Opportunities for Sacrifice and Service

Reno Nevada LDS Temple - Photo from LDS Media Library

"There are many different things our members can do to help in the redeeming of the dead, in temple and family history work. Some involve callings. Others are personal. All are expressions of devotion and discipleship. All present opportunities for sacrifice and service.” 

- Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Family History: ‘In Wisdom and in Order’”, Ensign, June 1989.

So That No One Is Left Out

Nauvoo Illinois Temple - Photo from LDS Media Library

“The great work of providing the saving ordinances for our kindred dead is a vital part of the threefold mission of the Church. We do this work for a purpose, which is to redeem our dead ancestors. Temple work is essential for both us and our kindred dead who are waiting for these saving ordinances to be done for them. It is essential because “we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect.”(D&C 128:18) They need the saving ordinances, and we need to be sealed to them. For this reason it is important that we trace our family lines so that no one is left out.” 

- President James E. Faust, “The Phenomenon That Is You,” LDS General Conference, October 2003

Leaving Us More and More Time for Temple Work

“Sister Susa Young Gates related to me that she once asked her father [Brigham Young] how it would ever be possible to accomplish the great amount of temple work that must be done, if all are given a full opportunity for exaltation. He told her there would be many inventions of labor-saving devices, so that our daily duties could be performed in a short time, leaving us more and more time for temple work. The inventions have come, and are still coming, but many simply divert the time gained to other channels, and not for the purpose intended by the Lord”

- Archibald F. Bennett, “Put on Thy Strength, O Zion!” Improvement Era, October 1952, p. 720.