Tuesday, February 7, 2017

President Harold B. Lee on the blessings of the temple

President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1941. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1970-1972, then as Church president from July 1972 until his passing less than 18 months later in December 1973.
"When you enter a holy temple, you are by that course gaining fellowship with the Saints in God's eternal kingdom, where time is no more. In the temples of your God you are endowed not with a rich legacy of worldly treasure, but with a wealth of eternal riches that are above price.
"The temple ceremonies are designed by a wise Heavenly Father who has revealed them to us in these last days as a guide and a protection throughout our lives, that you and I might not fail to merit exaltation in the celestial kingdom, where God and Christ dwell.
"May you strive diligently and be guided to prepare yourselves to gain these priceless riches in the House of the Lord."
- Harold B. Lee, "Enter a Holy Temple," Improvement Era, June 1967, 144; see THBL 582
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I had to ponder what President Lee meant in his first statement. Participation in ordinances in the temples provides "fellowship with the Saints in God's eternal kingdom." We have fellowship with each other in a variety of settings, but not in the same way as when we enter the temple. In setting aside the things of the world and focusing on ordinances and instruction related to settings "where time is no more" we are blessed in different and unique ways. The blessings that come are not of this world, but are "eternal riches that are above price."

I'm also grateful for the simple thought that the temple ceremonies provide "a guide and a protection" in our lives that will keep us safely on the path to obtain the joy and peace of eternity:


If we truly understood the power and blessings available to us, we would, as President Lee concludes, "strive diligently" to be always worthy and ready to gain the riches offered in the House of the Lord.

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