President Gordon B. Hinckley on the blessings of temple worship

President Hinckley (1910-2008) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1961. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1981-1995, then as Church President until his death in 2008.

"I would hope that we might go to the house of the Lord a little more frequently.... 

"Most of our temples could be much busier than they are. In this noisy, bustling, competitive world, what a privilege it is to have a sacred house where we may experience the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of the Lord. The element of selfishness crowds in upon us constantly. We need to overcome it, and there is no better way than to go to the house of the Lord and there serve in a vicarious relationship in behalf of those who are beyond the veil of death. What a remarkable thing this is. In most cases, we do not know those for whom we work. We expect no thanks. We have no assurance that they will accept that which we offer. But we go, and in that process we attain to a state that comes of no other effort. We literally become saviors on Mount Zion. What does this mean? Just as our Redeemer gave His life as a vicarious sacrifice for all men, and in so doing became our Savior, even so we, in a small measure, when we engage in proxy work in the temple, become as saviors to those on the other side who have no means of advancing unless something is done in their behalf by those on earth. 

"And so, my brothers and sisters, I encourage you to take greater advantage of this blessed privilege. It will refine your natures. It will peel off the selfish shell in which most of us live. It will literally bring a sanctifying element into our lives and make us better men and better women." 

- Gordon B. Hinckley, "Closing Remarks," General Conference October 2004
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President Hinckley provides two insights into the temple attendance.  First, we go because we are providing a gift of unmatched service, becoming "saviors on Mount Zion" as we assist in the salvation of those for whom we do ordinances. We serve unselfishly, receiving no expression of appreciation, not even knowing if our gift is received. It's a great model for the best kind of pure-hearted service.

But yet, the promised blessings of temple service are a great treasure to us. President Hinckley also encourages us to attend for our own benefit.

What a beautiful thought: "peeling off" the shell of selfishness that so often encompasses us. Promises like these, if we take them seriously, should make it easier for us to respond to Pres. Hinckley's invitation to "go to the house of the Lord a little more frequently."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

January 7, 2015