21-11-11: President's Message

Hello sisters and brothers,

Just over a year ago, we officially broke ground for the Taylorsville Temple. In a ceremony organized by President and Sister Wakefield, and presided over by Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve, we dedicated a piece of ground for the construction of a veritable ‘portal’ connecting us to heaven.

But, didn’t we dedicate more than land, that day?

Didn’t we also dedicate OURSELVES... to the path that leads us spiritually to the temple?

And, by making that promise, we joined arms spiritually with all our brothers and sisters all over the world and in all generations who also have made sacrifices to build and enter a temple of God.

Last week, I listened to a podcast series about the Nauvoo Temple as part of my gospel study. I find it instructive that shortly after being driven from Missouri by mobs in the dead of winter, Joseph Smith, who himself had barely been released from Liberty Jail, was commanded to build the Nauvoo temple.

I’m sure there were those at the time who questioned the Lord’s command, given their impoverished situation.

What immense faith it must have taken for these sisters and brothers to ACT on this revelation. I find it incredible and very inspiring to think of their sacrifice.

I also think of the commandment the Lord gave his people in 1832 to build the Kirtland Temple...a time and circumstance no less daunting for the saints.

Why did the Lord require such a sacrifice by His people...knowing they would have to abandon these buildings mere months following completion?

Critics and dissenters laughed in scorn at what they viewed as wasted effort?

But was it?

What if the purpose behind “building a temple” is about so much more than quarrying stones and nailing boards?

What if building a temple is also about the changes that occur in the women and men and children who choose to make the required sacrifices and enter worthily?

An important aspect of our mortal existence is the reality of Satan and his opposing forces. Satan’s temptations seek to lure us into a world with an egocentric bias. He screams and beckons for our attention...our homage... our very soul!

The Savior, on the other hand, invites us…

“Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.” D&C 19: 23

One of the conclusions I have reached in my gospel study is that the growth of the Lord’s kingdom is measured one soul at a time. Turning our hearts and our souls to Christ is His goal, but it requires OUR choice each day. Very often that choice is influenced by the sincere invitation and example of a friend.

I am grateful to so many of you, who have, like the saints in pioneer days, acted in faith to overcome Satan and sacrificed to move toward the temple. I am grateful to those who without judging, extend simple invitations to others to come along.

It is gratifying, inspiring, and heartwarming for me to issue temple recommends to many who make the choice daily to live temple covenants...our spiritual partnership with God.

And in the same breath, I hasten to add that I am looking forward to many more of these warm experiences in the coming days, weeks, and months as I know there are many more striving toward that goal with the help of friends.

The Lord will bless and consecrate your sacrifice. He always does.

I love you all.

President Gardner