Elder David A. Bednar on sanctifying our hearts

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"The word heart is used over 1,000 times in the standard works. This simple but significant word often denotes the inner feelings of an individual. Our hearts—the sum total of our desires, affections, intentions, motives, and attitudes—define who we are and determine what we will become. And the essence of the Lord’s work is changing, turning, and purifying hearts through gospel covenants and priesthood ordinances.

"We do not build or enter holy temples solely to have a memorable individual or family experience. Rather, the covenants received and the ordinances performed in temples are essential to the sanctifying of our hearts and for the ultimate exaltation of God’s sons and daughters."

- David A. Bednar, "Let This House Be Built unto My Name," General Conference April 2020, Sunday morning

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The building of temples in this last dispensation is a fascinating theme. Elder Bednar discussed the scope of that effort since the first temple in Kirtland, and the rapidity of the progress of construction that has accellerated through the years. But more important than the numbers and locations of the buildings, is the purpose and reason for their construction, and the power they can provide to those who attend.

An important part of God's purpose for us relates to our inner natures, our "heart" that He asks to be given to Him.

Through the ordinances and covenants of the Gospel, we allow our heart to experience the "changing, turning, and purifying" that will bind us to Him.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2020)