Mormon Temple GhanaMany new members are anxious to go to the temple for the first time. Even if you were just baptized yesterday, it’s not too soon to begin preparing. You will want to be as ready as possible before you go.

You will need to wait until you’ve been a member of the church for at least one year. You’ll be invited, when the time is close, to participate in a class that will help you prepare for the experience. In this class, you’ll learn what types of things you’ll be asked in the interview, what the temple is all about, and how to prepare.

In the meantime, this is a good opportunity to study about the temple on your own. If you live near one, visit it often. Walk the grounds and feel the spirit. Visit the Visitor’s Center if there is one. Ask a long time member to visit with you and to talk to you, while you’re on the grounds, of how she feels about the temple.

Learn as much as you can about temples by studying the resources at LDS.org. Visit the section called, “Purpose of Temples” to learn why we have them and to see pictures of temples around the world. There are are links to articles that will tell you more.

In addition, you will need to be a full tithe payer and live to a high standard. If you are working hard to live the gospel and are free of serious sin, you are probably worthy to attend. You might want to meet with your bishop early on to ask him to explain to you what is required.

Daryl H. Garn, of the Quorum of the Seventy, listed four ways we can become temple worthy in his article, “Worthy to Enter.” (Daryl H. Garn, “Worthy to Enter,” Ensign, Oct 2007, 23–25)

mormonHe suggests we not let the world take over our lives, so there isn’t room for the gospel. Then he asks us to be sure there are no dark places in our lives, and to repent and, if needed, see the bishop about sins that remain. Next, he says we must avoid inappropriate media. Finally, we must work to be able to answer appropriately the questions asked in the interviews.

Following these steps can help us to refine our testimonies and prepare us for the blessings of the temples. Even if you don’t live near a temple, you will want to have a recommend you carry with you as a reminder that you are worthy to enter God’s home.

About Terrie Lynn Bittner
The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.

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