Temple Takeaways from General Conference

By Hollie Wells

I wanted to share some of my temple takeaways from this General Conference. It seemed to me as though the themes of temple ordinances and covenants were woven so intricately throughout the entire conference. If these points were not the main message of the talk, they at least were mentioned in even just a small sentence here or there. I want to mention some very temple-centric talks and a few other quotations to summarize what I learned about the temple during this wonderful conference weekend. 

Elder Cristofferson & Oaks 

Elder Christofferson gave a pertinent talk on the essential role of the sealing ordinance. He stated that linking generations through the sealing ordinance is the entire purpose of the gathering of Israel. That is a big deal and I don’t think I had ever viewed it that way. 

I forget just how crowning this ordinance is and the magnitude of its eternal consequences, particularly of the sealing of husband and wife. Dallin H. Oaks also touched on the imperative step the sealing ordinance is in our eternal progression toward our hoped-for celestial glory. 

Sister Freeman 

Covenants bind us in a relationship with Christ. Sister Freeman gave a stirring talk about some of the “why’s” of covenant keeping. You get to choose the depth of your relationship with by how you keep the covenants. This manifests itself in so many ways including in how you wear the garment. I thought her talk was so poignant because so many members say they have a deep relationship with the Lord and therefore it is okay that they don’t wear their garments sometimes or don’t make time to attend the temple or don’t keep certain commandments to the best of their mortal ability. Yet Sister Freeman was stating the opposite. How we approach and fulfill these outward covenant requirements is a reflection of our inward convictions and closeness with our Savior. And He promises mighty blessings in return. 

President Nelson 

And, of course, from our prophet dear: 

“Spending more time in the temple builds faith. And your service and worship in the temple will help you to think celestial. The temple is a place of revelation. There you are shown how to progress toward a celestial life. There you are drawn closer to the Savior  and given greater access to His power. There you are guided in solving the problems in your life, even your most perplexing problems.” 

As I contemplated this statement, I resolved in my mind to ponder on those things the next time I go to the temple. How are the ordinances showing me how to progress through this life and onto one eternal and celestial? I thought his words on having an eternal perspective were so needed for our time and the temple is an essential aid in gaining that perspective. 

Some Quotes 

“My dear brothers and sisters, do you want to be happy? Stay on the covenant path.” -Elder Yoon Hwan Choi 

“Through temple blessings, the Savior heals individuals, families, and nations.”  -Elder J. Kimo Esplin 

“We all come to the temple united in one purpose and filled with the desire to be pure and holy in His holy presence.” -Elder Ulisses Soares 

“Our covenants are not merely transactional; they are transformational. Through my covenants I receive sanctifying, strengthening power of Jesus Christ, which allows me to become a new person, to forgive what seems unforgivable, to overcome the impossible.” -Elder Joaquin E. Costa