Sharing the personal significance of the temple in his own life, Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve testified during the Saturday afternoon session of general conference of the source of strength and power the temple can be in times of need.
"With careful planning and some sacrifice the majority of the members of the Church can receive the ordinances of the temple for themselves and for their ancestors and be blessed by the covenants made therein," he said.
Recognizing the increased accessibility to temples throughout the world, Elder Scott encouraged members to prepare for and attend the temple.
"I have seen that many times individuals have made great sacrifices to go to a distant temple. But when a temple is built close by, within a short time, many do not visit it regularly," he said. "I have a suggestion: When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple. Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan. This pattern will guarantee that those who live in the shadow of the temple will be blessed as are those who plan far ahead and make a long trip to the temple."
Elder Scott encouraged members to set goals of how frequently they will attend the temple. He also gave suggestions of how to gain more benefit and understanding from attending the temple.
Experiences in the temple can be enhanced by focusing on the doctrine of temple ordinances, remembering to express gratitude for blessings, scheduling regular visits, planning sufficient time to spend unhurried time within the temple walls and remembering the individual whose work is being done. Little actions such as removing one's watch while in the House of the Lord is a simple way to enhance one's temple experience.
Not only are temple ordinances necessary in this life, they also can be a comfort during hardship. Elder Scott told of the personal importance the temple has had in his life with the promise that deceased family members will be together again. After losing two of his children as infants and later his wife, the eternal bond solemnized in the temple has been a comfort, as well as an encouragement to live his life righteously, he testified.
"When we live righteously and have received the ordinances of the temple, everything else is in the hands of the Lord. We can do the best we can, but the final outcome is up to Him. We should never complain, when we are living worthily, about what happens in our lives. ..." he said. "What I am trying to teach is that when we keep the temple covenants we have made and when we live righteously in order to maintain the blessings promised by those ordinances, then come what may, we have no reason to worry or to feel despondent."
