Robert D. Hales on the blessings of temple covenants and service

Elder Robert D. Hales (1932- ) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"We have been taught in the scriptures that the personal worthiness required of us by the Lord to enter the temple and to take upon us the sacred covenants therein is one of the greatest blessings available to us in mortality. Then, after taking upon us the covenants in the temple, our obedience in living the covenants daily is a demonstration of our faith, love, devotion, and spiritual commitment to honor our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ and prepares us to live with Them in the eternities. The temple's saving ordinances are essential to—and even the central focus of—the eternal plan of happiness....
"We need to acquire a testimony and a reverent feeling of the temple being the house of the Lord. The temple is truly a place where you are 'in the world and not of the world.' When you are troubled and when you have crucial decisions that weigh heavily on your mind and soul, you can take your cares to the temple and receive spiritual guidance....
"The temple is a sacred edifice, a holy place where essential saving ceremonies and ordinances are performed to prepare us for exaltation. It is important that we gain a sure knowledge that our preparation to enter the holy house and our participation in these ceremonies and covenants are some of the most significant events we will experience in our mortal lives."
- Robert D. Hales, "Temple Blessings," BYU devotional, November 15, 2005
Click here to read the full talk

In anticipation of an upcoming stake conference, my stake presidency encouraged all stake members to prepare by "pondering, discussing, and praying about the many blessings of temple covenants"; anticipating that the conference will "bring about a renewed energy and commitment toward temple service in the stake." That's a wonderful challenge and wonderful goal.

My response to their invitation led me to this talk by Elder Hales, where I found much to ponder, First, the concept that just the standard of worthiness related to temple activity "is one of the greatest blessings available to us in mortality." In other words, simply ensuring that we become worthy and remain worthy will result in great blessings.

Second, the covenants of the temple bless us profoundly. Our demonstration of devotion to the Father and Savior prepare us for greater things to come.

And third, regular attendance in the temple gives the opportunity for spiritual guidance that is crucial in our lives today.

I have truly experienced aspects of these blessings in my life, and look forward to renewing and increasing my commitment to receive more. We are fortunate indeed to have this privilege!