ready for the Temple?

[foodforthought]

I think I am confused about what it means to be ready for the Temple. I have been a member for over three years. I really struggled with the WOW. No serious addiction. I just couldn't understand the commandment. I loved coffee and wine and couldn't see how giving up things that were so central to my family culture and made me happy could have anything to do with my eternal salvation.

Fast forward over two years and have to come understand obedience. I have worked to overcame my feelings of resentment towards the WOW. Changed my habbits. I have to admit that my resolve has slipped a time or two. However, I have completely changed my lifestyle. I also have been through Gospel Principles and Temple prep. I have a testimony. About three months ago we talked to the Bishop about my husband receiving a sealing clearance (previously sealed to ex). So we could have our family sealed. Well, we were going through a change in Bishopric and I found out two weeks ago that the paperwork had never been sent in. We had hoped to be sealed during a family trip so that my in-laws could attend the sealing.

I asked my Bishop at that time if it was possible for me to receive my endowments during our trip. My husband's family is highly active in the LDS church-my family are not members. I did confess that while I have been following the WOW that I had slipped up recently. He said he would talk the Stake Pres. and get back to me...well our trip is this Saturday and I have heard nothing.

I'm just frustrated...I feel like I have been doing all I can do. I know tonight the Bishop will be at church...I'm wondering if I should try to meet with him... am I not ready for the Temple? I have repented for my disobedience. I would just like a chance to be interviewed...so frustrated...and sorry for the long post.

Edited June 12, 2013 by foodforthought

[Guest]

The covenants you enter into in the temple carry much more weight than the WoW. Perhaps your bishop is concerned about frequent "slip-ups" because he doesn't want you to enter into promises you're not ready for.

[christopherbross]

The temple is a super big deal and it sounds like you know that. You make really big covenants in the temple and not keeping those promises can carry serious consequences.

That said, I would be sure to approach your Bishop again and be sure he remembers. Bishops are human too and perhaps he forgot to schedule the meeting with you or something lol :)

[sarah331]

The covenants you enter into in the temple carry much more weight than the WoW. Perhaps your bishop is concerned about frequent "slip-ups" because he doesn't want you to enter into promises you're not ready for.

This actually makes the WoW a lot more clear, and is presented in a way similar to how my husband talks of it.

I swear, I learn something new every time I come to this site, even if I am not the one asking the questions. I love it.

[mnn727]

The Temple is for making additional Covenants. I too would be worried about you slipping up on the ones you already made since you now understand the importance of them.

You really don't want to 'put yourself on the hook' for higher Covenants before you are ready. I wish you well, and going to the Temple is worth it.

[RipplecutBuddha]

Think of it this way, when we get baptized we symbolically claim in the presence of God, and by his authority, that we are willing to be obedient to his will. Full stop. In no way are we allowed to place conditions of our own on where our obedience will be. We commit to it all.

In preparation for baptism, we meet with the Elders or Sisters to prepare us for the taking on of this obligation. The requirements for baptism can also be steep to many people, for several reasons.

Now, at first this seems rather harsh, and indeed it is a steep commitment. However, the blessings we recieve in exchange for our willingness to obey are many times greater than whatever sacrifice we may give.

Now, look at approaching the temple in the same light. Again, we make covenants with God regarding our obedience. At this point the expectations are far higher and much more demanding, and again the blessings attached to them also increase. However, the preparation is also important.

Before there were temples, where did true believers of God go to speak with him? Into a mountain. Moses, Nephi, and many others sought the isolation of a mountain. Why is this? Ask yourself how easy it is to climb a mountain just to say a prayer. In another way of looking at it, how important is the question you have? What are you willing to do to find the answers you seek?

Climbing a mountain takes time, serious effort, and an unwavering commitment to reach the goal. Now reflect on a different name for the temple; The Mountain of the Lord. In exactly the same way climbing a mountain requires preparation and determination, so should approaching the Lord in the temple.

With a real mountain, the effort is physical. However with the Temple, as with so many other formerly physical aspects of the Gospel, the physical effort has been moved to spiritual effort. A far more difficult task, but again, the blessings more than compensate.

I hope some of this has been helpful. May God be with you both always.