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Doctrine & Covenants 94-97 Part 2 • Bro. Clint Mortensen • Sept 1-7 • Come Follow Me
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- [00:01]
John
And now on to part two with Clint Mortensen. Doctrine and Covenants 94, 97.
- [00:08]
Clint Mortensen
John, as you refer us like President Nelson did, back to the Grove and Joseph Smith, I think of Elder Holland who taught almost all revelation comes in response to a question. It's so important in our lives that we're asking those questions. And then my mind goes back to Elder Rasband in his most recent talk, Right before our eyes, if you remember, he gives us the invitation to give equal time to the Lord. Then he'll give an invitation for us to study the Scriptures to study. Come, follow me, pray, serve in callings, ministering, partake of the sacrament, go to the temple. All of these great ideas to help us receive revelation and giving equal time to the Lord. But then he adds one and pondering the things of God. That statement really has impacted me. I've tried to be more intentional in the last handful of months to take time to ponder so that those moments of revelation may come at different times in my life. And I'm again so thankful for the Savior, for his ability to teach us through the power of the Holy Ghost. We're in section 97, verse 8 where the Lord says they are accepted of me. I was thinking we do so much today to be accepted by others. I actually even went to chatgpt. You ready for the question? I asked brother chatgpt, how can I be accepted by others? And this is the response. Feeling accepted is a core human need. Your question shows real self awareness. Here are some practical and thoughtful ways to be accepted by others without losing who you are. Be genuinely interested in others. Show up authentically. Be kind and respectful. Look for the right people. Work on self acceptance. Contribute to the group. If you're facing rejection, it's not always about you. Sometimes it's about where you are looking. I thought that was interesting to see an approach to how we are accepted by others. I love verse 8 of section 97 because it actually teaches us how we can be accepted of the savior. Notice verse 8 again. Verily I say unto you all among them who know, number one, their hearts are honest and broken. Number two, their spirits are contrite. And number three, they are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice. Yea, every sacrifice which I the Lord shall command, they are accepted of me. Reading that verse in the context of these incredible saints who are poor, they're being persecuted. Some of them don't have homes here. They're being asked to build church buildings and to build a temple. The sacrifice that that must be by these early saints. And yet they do so. I can see the Savior being so pleased and accepting their sacrifice as they begin to build these temples and houses of the Lord.
- [03:30]
Hank
I think many of them had never imagined what a temple might look like. You want us to what? I almost think of Nephi building the ship. Okay, I know how to work with tools. I'll go make some tools. I'll do what I know how to do. Hopefully you'll give me more as we go. If I know my church history. Right. Some of them thought, well, let's build a two story log cabin. Joseph Smith said, no, it's much, much more than that.
- [03:55]
Clint Mortensen
Yeah. In fact, in verse 14 of section 95, Hank, as you take us to a great statement, we see what's happening with the hundreds of temples that we have today and the resources the church has today. Verse 14 of section 95, therefore let it be built after the manner which I shall show unto three of you. Let me read a statement you'll hear that. It's from Frederick G. Williams. A few days after the revelation recorded in doctrine covenants, section 95 was received, the Lord fulfilled his promise, giving Joseph Smith and his counselors in the First Presidency a remarkable vision in which they saw detailed plans for the temple. Frederick G. Williams, the second counselor in the First Presidency, later recalled, Joseph Smith received the word of the Lord for him to take his two counselors, Frederick G. Williams and Sidney Rigdon, and come before the Lord and he would show them the plan or model of the house to be built. We went upon our knees, called on the Lord and. And the building appeared within viewing distance. I being the first to discover it. Then all of us viewed it together. After we had taken a good look at the exterior, the building seemed to come right over us. We can imagine temples because we've seen them. What a beautiful vision these three receive to help create in their minds and hearts what will become an incredible edifice that today still continues to bless us.
- [05:34]
Hank
I told that story at the Kirtland temple once, and my son was with me. He said, that sounds like VR, that the Lord put a VR system on them and they went in and out and around.
- [05:43]
John
Yeah. Because, wait, is this like a chapel? I mean, what are we building? This is different. No, this is a temple. Well, I know that anciently they had a temple. Yeah, hold that thought.
- [05:53]
Clint Mortensen
Right?
- [05:53]
Hank
Yeah.
- [05:54]
John
Here it comes.
- [05:55]
Hank
I mean, it's going to end up being the largest building within 500 miles.
- [06:01]
Clint Mortensen
Why was the Lord so insistent that these early saints build a temple? Even in times of persecution? And poverty. Connect that to why even today is President Russell M. Nelson equally insistent about temple work. A few quick facts. President Russell M. Nelson has given 44 general conference talks. As of the recording of this video and of those 44 general conference talks that President Nelson has given as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 87% of those talks refer to a temple or two temples. 338 times in these 44 General Conference talks, President Nelson refers to a Temple. Another 15 times, President Nelson refers to temples as the house of the Lord. 200 temples. In his seven and a half years as President of the church has he announced in General Conference. If we don't hear that and feel the majesty of the moment, it's incredible to me to see how in these sections we are seeing the very beginning of what will change the world. And that is adding temples and houses of the Lord that will scatter and dot the earth. So maybe with that question in mind, why the emphasis emphasis on temples? I want to read a handful of statements from these sections where the Savior actually describes why we need a temple. Then right after that statement, I'm going to read to you a statement from President Nelson. I've never met President Nelson, but I know that he is a prophet. He is the mouthpiece of the Savior. And just like the Savior was emphasizing temples, we see the same today. So if you look in section 94, verse 8 and section 97, verse 16, the Savior taught, my presence shall be there. These are all reasons as to why we need temples. President Russell M. Nelson declared that the Savior will manifest himself to his people. That this significant promise applies to every dedicated temple today. Section 94, verse 8 and section 97, verse 15. The Savior taught, my glory shall be there in the temple. President Nelson taught, between now and the time he returns with great power and glory. Christ will bestow countless privileges and blessings and miracles upon the faithful. Section 95, 8. The Savior taught, you will be endowed with power from on high. President Nelson taught, more regular time in the temple will allow the Lord to teach you how to draw upon his priesthood power with which you have been endowed in his temple. Section 96, 3 and Section 97, 10. The Savior commanded to build mine holy house. President Nelson taught, in some respects it is easier to build a temple than it is to build a people prepared for the temple. Jesus Christ is the reason we build temples. Section 97, 11, 12. The Savior taught, let it be built speedily by the tithing of my people. President Russell M. Nelson taught, each temple constructed results from great personal sacrifice. Section 97, verse 16. The Savior promised, I will come unto the temple. President Russell M. Nelson promised, every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find him in the temple. Section 95, verse 16 and section 96, verse 2. The Savior taught, I design to build mine holy house. President Nelson each temple is a holy place. We call attention to the words etched on the temple's exterior. Holiness to the Lord, house of the Lord. Section 95, 4. The Savior promised that in the temple I may pour out my spirit upon all flesh. President Nelson. In the temple we may receive the fullness of the Holy ghost. The last one. Section 95, verses 2, 5 and 6. The Savior commands to build temples according to the pattern which I shall give you. President Russell M. Nelson says, establish a pattern of regular temple attendance. This may require a little more sacrifice in your life. What a blessing to see the Savior teaching these early saints the need for the temples then. President Russell M. Nelson echoing similar language for us today.
- [11:18]
John
Yeah, did you make a chart or a table and see those parallels?
- [11:22]
Clint Mortensen
I have a document with all 44 talks that I've copied and pasted into one document. As you know, you can do simple searches, but I have felt a joy in my life to prayerfully study regularly the words of the living prophet. I am amazed at President Nelson's dignity, his power. He is an incredible learner. I found in my life that the best and most powerful teachers are the best and most powerful learners. First among the many things we love about President Russell M. Nelson, I admire his ability to learn.
- [12:02]
Hank
What you said to us earlier is part of not walking in darkness at noonday is really taking seriously prophetic guidance.
- [12:11]
Clint Mortensen
Around 60 times in President Nelson's again 44 General Conference talks, he pleads, urges or invites us. I want to read some of these because so many times he urges us and pleads us and invites us are deeply connected to what we're talking about today in these sections, and that is the temple. These are all statements from President Nelson. I urge you to find a way to make an appointment regularly with the Lord to be in his holy house. Then keep that appointment with exactness and joy. I plead with you to counter worldly ways by focusing on the eternal blessings of the temple. If it were possible for me to speak one on one with every young adult, I would plead with you to seek a companion with whom you can be sealed in the temple. I invite you to study prayerfully about temples in the Scriptures and the words of living prophets. I renew my invitation for you to increase your understanding of priesthood power and temple covenants and blessings. I invite you to worship in the temple and pray to feel deeply the Savior's infinite love for you. By the way, President Nelson is consistently promising. Have you noticed that? I promise. I promise. I promise. Notice these promises from the living prophet about our temple worship. I promise you that the Lord will bring miracles in the temple. I promise that as you increase your time in the temple, you will increase and improve your ability to hear him. I promise you that over time the temple will become a place of safety, solace and revelation. I promise that increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can. Here is my promise. Nothing will help you more to hold fast to the iron rod then worshiping in the temple as regularly as your circumstances permit. We are also promised that in the temple we will receive a fullness of the spirit. Here is my promise to you. Every sincere seeker of Jesus Christ will find him in the temple. I promise that over time the temple will become a place of safety, solace and revelation. If that does not light your fire and motivate you and I and all of us to center our lives on the Savior and our worship of him in the temple, I'm not sure what else will.
- [14:54]
Hank
John, if you remember, a couple Months ago, Dr. Shima Boffin was with us and she was pretty vulnerable. When she told us about her early in her marriage that it was not going well, there was a lot of friction, a lot of contention between she and her husband. They both wanted the marriage to work. Do you remember what they decided to do? They were going to go to the temple once a week together. Once a week. She said we would go in fighting and we'd come out giggling. We'd come out saying, I'm sorry. That sounds like what President Nelson. Why he would plead, this can save the most important relationships of your life. This is everything you care about. This can heal those things.
- [15:41]
Clint Mortensen
Yeah. And you can sense the Savior in these early years. Listen to these promises that he gives. My presence shall be there. My glory shall be there. You will be endowed with power. Mine holy house. I will come unto it. I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh. I am so thankful that we live in a day where we have so many locations. Clearly the Lord and President Nelson and leaders of the church are trying to dot the earth with more and more temples. What a blessing to know that we are being led by a prophet. John, you mentioned President Hinckley. I can still remember the moment years ago as a young father in the Marriott Center On BYU campus. We were having a meeting with President Hinckley at the time with many, many stakes in the surrounding area. We showed up a few minutes late. We were supposed to be a half hour early, and we showed up late. And I was carrying my son. And we walk in, and sure enough, the only seats that are available are the highest seats in the Marriott center that fits thousands of people. My wife and I walked to the almost the very top row. And as we're walking across people making our way through these people, sure enough, my son's binky, he spits out his binky and falls on the floor here. This is a moment where we get to be in the presence of a prophet. To this day, I remember what I felt as I leaned down to pick up the binky. And there was something that changed in that room. And sure enough, we stood up and I looked down, maybe 20, 30, 40 yards away, clear down in the center of this vast, vast auditorium, I see President Gordon B. Hinckley walk in. And there was a feeling in that building. And I knew then, as many of us know now, that the Lord leads his church through living prophets. Today, just as the Savior is saying to Joseph, Joseph, we need temples, he's saying the same thing to President Nelson today, and we are so blessed by it.
- [17:58]
John
What I love, too, is there seemed to be no slowing down during COVID still. No, no, no, no. The work goes on, and we're going to announce some more temples.
- [18:09]
Hank
Clint, I think we could talk about President Nelson and temples forever, and I would love it. But let's keep moving. What do we need to look at next?
- [18:17]
Clint Mortensen
I'm going to ask you, John and Hank, a question on the spot. Let's see how you do. Is that okay? You ready? You ready for this? What are the most memorable gifts you have either received or given? For example, when I think about this, I actually did that this morning. I looked on Google and typed in Executioner Skateboard. In the early 80s, I remember being given a gift in Executioner Skateboard. It was the gift, the dream of a young boy in Springville, Utah. Can you think of a memorable gift I gave? A gift? I remember recently we went on a family vacation and I created a family album of pictures of our vacation. How meaningful that was for me to give the gift and then see the family looking and smiling and laughing as we thought about this family vacation. Any memorable gifts come to mind for you, too?
- [19:17]
John
This gift probably cost me less than 50 cents. It was a piece of paper and a pencil, but I drew a Portrait of my wife. When she pulled the wrapping paper back and saw herself there. To me, that was super, super fun to give that to Kim.
- [19:41]
Clint Mortensen
That's great.
- [19:43]
Hank
This is back in the 1900s. I was dating Sarah, who was going to become my wife. We weren't all that serious. We would date every once in a while. She sent me a Christmas gift and all it was was a tiny little truck she had painted on it the Wreckmobile. That's where we worked together. We drove this recmobile, this recreation mobile around St. George, did an after school program. I remember looking at that and going, she has me. I'm in. I'm in love. The perfect gift.
- [20:21]
Clint Mortensen
What a sweet experience to think about these gifts, not only that we give, but that we receive. And maybe some of them are 50 cents to purchase, but a lot of time to create. It's one of my favorite statements from President Nelson. This is not as common of a statement from President Nelson because it's in an article that he wrote in April 2020. My guess is if we all consider where we were in April 2020, there was a lot happening. But if you go to April 2020, Liahona, you'll see a talk from President Nelson or an article that he wrote called the Future of the Church Preparing the World for the Savior's Second Coming. In this incredible article, he has the following statement. This is in the context of gifts that we're thinking about. The time is coming when those who do not obey the Lord will be separated from those who do. He cross References Section 86, verses 1 through 7 about the parable of the wheat and the tares. He then says this. Our safest insurance is to continue to be worthy of admission to his holy house. The greatest gift you could give to the Lord is to keep yourself unspotted from the world worthy to attend his holy house. His gift to you will be the peace and security of knowing that you are worthy to meet him whenever that time comes. Now, what's the connection of that statement to these incredible sections that we've been studying? Well, you'll notice twice in section 94, verse 8 and section 97 15, the Lord warns Joseph and says, ye shall not suffer any unclean thing to come in unto it. Now, the it may be the temple. The it may be our bodies. Obviously there's a lot of wonderful applications, but this may be the first reference in the restoration that entrance into a sacred building is restricted to only worthy members. I've wondered how Joseph felt as he's receiving this revelation in the context of church buildings and temples when he's invited Joseph, you can't suffer any unclean thing to come in unto it. And what that means for Joseph, that's in 1833. Let's jump ahead to President Russell M. Nelson. In General Conference in 2019, he said this the Lord wants all of his children to partake of eternal blessings available in his temple. He, the Savior he has directed what each person must do to qualify to enter his holy House. All requirements to enter the temple relate to personal holiness. Isn't that interesting? Holiness to the Lord, House of the Lord President Nelson is connecting our personal holiness to the holiness of the house that we will enter into. President Nelson continues, Individual worthiness to enter the Lord's house requires much individual spiritual preparation. But with the Lord's help, nothing is impossible. Then if you'll remember President Nelson reviews the Temple Recommend Questions Now I want to read these. Part of the reason why I want to read these is for each of us. If it is true, which I believe it is, that the greatest gift I can offer to the Savior is my ability with his help, with his grace, to be worthy of attending these incredible holy houses. These are the questions that help me assess my readiness to enter the temple. Do you have faith in and a testimony of God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost? Do you have a testimony of the atonement of Jesus Christ and his role as your Savior and Redeemer? Do you have a testimony of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Do you sustain the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as the prophet, seer and revelator and as the only person on earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys? Do you sustain members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers and revelators? And do you sustain the other general authorities and local leaders of the Church? The Lord has said that all things are to be done in cleanliness before Him. Do you strive for moral cleanliness in your thoughts and behavior? Do you obey the law of chastity? Do you follow the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ in your private and public behavior with members of your family and others? Do you support or promote any teachings, practices or doctrine contrary to those of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints? Do you strive to keep the Sabbath day holy both at home and at church, attend your meetings, prepare for and worthily partake of the sacrament and live your life in harmony with the laws and commandments of the Gospel? Do you strive to be honest in all that you do? Are you a full tithe payer? Do you understand and obey the word of wisdom? Do you have any financial or other obligations to a former spouse or to children? Do you keep the covenants that you made in the temple, including wearing the temple garment as instructed in the endowment? Are there serious sins in your life that need to be resolved with priesthood authorities as part of your repentance? And do you consider yourself worthy to enter the Lord's house and participate in temple ordinances? What an inspired group of questions that help me assess my worthiness, not my value, not the love that the Savior has for me, but my ability to live according to the standards that the Savior has set. In fact, the President Nelson said, the Lord does not expect perfection from us at this point in our eternal progression, but he does expect us to become increasingly pure. Daily repentance is the pathway to purity. Purity brings power. Elder Cook said. It is our greatest desire. Think about that statement. It is our great desire that members of the church will live to be worthy of a temple recommend. Then his wise counsel Please don't see the temple as a distant and perhaps unachievable goal. Working with their bishop, most members can achieve all righteous requirements in a relatively short period of time if they have a determination to qualify and fully repent of transgressions. I testify that if there is anyone who is listening to this that maybe wonders about finding peace and finding joy, it is found in the temple. My guess is there are some of us that may wonder, that may worry, that may be concerned about our ability to enter the temple worthy. My simple invitation would be Elder Cook's invitation. Visit with your bishop, have a conversation. Allow the atonement of Jesus Christ to heal as we strive to do the very best we can so that we can enter the Lord's holy house, see and learn from Him.
- [28:48]
John
I love that those recommend questions are out there. I love that they're printed in the back of the FSY guide. I remember way back when Elder Bednar talked about how gifted young people were with computers, getting them to help research names to take to the temple. Since then, don't you think a lot more younger people are taking advantage of that in our stake? It's like every week they go do baptisms for the dead. If you can get an appointment, what a wonderful problem to have. It's hard to get an appointment to do baptisms for the dead.
- [29:19]
Hank
Clint, I'm very happy that you showed us. This comes from the Lord himself. The Lord has a worthiness requirement to Enter the temple. What would you say to someone who says, is this person gatekeeping my relationship with God? How come this imperfect bishop, stake presidency member, bishopric member, what gives them the right to decide if I can go to the temple? That word worthy can be spun to be a negative.
- [29:55]
Clint Mortensen
An experience comes to mind that might help. About 30 years ago, as I was considering becoming a seminary teacher occupationally here in Utah, there's a class that you take at an institute. I was up at Utah State University in Logan taking this class. I went for about six or seven weeks. Then I stopped going to class for a couple of weeks. Bumped into the institute teacher a couple of weeks after. And he said, so, Clint, how come you're not coming to the class anymore? And I think I hummed and hawed and didn't know what to say. And then finally I was honest and I said, hey, do you have a minute? So we went into his office. As we were talking, I said to him, listen, I'm so nervous. I think that seminary teachers have this glass house syndrome, that I've got to be perfect, that I'm nervous about a career that's going to cause me to literally not be able to make a mistake because I'm going to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the rest of my life. Now I realize I didn't quite understand things, but that was my wrestle. And I remember Brother Dennis Gibbons leaning back and just chuckling. And I said, what? And he said, clint, I've learned that seminary teachers are the best repenters. That statement, repenter. I knew how to repent. I didn't know how to live a perfect life. I didn't know how to teach the gospel perfectly. But one thing I did know is I knew how to repent. Maybe that's what I would say to this person, is it's less about the bishop. It's less about a gatekeeper, but it is about a holy house. The Lord has holy standards he calls holy prophets. To allow us to feel his Holy Ghost as we enter those holy houses. Meeting with a bishop and counseling together under the influence of the Spirit to help determine worthiness, not perfection. Worthiness that does sometimes require repenting is a wonderful experience to allow us to feel like we're meeting those standards with the grace of the Savior.
- [32:08]
John
I love that idea of the best repenters. Anyone who's even asking the question, I wonder if I'm worthy to go right there, tells you something that they're introspecting a little bit. I've heard this and I've Tried it myself. Ask a group of young women, or ask an individual young woman. What's your favorite part of the young women theme? One of them that I hear very often is, I cherish the gift of repentance. I love the way the phrase is, this is a gift. I love that as far back as the psalm, who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord and who shall stand in his holy place? This is like a temple verse. He that hath clean hands and a pure heart, what does that Repentance. But I've always loved that. The last question that you read, Clint, was, do you consider yourself worthy? You're the final gatekeeper there, in a way. You're bishop, your stake president. That role will be filled by different people at different times. But every time you get your recommend, you're the one who answers that final question.
- [33:12]
Hank
Someone who has a question like this, I've asked if they've ever had to take a class that you had to have prerequisites if you want to take Spanish three. Well, have you taken Spanish one and Spanish two? Because those are prerequisites to taking this class. It's not a punishment. Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 are going to help you succeed in Spanish 3. I wonder if a temple recommend interview can almost be a prerequisite because you're going to come to the temple and learn. We want you to have the best possible experience. The Lord wants you to have the best possible experience you can have there. So there's some prerequisites coming in. If there weren't any, I can't imagine how unprepared so many would be, including myself, to learn these weightier matters of the law when I haven't been spiritually educated. You might say to why those things are even important.
- [34:12]
John
I think the Lord wants you to want to be there. Oh, if you want to be there, there's a way. That's what you just said, Clint. You want to be there. If you need some help and counseling about it, if you want to be there, we'll get you there, I think.
- [34:28]
Clint Mortensen
Yeah. And we all know and remember the verse that we've been touching on multiple times in section 97. 8. Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest and are broken, their spirits are contrite and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice. Yea, every sacrifice which I the Lord shall command, they are accepted of me. What a blessing to know that they're his standards in his house. Something that I haven't really talked much about or we haven't talked much about is what temples do. They bring families together. They connect relationships for the eternities. A couple of years ago, we have a family in our community that a sweet young father passed away at an early age. His wonderful wife gave an incredible talk at his funeral where she shared this. She said just days before her husband passed away, he gathered the four boys together and said to them right before his passing, I will always be near the temple. Please visit the temple often. And that is where I'll be. Days after his passing, the oldest son quietly asked his mother, hey, mom, when do you think we can go to the temple? I think that's an inspired question. I think that by the power of the priesthood and the grace of the Savior and the incredible blessings that we have today, it's in these holy houses that families are brought together, that husbands and wives and children are sealed. And as I look back at the Savior in these sections, I'm amazed at his patience that In December of 1832 he commands them to build a house, a holy house. And here we are five months later and not a lot has happened. How grateful I am to see the patience and the kindness of the Savior who corrects us, who loves us. I'm grateful for his light, that he has so many incredible ways today that we can feel of his light, that part of that light is for us hearing him, that he will speak to us one by one, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that He gives us temples to see him, to learn of him, to improve our relationships with Him. I'm especially grateful for President Nelson's reminder where he said again, in summary, the greatest gift you can give to the Lord is to be worthy to attend his holy house. His gift to you will be the peace and security of knowing that you are worthy to meet him whenever he comes. Let me say that again because the gift that I can offer to the Savior is I'm going to live not a perfect life, but a life with his grace that allows me to enter his house. But his gift to you, President Nelson says, will be the peace and security of knowing that you are worthy to meet him whenever that time comes. We live in such a wonderful time and how blessed we are to have the Savior's direction in our lives.
- [38:03]
Hank
I noticed clint in both 94, 8 and 97, verse 15, and notice what the Lord doesn't say. He doesn't say, ye shall not suffer any unclean person to come into it. He says unclean thing. He says that again in 15 do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it. John, do you remember CS Lewis and the Great Divorce where the Savior says to this man who wants to go to heaven, you can come in. But that and pointing to this big red creature on his shoulder that represents his sins, that can't come in here. It's not the person the Lord is saying can't come in here. It's that thing that in Lewis's writings, you've got to divorce yourself from. That thing can't come with you. That maybe is a small nuance, but I think it's an important one. As you're working to obtain a temple recommend. This isn't about your worth, but it's about the things that are coming with you.
- [39:20]
John
Maybe your willingness to accept the Savior's persistent invitation to come to him and let him cleanse you.
- [39:31]
Hank
Well said, John. Almost 20 years ago, I still remember this talk from General Conference. It was from Elder Rasband. He wasn't a member of the 12 then, but he was pretty vulnerable. When he shared this story. He talked about being called to serve in an area presidency as a member of the 70. They were in England. He worried about his children coming with him. Our daughter, he says, was a young single adult and our son, a 17 year old who liked American style football and played it very well. We were very concerned about them. No friends, no extended family and no American football. I wondered, would this exciting new experience prove to be a serious trial for our family? He talks about meeting with the missionaries and then visiting the Preston, England Temple. As we walked near the front door, there stood President and sister. I think it's Swanee, the temple president and matron. They greeted us and welcomed us into the temple with Elder Rasband. How would you and your family like to perform baptisms for the dead? What a wonderful idea. We looked at each other and gratefully accepted. Now I need to say, John, I think this was before there was this constant invitation for youth to come anytime they want it to do baptisms. He said. After performing the ordinances and while my son and I were still in the font with tears of joy in our eyes, he put his hand on my shoulder and asked dad, why haven't we ever done this before? I thought of all the football games, all the movies we had attend together, all the good times we had shared, certainly happy memories and traditions that are so important to build. However, I realized we had an awful opportunity to add more meaningful spiritual experiences with our children, like what we had experienced in Preston that day.
- [41:35]
John
It's almost like you want to restate that sentence. Why hadn't we ever done this before?
- [41:41]
Hank
Yeah, we've done a lot. Why haven't we done this?
- [41:45]
Clint Mortensen
Yeah.
- [41:46]
Hank
And these are good moments. I need to repent myself and. And get my family to the temple.
- [41:53]
John
I remember as a bishop, having these sweet saints come in that weren't sure they were worthy for the temple. I know that Satan likes to tell them that so many times. I want to say more than once, but it was many times feeling the inspiration of, I want this person in the temple. That was a testimony to me. Not only is the Lord willing to forgive, but he wants to forgive. He wants to get people who want to get their lives right, wants to help them get their lives right. He wants them in the temple because it will be such a place of hope and healing and really an endowment of power for them where they'll feel more powerful to go, more empowered to survive in this tough world right now, more empowered to feel joy in this through their tests and through their trials.
- [42:48]
Hank
I hope anyone listening that a temple recommend interview. Just that right there. This is supposed to be a positive, wonderful thing. So often, I guess maybe in our world of getting called to the principal's office or coming in for this big interview is. It's supposed to be intense and scary. Knowing the Lord like we do, I am certain he is doing everything for our benefit. I hope that there's a sense of excitement. A good bishopric member, a good Stake Presidency member who only wants good things for me as well. I can't think, Clint, as a stake president or John, you as a bishop, were looking to keep people out, right? Let me nitpick every part of your life.
- [43:33]
John
So often as I was going to try my best to fulfill my calling as a bishop, the song in my head was, who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly? When I had those opportunities to be a judge in Israel.
- [43:49]
Hank
I think that that's an excellent attitude.
- [43:51]
John
John, my friend. He was President Monson's bishop for a while. He went down to see President Monson to give him a temple recommend interview. And with every question then he asked, President Monson went, yes, yes, yes. And he hit the table and said, yes. It was like you were talking about looking forward to that. And, hey, interview me, you know, and yes, for what we're talking about here. I love the word strive that's in there.
- [44:26]
Clint Mortensen
Yeah. I love that statement that the Lord celebrates progression when oftentimes we almost feel like he only celebrates perfection. And this is a plan of progression. Whether The Word is strive or progressing. There's such a feel of celebration when we're getting better. Line upon line, precept upon precept. Even the Savior again going back to where we started. Verily, thus saith the Lord, unto you whom I love and whom I love, I also chasten, I have loved you. Not that we always feel it with maybe the leaders and the priesthood leaders of the church, but I do believe, as they do represent the Savior. The Savior does have perfect love. The Savior does communicate perfectly. The Savior knows us perfectly, as Clint.
- [45:23]
John
Has talked about here. Just read the Doctrine of Covenants, and what do you see? You see people trying and failing and trying and failing and trying and failing. Even the leaders. You see the Lord saying, you're forgiven, you're forgiven, you're forgiven. That itself ought to send a message, as Clint, you've said so beautifully. What do we learn about Jesus from all of these revelations where he's okay, I love you. It's been five months.
- [45:51]
Clint Mortensen
Yeah, I love you.
- [45:52]
John
Let's get started. We're learning what he's like. And use what you were learning about the Lord from the Lord and apply that to your efforts to get back.
- [46:04]
Clint Mortensen
To the temple and maybe even connecting that with Hyrum Smith. One thing I love about Hyrum is the moment there was a sense of change needed. He was the first one to run and start to dig. No hesitation. There's something about someone that even though they don't know the end, even though there may be some questions as far as worthiness, the ability to move and to act and to knock on the door or text the bishop or call and make an appointment, miracles will happen. Hyrum saw that in taking his first steps toward building the temple. I think we can do the same thing with our first steps to return or enter the temple.
- [46:49]
John
Oh, I love the phrase you use the first steps. When I was a bishop, our bishopric decided on a theme for one of the years, and that was, what is your next step? For some, it was, you have a recommend, but you're not using it. For some, it was, you need a recommend. You know, for some, it was, get, get back to your meat. But whatever that was for, you ask the Lord, what's my next step? Because he wants to help you take that.
- [47:18]
Hank
That's great. I love that application. We can all be like Hyrum Smith. What do I got to do? I'll do it right now. Right. I think he leaves the meeting. I think he hears this revelation, goes and grabs a shovel and says, all right, let's get started.
- [47:32]
Clint Mortensen
Let's go.
- [47:33]
John
That's George D. Watt. Who hears is at Wilford Woodruff and races to the River Ribble.
- [47:40]
Clint Mortensen
I want to be first.
- [47:41]
Hank
Yeah. Anybody listening could go and find those temple recommend questions that Clint read. They're right in the church's handbook. You can find them on your gospel library app. You could go back in the podcast and listen to Clint read off those questions. And as you go through each one, if you don't feel like you're there, what would Hyrum Smith do? If I don't feel like I have a testimony of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost, I'm going to go get one.
- [48:08]
John
Yeah. Maybe your next step is to start reading the Book of Mormon a little bit every day. Maybe your next step is to get on your knees and say, heavenly Father, I don't feel worthy to pray, but here I am. That's a big step. Take it.
- [48:22]
Clint Mortensen
And maybe your next step is the Relief Society presidency member or the ministering sister or brother that continues to knock at the door and try and find opportunities to connect, that you open the door, that you open a conversation, that you're honest with them and you ask the question again. Almost all revelation comes in response to a question, so ask the question. And counseling together, which I appreciate.
- [48:49]
Hank
Can I share with you a sweet experience I had just a couple months ago? I was talking to one of my favorite people. Her name is Sage Stevenson. I was on a church history tour with her and her parents, Nick and Emily. We were talking about temples and missionary work. How do you know if you're on the right path? How do you know if you're doing the right things? It fits our discussion today. I said, sage, have you ever been on a team? And she said, yeah, I was on the cheer team through high school. I said, okay, you're on the cheer team. What were tryouts like? She said, tryouts are intense. And then I said, okay, but you've made the team. Your name is on the list. You're on the team. She said, okay, I'm on the team now is every day after that, is that tryouts? Are you afraid you're going to get cut every day after that? She said, no, no. I said, well, why not? She said, well, you've made the team. You're on the team. I said, well, what's your job now? She said, get better. Listen to the coach and get better. We talked about how the gospel is the same way. You've been baptized. You sincerely want to live your Covenants, you're on the team. You're on the team now. Let's get better. Let's get better. Let's listen to the coach. Let's work with each other. Let's get better. And she nodded and she said, I like that I'm on the team. I think that's what Clint, you're inviting us to do today, is let's improve wherever we are.
- [50:20]
Clint Mortensen
That was where Elder Christofferson took us at the beginning of today's discussion, was having the humility to seek correction, especially from our Heavenly Father. Try and have that conversation, maybe even before we enter into a bishop's office to discuss some things and changes that need to be made. Maybe the next step, even before that, is closing the door, kneeling down and having a conversation with Heavenly Father and having a conversation with him first, seeking correction and direction and ideas and revelation from him first. Then stand up, grab the shovel, and go to work.
- [51:02]
Hank
Let's go to work. That's exciting. I have a last question for you. You have a pretty unique perspective with 30 years. You don't look it, but 30 years in church education, working full time for the church, being an administrator in church education. So there you are in the church office building, in church administration building. You're working with leaders of the church and been a bishop twice and a stake president. Now. That's a unique perspective. It doesn't make you better than anyone listening. I don't want anyone out there going, wow, I need to be those things. Need to be those things. This is just a unique perspective. What have you learned? What have you seen about this church? Is the Lord in it? I think our listeners would love to hear from your perspective what that's been like.
- [52:02]
Clint Mortensen
That's a really good question, Hank. And a couple of thoughts come to mind. One is, I am amazed at the dedication, the sacrifice of literally tens of thousands of teachers and leaders, hundreds of thousands of parents around the world, how much they value and love their children and that the church educational system is designed for that reason. It's the Savior saying, I love my children. Education will bless them. A spiritual education will draw them closer to the Savior. I'm grateful, Hank, for the incredible leaders of the church. I am inspired by their goodness. I'm inspired by their humility. None of us, no one, is perfect. Yet the kingdom of God goes forth, I believe, because it makes me happy. I know that sounds simple, but I am happy when I am learning by the power of the Holy Ghost. I am happy when I am studying the words of the living Prophet. I am happy when I am with my family. I feel joy walking into the temple as an imperfect person to worship a perfect God. I am happy when I am studying the doctrine of covenants and learning from the incredible examples of others. I feel joy when I'm able to serve and to help. I enjoy service. I enjoy being with people. I had an experience where this was struck deeply to me. Years ago, I had a son that was playing at a state championship basketball game. He actually made a three pointer at the buzzer to send them into overtime. They won the state championship that night. It was a great celebration. The next morning, I'm on the stand and I look over and see the same son kneeling down, blessing the sacrament. And in that moment had a simple impression this matters much more than what happened last night. I felt that as good as a celebration of a championship was, it was nothing compared to the ordinance of the sacrament and this great group of saints, none of whom were perfect in a congregation worshiping the Savior. Having my son be able to participate in that. And that's a choice, a choice that brings me joy and happiness. That's really what it's all about, Hank. It's about people being drawn closer to the Savior through the power of the Holy Ghost.
- [54:53]
Hank
And you've seen it over and over.
- [54:54]
Clint Mortensen
And over, and it happens everywhere. And it's incredible. The majesty of the moment, it's astonishing to me.
- [55:02]
Hank
Yeah, John, It's a good day. I know when I'm feeling the Holy Ghost because I don't want it to end.
- [55:08]
John
We have that a lot.
- [55:10]
Hank
Yeah. Let's just keep going. Well, Clint, thanks for joining us. Thanks for taking your time to be with us and thank Natalie for us for letting us steal you away with that. We want to thank Brother Clint Mortensen for being with us today. We want to thank our executive producer, Shannon Sorensen. Our sponsors, David and Verla Sorensen. In every episode, we remember our founder, Steve Sorensen. We hope you'll join us next week. We've got some things happening in Missouri we need to talk about on Follow him. Thank you for joining us on today's episode. Do you or someone you know speak Spanish, Portuguese or French? You can now watch and listen. Listen to our podcast in those languages. Links are in the description below. Today's show notes and transcript are on our website, followhim. Co. That's followhim. Co. Of course, none of this could happen without our incredible production crew. David Perry, Lisa Spice, Will Stoughton, Crystal Roberts, Ariel Kuadra, Heather Barlow, Amelia Kabwica. Iride Gonzalez and Annabel Soren. Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life.
- [56:27]
Clint Mortensen
And teachings of Jesus Christ. Turn to him, Follow him.