Houses of the Lord - These Things I Know

The most holy places on this earth are the temples. In the temple, worthy members of the Church receive the greatest blessings anyone can desire. We also help make those same blessings available to our ancestors who died without receiving the essential ordinances of salvation.

You may ask… Why are members of the Church, like yourself, so willing and happy to build and go to the temple?

The Lord has always asked His people to build temples. The Lord commanded Moses: “Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” The portable tabernacle they built served as the central place of Israel’s worship during their journey to the Promised Land. Its design and assembly were revealed by the Lord to Moses. It was to be the Lord’s holy house.

Later, King Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem using the best building materials obtainable.

During the Savior’s earthly ministry, He considered the temple as a sacred place and taught reverence for it.

The Nephites (We learn about this civilization from The Book of Mormon) also built temples to the Lord in the Americas. They were gathered around the temple when Christ appeared to them after His Resurrection.

After the Church was restored in this dispensation (187 years ago this month), the Lord commanded the Saints to build a temple: “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”  Doctrine and Covenants 88:119 (One of my favorite scriptures of all time)

In response, the Saints built the Kirtland Temple; a great sacrifice. In this holy temple, important priesthood keys were restored and the Savior Himself appeared.

At the moment, there are 155 temples in operation throughout the world, and many more are being built (14 under construction and 13 more announced). 

We have been commanded to build temples so that holy ordinances may be performed for both the living and the dead. These ordinances include initiatory ordinances, endowments, marriages, sealings, baptisms for the dead, and ordinations.

President Brigham Young defined the endowment the following way:

“Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father … and gain your eternal exaltation.”

The covenants we make with the mentioned ordinances we receive in the temple become our qualifications for admission into God’s presence. These covenants raise 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.

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. Temple covenants and ordinances are a powerful symbol of Christ and His Atonement. We all receive the same instruction, but 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. I testify of this. 

Temple worship provides opportunities to serve the dead by performing vicarious ordinances for them. Family history research may be done by anyone outside the temple walls, but the sacred ordinances our dead ancestors need for their exaltation can be administered only in the temple. The temple is the house of the Lord. He directs the conditions under which it may be used, the ordinances that should be administered, and the standards that qualify us to enter and participate in temple worship. The Lord told Moses, “Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.” In Psalms we read: “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?

“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.”  

His house is holy, and no unclean thing may enter it.

Upon returning from my two year church mission back in February 2015, I experienced a great loss of serving full-time in the work of the Lord. I was impressed to ask my then Bishop Rhodes about the possibility of becoming an Ordinance Worker in the Logan Temple. He interviewed me and sent in a recommendation and a few weeks later I was interviewed by a member of the the Temple Presidency and set apart on April 16th 2015 as an Ordinance Worker on the Saturday PM Shift. 

It felt amazing to once again be set apart in the work of the Lord and to be given authority to act in the name of Jesus Christ. Ever since first entering the Temple at the age of 12, participating in baptisms in behalf of the dead, did I have the ambition to become an Ordinance Worker one day. 

I never knew that I would be so privileged and blessed to begin serving at the age of 21. 

Yesterday, April 15th, I was honorably released as an Ordinance Worker in the Logan Temple, having served for two years. 

I was emotional multiple times throughout the evening, especially as I administered ordinances for the last time. 

You may ask, If you love the temple so much, why would you leave? 

With a lot of prayer and thought, I considered two years of service a great privilege and opportunity. Serving at the Temple helped me transition from a missionary to a returned missionary so well. I now need to put more attention into dating, school, and work. Thankfully, I can still visit the temple as a patron anytime I desire. I have the full intention of returning as an Ordinance Worker again in the future.

I'm a man of statistics. I hate math but I love seeing numbers that I can relate to. I keep pretty good records. I don't share this to brag in any way, but I find it interesting for me at least. 

I served 82 weekends (shifts) at the Logan temple. I loved every single Saturday. 

I’ve had the wonderful privilege, to go inside 16 different temples! I’ve been truly blessed. 

I’ve gone to the temple 157x’s since receiving my own endowment!
I am very blessed to live 15 minutes away from one in Logan, Utah. And less than 3 hours from others!
I love the temple!! I can’t tell you enough!

Nearly 100 years ago, Apostle John A. Widtsoe taught: “We need more workers to accomplish [this] wonderful work. … We need more converts to temple work, drawn from all ages. … The time has come, … in this new temple movement, to bring into active service all the people, of all ages. … Temple work is … of as much benefit to the young and the active, as it is to the aged, who have laid behind them many of the burdens of life. The young man needs his place in the temple even more than his father and his grandfather, who are steadied by a life of experience; and the young girl just entering life, needs the spirit, influence and direction that come from participation in the temple ordinances."

As President Wilford Woodruff said:

“What greater calling can any man [or woman] have on the face of the earth than to hold in his [or her] hands power and authority to go forth and administer in the ordinances of salvation? …

“… You become an instrument in the hands of God in the salvation of that soul. There is nothing given to the children of men that is equal to it.”

He also said:

“The sweet whisperings of the Holy Spirit will be given to [you] and the treasures of Heaven, the communion of angels, will be added from time to time.”

“This is worth all you or I can sacrifice [during] the few years we have to spend here in the flesh.”

President Thomas S. Monson recently reminded us that “the blessings of the temple are priceless.” “No sacrifice is too great.”

Come to the temple. Come often. Come with and for your family. Come, and help others to come too.

Young Adults, my peeps! If you love the Temple, if you desire more blessings and guidance from the Lord, if you want to learn more about God's love for His children, if you want to learn more about the Houses of the Lord, etc, become an Ordinance Worker! You will not regret it. I have total confidence it will be one of the best choices you make! I would encourage every returned missionary especially to consider and pray about becoming a temple worker. I encourage everyone to consider serving and visiting the temple more than you currently are. These edifices are here to stay, so become more acquainted with them as much as you possibly can. 

If you need a friend to take you to the temple, if you need someone to remind you to go the temple, if you want to be married in the temple... ;), let me be that someone! 

I am so grateful for my mother who has and continues to be an enormous example to me for the love of the Temple and the importance of going each week. 

I am thankful for my mission, which provided a Temple to attend 7 times. It engraved in my soul an even greater love for the work accomplished inside.

I am grateful to be born and live in a Valley that is blessed with a House of God. I see it everyday and I am beyond grateful for it's presence in my life. 

I am grateful for the Temple Presidency, for their example and many trainings I received from them.

I am thankful for all the Ordinance Workers who serve in all the Houses of the Lord, but especially the Logan Temple and even more so the Saturday PM Shift Workers. They were wonderful to serve alongside with and many of them have become my dear friends. 

I am thankful for all those who attend the Temple. You are why I served! I loved seeing you come to the Lord's House. Thank you for you sweet spirits and for your enlightening smiles. I was able to assist those coming to the Temple for the first time, those returning after a long time, and those being sealed for time and all eternity. You brought me absolute joy while serving. Thank for your attendance. Keep coming. 

I testify to you that the temples are sacred, holy places. They are a source of spiritual power and strength. They are a place of revelation. They are truly the Houses of the Lord, I so testify. 

In the sacred name of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, amen.

Jordan Falslev

Make Institute a Priority

Make Institute a Priority

Jordan Falslev

Smithfield YSA 1st Ward

02.19.2017

“I ask you to make institute a priority. Think of it. Friends will be made, the Spirit will be felt, and faith will be strengthened. I promise you that as you participate in institute and study the scriptures diligently, your power to avoid temptations and to receive direction of the Holy Ghost in all you do will be increased. That is a promise I leave with you.”
-President Thomas S. Monson

A little over a year ago, President Russell M. Nelson, spoke about our generation becoming true millennials. He said,

“As a True Millennial whom the Lord can count on, you will make history! You will be asked to accept challenging assignments and become an instrument in the Lord’s hands. And He will enable you to accomplish the impossible.” 

He continues, 

“How will you accomplish the impossible? By doing whatever it takes to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ by increasing your understanding of the doctrine taught in His restored Church and by relentlessly seeking truth. As a True Millennial, anchored in pure doctrine, when you are asked to do impossible things, you will be able to step forward with faith and dogged persistence and cheerfully do all that lies in your power to fulfill the purposes of the Lord.”

Are you and I really doing whatever it takes to strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ? 

Throughout my talk, I’d like you to ask yourself and thoughtfully ponder one or the other, following questions;

-Why am I attending Institute?

-Why am I not attending Institute?

Our beloved Prophet, Thomas S. Monson has shared the following, very important, prophetic counsel… (READ QUOTE)

Heavenly Father clearly wants us young adults to make Institute a priority.

Lets define the word priority:

the fact or condition of being regarded or treated as more important

the right to take precedence or to proceed before all others

Is Institute a priority in your life or is it not?

President Monson promises us that when we attend Institute, friends will be made. That the Spirit will be present. Our faith will be strengthened.

He promises that if we participate in Institute and study our scripture diligently, it is guaranteed that the power to avoid temptation and receive direction will be increased!! Who doesn’t want that? Who doesn't need that? 

I have experienced the fulfillment of all these promises in my life. And I am positive that you will too if you follow the Prophet’s counsel with a willing heart. Choosing to attend institute weekly is one of best decisions I have made. My life is filled with joy. I understand more about the gospel and continue to learn more each week.

I believe that just like the principle of tithing, Institute can be applied in the same way. Until we actually act in accordance to God’s commandments we won’t reap the blessings. If we don’t act by giving 10% of our income to the Lord, we won’t receive the blessings of the law of tithing. If we don’t give 10% to the Lord in attending all Church meeting, (and I believe Institute counts as a meeting, because it’s a place to gather and converse about the gospel), we won’t receive all that the Father is willing to pour upon us. 

As an Institute Representative, one of my responsibilities is to encourage my peers to attend Institute and to make it a priority. This can be somewhat of a challenge. 

After all, if you don’t know how great Institute is, why would you want to add another meeting to your already busy week?

Thus, I struggled with what to share in order to motivate you, even more so, to make Institute a more regular part of your life.

With the help of the Spirit, I was inspired to ask a few of my friends, mission companions, and members and recent converts from Virginia how Institute has blessed their lives. I hope hearing a few of their testimonies will encourage you to take Institute as a weekly supplement to your life! 

One friend shared;

“I am frequently surprised at what I learn at Institute. I don’t remember ever attending class without coming away having learned something new or understanding some gospel principle better. As a result, my life has changed. Among the many blessings I have received by attending institute are improved family relationships and an increased interest in the scriptures. It has also increased my testimony. Before attending Institute, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to serve a mission. Without attending Institute, I may have never served.”

From one of my mission companions;

“Ever since I began to attend institute regularly, tremendous spiritual blessings have entered my life. I have developed Christlike love for God’s children, my faith in the Lord is growing stronger, and I have drawn closer to Jesus Christ through scripture study.

The lessons give me direction by helping me understand better how to use my agency. They help me face challenges with a positive viewpoint, and I have learned that God is always near to help me overcome my struggles. When I attend Institute, I find answers to my questions. Each time I put into practice the teachings from my classes, other things in my life seem to fall into their proper places a little more easily.”

From a recent convert of two years;

“I have often heard the Church described as a “refuge from the storm”. Institute became that refuge for me as I battled the new storm of the separation of my parents. I enrolled in Institute, and while I don’t recall the exact words spoken in the lessons, I will never forget the feelings of peace and comfort that came to me as I listened. I began to feel the love my Heavenly Father has for me, and I became much more closely acquainted with the best counselor I have ever found: Jesus Christ.

I have to pay for my college education, yet I learn the most valuable lessons from Institute classes, which are available to me for free. I see now that the definition of home isn’t necessarily the house in which you grow up but a place where life’s lessons are taught and love abounds. Because of what I learned and the Spirit I felt, Institute has become a new home for me. It is wonderful having a place where I feel loved and welcome.”

We are so blessed as Latter-day Saints in this Valley. We not only have Institute classes available up at Utah State, but our own Stake holds classes every Tuesday night at 7.

Are we taking it for granted? 

While serving my mission in Virginia, many young members had to travel over an hour just to attend Institute.

Boyd K. Packer shared the following;

“Students, if your values are in place, you will not hesitate to forego an elective class that may decorate your life in favor of instruction which can hold together the very foundation of it. Then, once enrolled, attend, study, and learn. Persuade your friends to do the same. You will never regret it; this I promise you.”

L. Tom Perry said;

“I know the power that comes from associations in the Institute program. It has enriched my life, and I know it will do the same for you. It will put a shield of protection around you to keep you free from the temptations and trials of the world. There is a great blessing in having a knowledge of the gospel. And I know of no better place for the young people of the Church to gain a special knowledge of sacred things than in the institute and seminary programs of the Church.”

If there is one thing I want to stand out to you about Institute is the importance of REGISTERING. 

Currently only 46 (26%) of you in this ward are enrolled in Institute. 132 (74%) are not.

Now I hope that many of you are attending Institute at least occasionally. I know what a busy schedule looks like, and sometimes Institute can be really challenging to get to, so you may not feel that you should enroll because you might miss a good chunk of the classes, and don’t want that to affect your quote on quote, grade. I guarantee the Brethren, would rather have you register, and miss some classes, then not register at all, and get zero credit for attending. You’ll still graduate from Institute in the end. GPA is not important in heaven. Attendance and a willingness is. 

If you cannot come every week, still register.

If you can’t commit right now, at the first of the semester, still register.

If you will be late or have to leave early, still register.

PLEASE don’t let this keep you from enrolling. Registering shows that you are committed even though life happens. 

We always are ‘registered’ for the Temple (or at least should be) but sometimes life happens and we can’t attend. Does that mean we never get a Temple Recommend? No.
Same thing with Institute. Just because you might not be able to go regularly, you should still register and be enrolled in a class, in the hopes that you will be able to attend often.

I’m going to interrupt this scripture with Institute in mind.

D&C 127:7

That in all your recordings it may be recorded in heaven; whatsoever you bind on earth, may be bound in heaven; whatsoever you loose on earth, may be loosed in heaven;

God is orderly and keeps records. It’s a fact. 

You may be going to Institute, but if you're not enrolled, what will you have to show on the records of Heaven in the hereafter? REGISTER. 

I have a friend attending UVU. This is what he had to share about Institute and I absolutely love it;

“This semester is whizzing by. Time has raced onward, professors keep giving large loads of homework and Institute keeps hosting fun socials and activities to attend. Initially when I moved up here I thought that 10 weeks would be an eternity, however I soon found that it to be the contrary. I wished time could slow just a little.

I found that I was so busy that I could easily stay up into the early hours of the morning studying, get three hours of sleep and repeat the cycle the next day. In fact this is what I did for the first couple of weeks. I'm learning a new spoken language and a new programming language and adapting to both has required significant investments of my time. Initially I thought, who has time for Institute? Who has enough time to maintain their grades, attend Institute and then attend all the activities that they host? Did I at least have time to attend the institute class each week, or was that too great a time commitment?

Mentally I told myself institute seemed like a huge commitment. My grades- I thought- would define my life and success in college, effect what jobs I could get later in my professional career and what schools I could apply to for grad school.

However, spiritually I knew this wasn't the least bit accurate. I knew that I would need the strength that Institute would provide from the spiritual calamities that I encounter every day- foul language, beliefs that are in direct contradiction to mine and people challenging me to do things that I knew to be wrong. Although it didn't really make sense to me mentally or mathematically, I told myself that Institute was worth the time commitment and I told myself that I would attend class every week without fail. I even told myself that I would attend the committee meeting held every Friday morning to serve the Lord and the Institute.

As I tried this out the first couple of weeks something astonishing happened. Although I was spending less time on my studies, and was giving up a morning once a week, I found that my grades actually improved and that I was succeeding in all of my classes. I was going to Institute, the meetings on Friday and all the socials and doing less work and study, but my performance had increased.

I know that this is because the Savior is seeking to bless me for giving Him my time. Matthew 11:28-30 states: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light."

Through application I have come to know that this scripture is true. Mentally we may feel like we don't have enough hours in the day to do all that needs to be done. We may feel like we have so much that we can't fit Institute in. But I know that if we put the Lord as our first priority everything else will fall into play. I know He loves us and seeks to bless us for following Him and that by attending Institute we can build our relationship with Him. If you want your burden to be light, come to Institute!”

Brothers and Sisters, Institute is the best!  It is a great spiritual and physical support for me. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to go every week! I look forward to my Tuesday nights! I hope all young single adults will participate in Institute classes, but especially all of you, and receive the blessings that come from studying the gospel of Jesus Christ and applying the principles of the gospel in our lives. The added advantage of studying the gospel with other young single adults is powerful and strengthening.

If you need someone to remind you to come, tell me, I’d be happy to remind you! 

If you need a ride, tell me, I’d be happy to take you along! 

I know these things to be true. 

I’m grateful that Jesus Christ inspired the Brethren to organize Institute! 

Use your glorious God given Agency and attend Institute.