Being A Temple of God

Today’s Conference Countdown message was originally given the women of the church, but it applies to all. I love this message so much I had to share it, plus, I love Sister Marriott’s darling southern accent (seriously, doesn’t listening to her voice just make you feel all warm and cozy?). Neill F. Marriott wasn’t always a Mormon. She was a Methodist who converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after college graduation. She now serves in a high leadership position in the church, as part of the Young Women’s presidency.

Sister Marriott’s message is centered on the power of women to share light and push back the darkness.

“As faithful women give voice to truth and share their light, they are able to push back the darkness of the world.”

I especially love her message about temples. She teaches us that temples are not only a House of God and a symbol of Christ, they are also a personal symbol of the apostle Paul’s revelation that we, too, are a “temple of God.”

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” – 1 Corinthians 3:16

I am incredibly blessed to live within driving distance of multiple Latter-day Saint temples. I love all of the temples of the church! But, I do admit I have a special love for the Bountiful Utah temple. It is only a short walk from my house, and I enter regularly, so I feel like it is “my temple.” I can see this beautiful holy house standing firm on the mountain each day, and shining brightly as a beacon to the world each night.

Here is a photo I took on my walk yesterday. (we’ve been enjoying such glorious, sunny spring weather here)

“Every Temple … lessens the power of Satan on the earth.”

I believe that wherever a temple is built on the earth, it pushes back the darkness. The temple’s purpose is to serve mankind and give all of Heavenly Father’s children the ability to return and live with Him. Isn’t our purpose similar to these dedicated buildings, these houses of the Lord? To serve others and help them push back the darkness and return to Heavenly Father’s light? – President George Q. Cannon, 1877

Every temple edifice lessons Satan’s power and brings light and good to the world, and each of us – if living as temples – can also choose to lesson Satan’s power and push back the darkness. We should never be afraid to stand for truth, and to shine our light!

Watch this short clip from Sister Marriott. Ponder her inspired words.

You really ought to read or watch her entire talk (it’s 12 minutes you’ll never regret): Sharing Your Light – by Neill F. Marriott.

How will you live each day as a Temple of God, and shine your light to the world? – MoSop

ABOUT SISTER MARRIOTT

Neill F. Marriott was born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana, USA. She attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, USA, where she earned a degree in English along with a teaching certificate. At the age of 22, she was converted and baptized into the Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. One year later she married David C. Marriott in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of 11 children and 26 grandchildren.