VISION OF A TEMPLE

The trees stand like sentinels with the growth of wisdom. The pine themselves - pointing the way to the door of Him who has created them. The shrubs and flowers of many colors that drape the beds and pathways like heavy curtains which flow with elegance. The reflecting pool - what is seen there - not yourself ? Worthy as a Child of God ready to embrace divine knowledge. You walk calmly and within a great excitement awakens your vision. First is the golden statue of Moroni trumpeting silent sounds of "Hear the Gospel all Ye ends of the Earth". Moroni's feet rest with dignity upon the ball and spire making up the beautiful spectacle of the top of this building of splendor. Your eyes follow through in a downward path to see what kind of structure this would be. Walls of some of the finest elements and doors of wonder. What place is this, what place would I have the privilege of entering - indeed what place is this ? Behold, you are entering the House of the Lord - the Holy Temple.

You will be His guest here, you will learn the eternal prospective of His eternal plan and your important role in it. Members of the Church regard the temple as a sacred place - indeed it could be said that it is one of the most holy places on this planet. Not everyone can enter the temple. You must be a member in good standing - in the way of obedience to the commandments of God. The public is always interested to know how it is possible for them to 'see' what goes on in a temple, but curiosity is not a qualification, preparedness is.

The topics below on this page deals with some of the principles and commandments that the Lord have set as a standard or type of 'ticket' if you like it, for you to partake in the rich blessings inside His Holy House. However, I genuinely feel that a temple will come to Trinidad as quickly as the Saints are ready to receive it. What is our vision of having a temple here one day ? I believe it begins with each member making every effort to be a temple recommend holder. It will begin with every Brother and Sister doing their part. A temple will be here soon if we but just obey.

The following paragraphs explain in brief fashion the prerequisites for entrance into one of the temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. However, these principles and commandments are not listed as the total but as some of the requirements for each individual member.

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CHASTITY- requires that no member is to have any sexual relationship before marriage and to remain loyal to one's spouse. Necking and fondling are also considered serious sins. The law of Chastity is like a balloon - once it is stuck with a pin (breaking the law) it can never be brought back and virtue is lost. I suppose that is why it is rated with murder in God's eyes, because once a person is killed they cannot came back to life.

HONESTY- must be at the forefront of every member's dealings with his/her fellowman. At work we give just labor for our salary, at school we do not cheat on exam papers, and we are to be fair with everyone. In honesty one and one should always add up to two not one and a half.

"Honesty is not only the best policy, it is the only policy!" (David B. Haight, Ensign, Nov. 1987, pg.15)

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SUSTAINING - the leaders of the Church is part of the Apostle Paul's admonition;

"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." (Hebrews 13:17)

Sustaining is like a man (a Church leader) standing on a ladder (the members who would sustain him) trying to paint a wall (carry out his/her call in leadership). If the ladder is shaking all the time (members do not sustain) then the man will not be able to do his work, because he will constantly be engrossed in trying to steady the ladder.

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MAGNIFYING YOUR CALL - has to do with serving the best way you can. In making every effort to learn your duty and carry it through -- each member will become fulfilled and blessed. The Branch President will have more time to worry about other important matters because everyone is being diligent. Sustaining has to do with magnifying your call because doing your own duty is a form of sustaining - you show that you are willing to help the Church leaders.

"The most worthy calling in life....is that in which man can serve best his fellowman." (David O. McKay, The Instructor, March 1961, pgs. 73-74)

Magnifying your call is like a magnifying glass - it helps you to see a lot better the good you are doing on behalf of your Heavenly Father.

TITHES - which comprise of given one tenth of your earnings to the Lord is not a sacrifice, but a great blessing. Many find it difficult, but it is important to understand that it does not take money to pay tithing but faith. It is possible to rob God as Malachi states in Malachi 3:8-11. God has given us 100 percent of everything. Can we but give him just 10 percent of it back ? I have seen over many years how paying tithes and offerings brings more to me than what I give.

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WORD OF WISDOM - is a section in the Doctrine and Covenants called section 89 which conveys what the Lord requires with respect to the physical body. This law bases itself on temporal things that we may eat or drink but the wisdom of it suggest protection for the spirit within. We are counseled to eat meat sparingly, do not use strong drink (alcohol, beer, wine), coffee, tea or tobacco nor harmful drugs. Often, the wisdom of regular exercise and eating properly are ignored. Having a healthy body allows us to be happy and productive and we become more serviceable to the Lord. Avoid the 'do nots' like you would avoid poison.

Sometimes I wonder about people whom you give a commitment to for their own benefit. They either refuse, say they will 'try' (which means they don't want to do it) or say " I don't know". It reminds me of a story by an unknown Author called,

'Close to, Round about, near by'

One Sunday, the minister was talking on baptism and in the course of his sermon he was illustrating that baptism should be performed by sprinkling and not by immersion by pointing out some instances of the Bible. He said,

"In the Bible where it says that John baptized Christ 'in' the River Jordan, it didn't mean 'in' but meant close to, round about, or near by."

After the service, as the people were filling out, one old fellow stopped by the minister and said,

"Reverend, that was the best sermon I ever heard and it uncovered many of the mysteries of the Bible for me. For example, it tells us in the Old Testament that Jonah was 'in' the whale for three days which seemed hard for me to believe, but now I see that he was not 'in' the whale, but that he was close to, round about, or nearby swimming in the water."

"Then there is the story about three young Hebrews boys who were thrown 'into' the fiery furnace but not burned. Well, it seemed impossible, but now I see they were not 'in' the furnace, but were close to, round about, or near by just keeping warm.

But the hardest to believe was where Daniel was thrown 'in' the den, but he was really close to, round about or just near by...like at the zoo."

"The revealing of these mysteries was very rewarding to me, but the greatest comfort of your sermon was because I am a wicked man who sinned much and it tells us in the Bible that the wicked will be cast into Hell. But now I see that I won't be cast 'into' Hell, but 'close to, round about or near by!"

"And...Next Sunday, I won't have to be 'in' church; I can just be close to, round about, or near by.

Thanks for the great sermon. You have really put my mind at ease.

--Author unknown

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