Dolla Dolla Bills

In our time and throughout all of time there have been things which hinder our spiritual progression. In the case of Amulek, riches and popularity once trumped his desire to listen to the Lord. In his own words he says, "for I was called many times and I would not hear; therefore I knew concerning these things, yet I would not know." (Alma 10:6)

Almost 2,000 years later the Lord reveals this truth to Joseph Smith, "Behold, many are called but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because there hearts are set so much upon the things of this world and aspire to the honors of men..."(D&C 121:34-35) One of Satan's greatest lies is that our happiness depends on the amount of wealth we can obtain. I think we all fall into that trap once in awhile. I sometimes catch myself thinking, " Man, I'd be so happy if I had______."

1 Timothy 6:7 states, "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." And Zephaniah 1:18 says, "Neither their gold nor their silver shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord's wrath." Fortune and fame do not bring lasting happiness, they don't save us. We must rely wholly on the merits of Christ in order to return to Him who created us.

Like Amulek, we too must choose to listen to messengers of God and turn from our worldly aspirations toward heavenly ones. It's up to us. It's our choice.

Preparing Children for Temple Covenants

I was recently asked to speak on parents can prepare their children to make covenants in the temple. I would like to share a few of the things I learned:

1. Many times children understand that they should prepare to go to the temple but they don't know how or why they need to. Parents can help children understand their goal by teaching their kids about covenants.

2. Use Duty to God and Personal Progress. Both of these booklets help prepare youth not only to make covenants, but more importantly, to keep them.

3. Study the Scriptures. Elder Russell M. Nelson lists some specific things to study in order to prepare for temple covenants, "Spiritual preparation is enhanced by study. I like to recommend that members going to the temple for the first time read short explanatory paragraphs in the Bible Dictionary, listed under seven topics: “Anoint,” “Atonement,” “Christ,” “Covenant,” “Fall of Adam,” “Sacrifices,” and “Temple.” Doing so will provide a firm foundation. One may also read in . . . the books of Moses and Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price. Such a review of ancient scripture is even more enlightening after one is familiar with the temple endowment. Those books underscore the antiquity of temple worship."

4. Finally, perhaps the most important preparation for youth is having righteous examples in their lives. Children whose parents regularly attend the temple are more likely to have that same habit or practice in their lives.

Obviously there are more ways than these to prepare children for temple covenants but it's a good start. For families can be together forever through Heavenly Father's plan. I always want to be with my own family and the Lord has shown me how I can. And that's only possible through temple blessings.

Service, Our Sacrifice to God

When the Savior appears to the people in the Americas shortly after His resurrection He teaches them "that the law is fulfilled that was given unto Moses." (3 Nephi 15:4) He says that He will no longer accept their sacrifices or burnt offerings but now they should offer up "a broken heart and a contrite spirit."

Paul also taught this doctrine in Romans 12:1 when he says we should "present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God." He than goes on to say that this is accomplished by our service. When we serve people we are showing God that we love Him and are willing to sacrifice our time to assist His children.

No longer is it required to give up a ram for a trespass offering or a young bullock for a sin offering. Instead we are asked to give up ourselves. As the Savior said, "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."