their commitment to worship and honorably hold a name and standing in the house of the Lord.

We do now and will yet face great challenges to the work of the Lord. But like the pioneers who found the place which God for them prepared, so we will fresh courage take, knowing our God will never us forsake (see “Come, Come, Ye Saints,” Hymns, no. 30). Today temples dot the earth as sacred places of ordinances and covenants, of edification, and of refuge from the storm.

It is my prayer that we all may be able to find refuge from the storm in the the Lord's holy temples. But it is important to remember that the temples are "holy ground" (Exodus 3:5), and we will only receive refuge if we are clean and pure. The Spirit can only touch us if we are in the right spiritual condition; therefore, may we repent that our ground may not be stony, but ever willing to receive the knowledge that God wishes to bestow upon us (Mark 4:5, 16). May we be morally clean, pay an honest tithe, obey the Word of Wisdom, and keep the Sabbath Day holy. May we obey all the Lord's commandments with a singleness of heart, that our joy may be full (Doctrine & Covenants 59:13). This is when we receive edification: when we obey because we love the Lord, and understand that His commandments are in place for our good.

It is my prayer that we may all find strength in the house of the Lord. Have a great week!