A Voice of Gladness!

This man was not only moved by the exquisite craftsmanship of the temple but rather by the profound doctrine that the family could be sealed in eternity.

The time is coming when those who do not obey the Lord will be separated from those who do. Our safest insurance is to continue to be worthy of admission to His holy house.

Russell M. Nelson

Note that worthiness does not depend on membership in the church but that worthiness to go to the temple is a target of safety. Members of the church who are not worthy to enter the temple are on very shaky ground. Those who are not members of the church who are otherwise worthy of the temple are on pretty solid ground for that separation.

As members of the Church today, some of us may find it easy to take these glorious eternal truths for granted. They have become second nature to us. Sometimes it is helpful when we see them through the eyes of those who learn about them for the very first time. This became evident to me through a recent experience.

Last year, just prior to the rededication of the Tokyo Japan Temple, many guests not of our faith toured that temple. One such tour included a thoughtful leader from another religion. We taught our guest about Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness, Jesus Christ’s redeeming role in that plan, and the doctrine that families can be united eternally through the sealing ordinance.

At the conclusion of the tour, I invited our friend to share his feelings. In reference to the uniting of families—past, present, and future—this good man asked in all sincerity, “Do the members of your faith truly understand just how profound this doctrine is?” He added, “This may well be one of the only teachings that can unite this world that is so divided.” What a powerful observation.

This man was not moved simply by the exquisite craftsmanship of the temple but rather by the stunning and profound doctrine that families are united and sealed to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ forever.

Satan would love for us as members to worship temples for their craftsmanship rather than honoring them for their purpose.