Question
Hello Gramps,
I’d like to ask about the temple ordinance. I have heard that there have been recent changes about receiving temple endowments. I heard that I could get it sooner. I’m only 19, and probably not going on a mission or getting married soon. But I really feel like I should get my endowment. I feel ready. I would like to receive its blessings. I study a lot to prepare myself, but I’m still not sure if I should go. Thanks for your answer.
Monika
Answer
Dear Monika,
I commend you for your righteous desire to attend the temple. There are many choices you could make in your life right now that would not be so pleasing to the Lord. I’m sure He is pleased with your desire to live righteously.
As you know, typically people attend the temple for the first time before going on a mission or getting married. One of the reasons for this is that we make covenants in the temple. Taking these covenants upon oneself is a serious matter, and thus every effort is made to be certain someone is ready before attending the temple.
Still, I believe that it is left to the discretion of the Bishop and the Stake President to make the final decision about when a person is likely to go. So I suggest you counsel with your Bishop. I suspect that he will ask you to wait, but there is no harm in sitting down and discussing the topic with him.
You might also find these words from Pres. Packer’s talk, “Holy Temple” useful.
“The ordinances and ceremonies of the temple are simple. They are beautiful. They are sacred. They are kept confidential lest they be given to those who are unprepared. Curiosity is not a preparation. Deep interest itself is not a preparation. Preparation for the ordinances includes preliminary steps: faith, repentance, baptism, confirmation, worthiness, a maturity and dignity worthy of one who comes invited as a guest into the house of the Lord.”
Keep following the Lord Monika, and He will bless you.
Gramps
