Our Responsibility to Be Worthy of Temple Worship

August 2010 Ensign

Our Responsibility to Be Worthy of Temple Worship

Study this material and, as appropriate, discuss it with the sisters you visit. Use the questions to help you strengthen your sisters and to make Relief Society an active part of your own life.

From the Scriptures

Isaiah 2:2–3; D&C 109:22–23; 110:8–10

"The covenants we make with the associated ordinances we receive in the temple become our credentials for admission into God's presence. These covenants elevate us beyond the limits of our own power and perspective. We make covenants to show our devotion to build up the kingdom. We become covenant people as we are placed under covenant to God. All the promised blessings are ours through our faithfulness to these covenants. . . .

"What can the women of the Church do to claim the blessings of the temple?

"Through His prophets, the Lord invites those who have not yet received the blessings of the temple to do whatever may be necessary to qualify to receive them. He invites those who have already received these blessings to return as often as possible to enjoy again the experience, to increase their vision and understanding of His eternal plan.

"Let us be worthy to have a current temple recommend. Let us go to the temple to seal our families eternally. Let us return to the temple as often as our circumstances will permit. Let us give our kindred dead the opportunity to receive the ordinances of exaltation. Let us enjoy the spiritual strength and the revelation we receive as we attend the temple regularly. Let us be faithful and make and keep temple covenants to receive the full blessings of the Atonement."¹

Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.

From Our History

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) taught that Relief Society grew out of sisters' desire to worship in temples:

"During the construction of the Kirtland Temple the women were called upon to grind their china into small particles to be mixed with the plaster used on the walls of the temple, which would catch the light of the sun and the moon and reflect that light to beautify the appearance of the building.

"In those times, when there was very little of money but an abundance of faith, the workmen gave of their strength and resources to the construction of the Lord's house. The women supplied them with food, the best they could prepare. Edward W. Tullidge reported that while the women were sewing the temple veils, Joseph Smith, observing them, said, 'Well, sisters, you are always on hand. The sisters are always first and foremost in all good works. Mary was first at the resurrection; and the sisters now are the first to work on the inside of the temple.' . . .

"Again in Nauvoo, when the temple was under construction, a few women joined together to make shirts for the workmen. It was out of these circumstances that twenty of them gathered on Thursday, 17 March 1842, in the upper room of the Prophet's store."²

What Can I Do?

1. What support can I offer to help my sisters prepare for and attend the temple?
2. How can I exemplify the heritage of the early sisters who sacrificed to receive temple blessings?
3. How can I claim the blessings of the temple?

For more information, go to www.reliefsociety.lds.org.

Notes
1. Silvia H. Allred, "Holy Temples, Sacred Covenants," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 113, 114.
2. Gordon B. Hinckley, " 'Ambitious to Do Good'," Ensign, Mar. 1992, 2.

Suggested handout for July Visiting Teaching

July Visiting Teaching Message from Esign 2010

Strengthening Families and Homes

“Strengthening Families and Homes,” Ensign, Jul 2010, 7

Study this material, and as appropriate, discuss it with the sisters you visit. Use the questions to help you strengthen your sisters and to make Relief Society an active part of your own life.

Strengthening at Every Opportunity

“Each of us is in a different family situation. Some families have a mother and father with children at home. Some couples no longer have children at home. Many members of the Church are single, and some are single parents. Others are widows or widowers living alone.

“No matter what our family looks like, each of us can work to strengthen our own families or help in strengthening others.

“[Once] I stayed in the home of my niece and her family. That evening before the children went to bed, we had a short family home evening and a scripture story. Their father told about the family of Lehi and how he taught his children that they must hold fast to the iron rod, which is the word of God. Holding fast to the iron rod would keep them safe and lead them to joy and happiness. If they should let go of the iron rod, there was danger of drowning in the river of dirty water.

“To demonstrate this to the children, their mother became the ‘iron rod’ that they must cling to, and their father played the role of the devil, trying to pull the children away from safety and happiness. The children loved the story and learned how important it is to hold fast to the iron rod. After the scripture story it was time for family prayer. …

“Scriptures, family home evening, and family prayer will strengthen families. We need to take every opportunity to strengthen families and support one another to stay on the right path.”1

From the Scriptures

Genesis 18:19; Mosiah 4:15; D&C 93:40; Moses 6:55–58

From Our History

From the beginning Relief Society has had a charge to strengthen families and homes. The Prophet Joseph taught sisters at an early Relief Society meeting, “When you go home, never give a cross or unkind word to your husbands, but let kindness, charity and love crown your works henceforward.”2

In 1914 President Joseph F. Smith told Relief Society sisters, “Wherever there is ignorance or at least a lack of understanding in regard to the family, … there this organization exists or is near at hand, and by the natural endowments and inspiration that belongs to the organization they are prepared and ready to impart instruction with reference to those important duties.”3

What Can We Do?

• 1. What ideas for strengthening families and homes will you share with your sisters? As you ponder their individual circumstances, the Spirit can bring ideas to your mind.

• 2. What priorities can you change this month to better strengthen your own family and home?

For more information, go to www.reliefsociety.lds.org.

Photo illustration by Robert Casey

Notes

1. Barbara Thompson, “His Arm Is Sufficient,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2009, 84.

2. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 482.

3. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith (1998), 186.

Quote by Pres Boyd K Packer is the Handout for April

Visiting Teaching Message fom June 2010 Esign

Renewing Covenants through the Sacrament

“Renewing Covenants through the Sacrament,” Ensign, Jun 2010, 7

Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.

Jesus Christ Instituted the Sacrament

“Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to his Apostles, saying, ‘Take, eat’ (Matt. 26:26). ‘This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me’ (Luke 22:19). In a similar manner he took the cup of wine, traditionally diluted with water, said a blessing of thanks for it, and passed it to those gathered about him, saying: ‘This cup is the new testament in my blood,’ ‘which is shed … for the remission of sins.’ ‘This do in remembrance of me.’ …

“Since that upper room experience on the eve of Gethsemane and Golgotha, children of the promise have been under covenant to remember Christ’s sacrifice in this newer, higher, more holy and personal way.”1

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

We Renew Our Baptismal Covenants through the Sacrament

“When we are baptized, we take upon ourselves the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Taking upon us His name is one of the most significant experiences we have in life …

“Each week in sacrament meeting we promise to remember the atoning sacrifice of our Savior as we renew our baptismal covenant. We promise to do as the Savior did—to be obedient to the Father and always keep His commandments. The blessing we receive in return is to always have His Spirit to be with us.”2

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

“I was with an eight-year-old girl on the day of her baptism. At the end of the day she said with all confidence, ‘I have been baptized for a whole day, and I haven’t sinned once!’ But her perfect day did not last forever, and I am sure she is learning by now, like we all learn, that as hard as we try, we do not always avoid every bad situation, every wrong choice …

“… It is not possible to make real change all by ourselves. Our own willpower and our own good intentions are not enough. When we make mistakes or choose poorly, we must have the help of our Savior to get back on track. We partake of the sacrament week after week to show our faith in His power to change us. We confess our sins and promise to forsake them.”3

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.

Helps for Visiting Teaching

As you come to know a sister and her family, look for ways you might help her renew her covenants through the sacrament. If she does not attend sacrament meeting, could you invite her to attend or offer help for her to do so (transportation, assistance with children, a friend to sit by, and so on)?

Personal Preparation

• Luke 22:19–20

• 1 Corinthians 11:23–28

• 3 Nephi 18:1–12

Photograph by Jerry Garns

Notes

1. Jeffrey R. Holland, “This Do in Remembrance of Me,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 67.

2. Robert D. Hales, “The Covenant of Baptism: To Be in the Kingdom and of the Kingdom,” Liahona, Jan. 2001, 8; Ensign, Nov. 2000, 8.

3. Julie B. Beck, “Remembering, Repenting, and Changing,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2007, 110–11.

May Visiting Teaching

For the month of May pick a message from your favorite conference talk from the April 2010 General Conference and share that message with the sisters you visit. Find a special way to share your love.

Thank you for all you do. We appreciate you and love you all.

Love,
The Relief Society Presidency

Quote by Pres Boyd K Packer is the Handout for April

Visiting Teaching Message fom April 2010 Esign

Seeking and Receiving Personal Revelation

Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.

How Can I Seek Personal Revelation?

“We prepare to receive personal revelation as the prophets do, by studying the scriptures, fasting, praying, and building faith. Faith is the key. Remember Joseph’s preparation for the First Vision:

“‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. …

“‘But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.’”1

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

“Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil.

“But that is not all. To one who thought that revelation would flow without effort, the Lord said:

“‘You have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.

“‘But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.’”2

President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

How Can I Receive Personal Revelation?

“In its more familiar forms, revelation or inspiration comes by means of words or thoughts communicated to the mind (see Enos 1:10; D&C 8:2–3), by sudden enlightenment (see D&C 6:14–15), by positive or negative feelings about proposed courses of action, or even by inspiring performances, as in the performing arts. As President Boyd K. Packer, … President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has stated, ‘Inspiration comes more as a feeling than as a sound.’”3

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

“The temple is a house of learning. Much of the instruction imparted in the temple is symbolic and learned by the Spirit. This means we are taught from on high. … Our understanding of the meaning of the ordinances and covenants will increase as we return to the temple often with the attitude of learning and contemplating the eternal truths taught. … Let us enjoy the spiritual strength and the revelation we receive as we attend the temple regularly.”4

Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.

Helps for Visiting Teaching

As a visiting teacher, you can receive impressions of the Spirit as to the needs of your sisters and how to meet those needs. As you teach this message, share, as appropriate, any inspiration or help you have received regarding visiting teaching.

Personal Preparation

• 1 Samuel 3:10

• 1 Kings 19:11–12

• Alma 5:46; 26:22

• 3 Nephi 19:19–23

• D&C 8:2–3; 9:8–9; 88:63–64

Photo illustration by Juan Pablo Aragón Armas

Notes

1. “Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 88.

2. “Personal Revelation: The Gift, the Test, and the Promise,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 59–60.

3. “Eight Reasons for Revelation,” Liahona, Sept. 2004, 8; “Eight Ways God Can Speak to You,” New Era, Sept. 2004, 4.

4. “Holy Temples, Sacred Covenants,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 113, 114.

Suggested Handout for March Visiting Teaching

Visiting Teaching Message fom March Esign

Strengthening Faith in God the Father and Jesus Christ through Personal Scripture Study


Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.


"When I was a new bride, . . . I was invited to a lunch for all of the Relief Society sisters in my ward who had read either the Book of Mormon or a short Church history book. I had become casual in my scripture reading, so I qualified to attend the luncheon by reading the short book because it was easier and took less time. As I was eating my lunch, I had a powerful feeling that though the history book was a good one, I should have read the Book of Mormon. The Holy Ghost was prompting me to change my scripture reading habits. That very day I began to read the Book of Mormon, and I have never stopped. . . . Because I started reading the scriptures daily, I have learned about my Heavenly Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and what I need to do to be like Them. . . .

" . . . Every woman can be a gospel doctrine instructor in her home, and every sister in the Church needs gospel knowledge as a leader and teacher. If you have not already developed the habit of daily scripture study, start now and keep studying in order to be prepared for your responsibilities in this life and in the eternities."1

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.


"A study of the scriptures will help our testimonies and the testimonies of our family members. Our children today are growing up surrounded by voices urging them to abandon that which is right and to pursue, instead, the pleasures of the world. Unless they have a firm foundation in the gospel of Jesus Christ, a testimony of the truth, and a determination to live righteously, they are susceptible to these influences. It is our responsibility to fortify and protect them."2

President Thomas S. Monson.


"We want our sisters to be scholars of the scriptures. . . . You need an acquaintanceship with his eternal truths for your own well being, and for the purposes of teaching your own children and all others who come within your influence."3

"We want our homes to be blessed with sister scriptorians—whether you are single or married, young or old, widowed or living in a family. . . . Become scholars of the scriptures—not to put others down, but to lift them up!"4

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985).


Notes
1. Julie B. Beck, "My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures," Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 107–9.
2. Thomas S. Monson, "Three Goals to Guide You," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2007, 118.
3. Spencer W. Kimball, "Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters," Ensign, Nov. 1978, 102.
4. Spencer W. Kimball, "The Role of Righteous Women," Ensign, Nov. 1979, 102.


Helps for Visiting Teaching
During your visit, answer questions and share insights using the scriptures. Bear testimony of how scripture study has strengthened your faith. Ask the sister you visit to share how her study of the scriptures has strengthened her home and family.


Personal Preparation
John 5:39
2 Timothy 3:14–17
2 Nephi 9:50–51; 31:20; 32:3–5
D&C 138:1–11

VISITING TEACHING HANDOUT

Visiting Teaching Message from Esign Feburary 2010

Visiting Teaching Message

Managing Resources Wisely and Staying Out of Debt
Ensign, February 2010

Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.


Managing Resources

"'Provident living' . . . implies the [conserving] of our resources, the wise planning of financial matters, full provision for personal health, and adequate preparation for education and career development, giving appropriate attention to home production and storage as well as the development of emotional resiliency. . . . If we live wisely and providently, we will be as safe as in the palm of His hand."1
President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985).



"What skills do we need to help us become self-reliant? . . . In the early days of the Church, Brigham Young pled with the sisters to learn to prevent illness in families, establish home industries, and learn accounting and bookkeeping and other practical skills. Those principles still apply today. Education continues to be vitally important. . . .

"I asked several bishops what self-reliance skills the sisters in their wards needed most, and they said budgeting. Women need to understand the implications of buying on credit and not living within a budget. The second skill bishops listed was cooking. Meals prepared and eaten at home generally cost less, are healthier, and contribute to stronger family relationships."2
Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.


Avoiding Debt

"May I suggest five key steps to financial freedom. . . .
"First, pay your tithing. . . .
"Second, spend less than you earn. . . .
"Third, learn to save. . . .
"Fourth, honor your financial obligations. . . .
"Fifth, teach your children to follow your example."3
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.


"When we go into debt, we give away some of our precious, priceless agency and place ourselves in self-imposed servitude. We obligate our time, energy, and means to repay what we have borrowed—resources that could have been used to help ourselves, our families, and others. . . .

"To pay our debts now and to avoid future debt require us to exercise faith in the Savior—not just to do better but to be better. It takes great faith to utter those simple words, 'We can't afford it.' It takes faith to trust that life will be better as we sacrifice our wants in order to meet our own and others' needs."4
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.


Notes
1. "Welfare Services: The Gospel in Action," Ensign, Nov. 1977, 78.
2. "The Welfare Responsibilities of the Relief Society President," Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance (2009), 5.
3. "Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts," Liahona and Ensign, May 2004, 41, 42.
4. "A Gospel Vision of Welfare: Faith in Action," Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance (2009), 1.


Helps for Visiting Teachers

Counsel with your companion about how to sensitively adapt this message to each sister's circumstances. What self-reliance skills can you share with her?


Personal Preparation

Malachi 3:10
Matthew 6:19–21
Luke 12:15
D&C 38:30; 88:119
For more information, see All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances (item no. 04007).

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Handouts for January Visiting Teaching Message

January Visiting Teaching Message from the Esign

Becoming Self-Reliant

“Becoming Self-Reliant,” Liahona, Jan 2010, 9

Teach these scriptures and quotations or, if needed, another principle that will bless the sisters you visit. Bear testimony of the doctrine. Invite those you visit to share what they have felt and learned.

What Is Self-Reliance?

“‘Self-reliance means using all of our blessings from Heavenly Father to care for ourselves and our families and to find solutions for our own problems.’ Each of us has a responsibility to try to avoid problems before they happen and to learn to overcome challenges when they occur. …

“How do we become self-reliant? We become self-reliant through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education, and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and social and emotional well-being.”1

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.

A Gospel Responsibility

“As we live providently and increase our gifts and talents, we become more self-reliant. Self-reliance is taking responsibility for our own spiritual and temporal welfare and for those whom Heavenly Father has entrusted to our care. Only when we are self-reliant can we truly emulate the Savior in serving and blessing others.

“It is important to understand that self-reliance is a means to an end. Our ultimate goal is to become like the Savior, and that goal is enhanced by our unselfish service to others. Our ability to serve is increased or diminished by the level of our self-reliance.”2

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

“Self-reliance is a product of our work and undergirds all other welfare practices. It is an essential element in our spiritual as well as our temporal well-being. Regarding this principle, President Marion G. Romney [1897–1988] has said: ‘Let us work for what we need. Let us be self-reliant and independent. Salvation can be obtained on no other principle. Salvation is an individual matter, and we must work out our own salvation in temporal as well as in spiritual things.’ …

“President Spencer W. Kimball [1895–1985] further taught concerning self-reliance: ‘The responsibility for each person’s social, emotional, spiritual, physical, or economic well-being rests first upon himself, second upon his family, and third upon the Church if he is a faithful member thereof.’”3

President Thomas S. Monson.

Helps for Visiting Teaching

As a visiting teacher, you can seek personal inspiration to know how to best respond to the needs of those you are assigned to watch over. Then focus your efforts on strengthening each sister’s faith and family.

Personal Preparation

• Genesis 3:19

• Matthew 6:33

• D&C 82:18–19; 109:8

For more information, see www.providentliving.org; All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Finances (item no. 04007); and All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage (item no. 04008).

Right: photo illustration by Matthew Reier

Notes

1. “The Welfare Responsibilities of the Relief Society President,” Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance (2009), 4–5.

2. “A Gospel Vision of Welfare: Faith in Action,” Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance (2009), 1–2.

3. “Guiding Principles of Personal and Family Welfare,” Liahona, Feb. 1987, 3; Ensign, Sept. 1986, 3.