President Monson's Testimony of the Temple

In the most recent general conference, President Monson quoted these words of the Savior: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).  He connected this with the peace that the temple brings and suggested that we will find the true meaning of these words as we go to the temple.  The temple has been a constant theme of President Monson’s during the time that he has been President of the Church.  I did a search through the fifteen general conferences where he has presided and confirmed that in every single one he at least mentioned the temple.  Here’s a very brief description of what he mentioned in relation to the temple:

·         April 2015: Entire talk on “The Blessings of the Temple”; announcement of three new temples

·         October 2014: Discussion on dedication of Ogden temple

·         April 2014: Discussion on dedication of Gilbert, Arizona temple

·         October 2013: Testimony of sealing power in temple for him and his wife

·         April 2013: Discussion of dedication of Calgary and Boise temples; announcement of two new temples

·         October 2012: Discussion of dedication of Kansas City Missouri temple along with story surrounding cultural celebration

·         April 2012: Encouragement to “receive the ordinances of the temple” to the young women

·         October 2011: Story of the dedication of the Frankfurt Germany Temple

·         April 2011: Entire talk on “The Holy Temple—a Beacon to the World”; discussion on rededication of Laie Hawaii Temple; announcement of three new temples

·         October 2010: Discussion of personal dedication of four temples; announcement of five new temples

·         April 2010: Discussion of recent temple announcements and soon-to-be dedicated temples

·         October 2009: Discussion of dedication of Oquirrh Mountain temple; announcement of five new temples

·         April 2009: Discussion of the dedication of the Draper Utah temple;

·         October 2008: Discussion of personal dedication of three new temples; announcement of five new temples

·         April 2008: Discussion of meeting in the temple when First Presidency was reorganized and President Monson became the prophet

Clearly as we profess to “follow the prophet” in our day, we cannot claim to fully follow the teachings of President Monson if we don’t strive to make the temple an important part of our lives.  Here is a testimony and/or invitation related to the temple from these general conferences from each year of his presidency:

·         “To you who are able to attend the temple, I would counsel you to go often. Doing so will help to strengthen marriages and families” (April 2008).

·         “Millions of ordinances are performed in the temples each year in behalf of our deceased loved ones.  May we continue to be faithful in performing such ordinances for those who are unable to do so for themselves” (Oct. 2009).

·         “The ordinances performed in our temples are vital to our salvation and to the salvation of our deceased loved ones. May we continue faithful in attending the temples, which are being built closer and closer to our members” (Oct. 2010).

·         “Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings…. As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation” (April 2011).

·         “Believe, as your theme states, that if you accept and act upon those values, you will be prepared to strengthen your home and your family, to make and keep sacred covenants, to receive the ordinances of the temple, and to eventually enjoy the blessings of exaltation” (April 2012).

·         “We were sealed in the house of God by one having authority to bind on earth and in heaven. I know that we will be reunited one day and will never again be separated. This is the knowledge that sustains me” (Oct. 2013).

·         “We are a temple-building and a temple-attending people” (Oct. 2014).

·         “As we attend the temple, there can come to us a dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace which will transcend any other feeling which could come into the human heart” (April 2015).

With these powerful witnesses and invitations regarding the temple from President Monson, I can only say what Jarom said in his short record: “What could I write more?”  (Jarom 1:2)