Temple Worship: A Pattern in Our Lives

(Part 1 of 4)

遵循先知的忠告

 Following Prophetic Counsel

主在1831 年赐给先知约瑟・斯密的启示中说：“。。。却都要应验，无论是借着我自已的声音，或是我仆人们的声音，都是一样”（教约1:38）。因此，我们活着的先知多马.孟荪会长在2009年4月总会大会上的演讲，就像是主直接对我们说话一样。孟荪会长说：“弟兄姐妹们，我们已经在世界建造许多圣殿，今后仍将继续兴建。对于配称且能够到圣殿的人，我劝诫你们要常去。圣殿是神圣的地方，我们可以在那里找到平安；我们在圣殿里承诺要奉行福音，遵守诫命的决心也更加坚定。能够到圣殿是多么大的特权，我们在圣殿里可以体验到主的灵使人圣化的影响力”（圣参阅“直到再相会”，2009年5月，利阿贺拿，第113页）。

孟荪会长这一席话，重新强调了他在2008年4月总会大会上的声明，他说：“对于能够去圣殿的人，我劝告你们要经常去。这么做有助于巩固婚姻及家庭”（“蒙受丰盛的祝福”，2008年5月，利阿贺拿，弟112页）。

“劝诫”和“劝告”这两个词蕴藏了一种可不容缓的感觉。字典里把“劝戒”定义为“提醒、警告”，把“劝告”定义为“给予建言”。总的来说，这些话都督促我们在能力许可的范围内，经常前往圣殿。

而我们该如何为“经常”这个词下定义呢？李察.司考德长老在2009年4月的总会教友大会上告诉我们，他每周到圣殿一次。他说：“14年前，我决定每星期至少到圣殿去作一场教仪。我如果出门旅行在外，也会补足不够的次数，以便达到那项目标。我一直守着这份决心，生活也从此彻底改变了。我努力参与圣殿中所有的不同教仪”（参阅“圣殿崇拜：在艰困的时刻获得力量和能力的泉源”，2009年5月，利阿贺拿，第43页）。

作为教会十二使徒定额组的成员之一，司考德长老在世界各地有形形色色的任务。当我深思他所作的经验时，我愿重新下定决心每周至少参与一次圣殿教仪。

In a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1831 the Lord said “....but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.” (D&C 1:38). Thus the words of our living Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, in the April 2009 General Conference are the same as if the Lord were speaking directly to us. President Monson said: “Now my brothers and sisters, we have built temples throughout the world and will continue to do so. To you who are worthy and able to attend the temple, I would admonish you to go often. The temple is a place where we can find peace. There we receive a renewed dedication to the gospel and strengthened resolve to keep the commandments. What a privilege it is to be able to go the temple, where we may experience the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of the Lord. Great service is given when we perform vicarious ordinances for those who have gone beyond the veil. In many cases we do not know those for whom we perform the work. We expect no thanks, nor do we have the assurance that they will accept that which we offer. However, we serve, and in that process we attain that which comes of no other effort: we literally become saviors on Mount Zion. As our Savior gave His life as a vicarious sacrifice for us, so we, in some small measure, do the same when we perform proxy work in the temple for those who have no means of moving forward unless something is done for them by those of us here in President Monson’s declaration he gave new emphasis to his statement in the April 2008 General Conference wherein he said, “To you who are able to attend the temple, I would counsel you to go often. Doing so will strengthen marriages and families.”

The words “admonish” and “counsel” suggest a sense of urgency. The dictionary defines “admonish” as “to warn” and “counsel” is “to advise”. Taken together, these statements are urging us to go to the temple often insofar as we have the ability to do so.

How should we define “often”? Elder Richard G. Scott told us in the April 2009 General Conference that he attends once a week. He said: “Fourteen years ago I decided to attend the temple and complete an ordinance once a week. When I am traveling I make up the missed visits in order to achieve that objective. I have kept that resolve, and it has changed my life profoundly. I strive to participate in all the different ordinances available in the temple.” Elder Scott continued by sharing, “I encourage you to establish your own goal of how frequently you will avail yourself of the ordinances offered in our operating temples. What is there that is more important than attending and participating in the ordinances of the temple? What activity could have a greater impact and provide more joy and profound happiness for a couple than worshipping together in the temple?”

        As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Scott has many assignments around the world. As I reflected on his observation, I recommitted to participate in at least one ordinance each week.