Women's Conference: Pattern our homes after temples

Covenants made in temples by Latter-day Saints are the highest expression of the admonition to "Come Unto Christ," as church members seek to obey God's laws through service and righteous living.

Elder Merrill J. Bateman of the Quorums of the Seventy and his wife, Marilyn, addressed women attending the Thursday afternoon general session of the annual Women's Conference at Brigham Young University, explaining that "if one wishes to find the Savior, the most likely place will be in one of his temples."

The former BYU president and his wife now serve as president and matron of the Provo Temple, overseeing the work of some 4,200 volunteers. "It is wonderful to be with more than 2,000 sisters whose only purpose is to serve. The most important work on this earth could not go forward without you," he told the audience.

They suggested that parents can help their children come unto Christ by modeling their own homes after the temple, where patrons "speak in quiet voices . . . Harsh, shrill voices are inconsistent with the spirit. Our homes should be filled with soft voices that invite the spirit," Elder Bateman said.

As temple workers are mentored and trained by more experienced peers, so children should be trained in their responsibilities. Every new shift in the temple begins with a prayer, and LDS parents should make sure their families hold daily prayer together.

Kindness and love are the hallmarks of temple workers toward patrons, and "the same should exist in our homes," along with order and cleanliness. "An orderly home commands respect from the children and they will do their part to keep it that way."

Latter-day Saints who become "yoked with Christ" do so through faith, repentance and baptism, which open to door to temple ordinances that ultimately lead back to God. "Temple ordinances put us on an even higher path as we receive power through them to obtain eternal life or the highest degree in the celestial kingdom."

Desire is the key that opens the door to faith and puts one on the path back to God. Prayer is vital to understand the specifics of spiritual things. "Spiritual truths are not revealed to doubters. Faith is required to move forward," Sister Bateman said.

Pondering on personal feelings and thoughts allows the Holy Ghost to speak to one's heart. "If we are to learn through the Holy Spirit, we must examine our feelings," she said, noting the Book of Mormon prophet Nephi "was never 'past feeling' as were his brothers. He never looked beyond the mark, but remained focused on the things that would bring him to Christ."