Keeping Christ at the Center: The Eternal Perspective of the Temple

By Anne Maxson

Doctrine and Covenants 109:22 is a long-time favorite scripture of mine. I reflect on it often and consider the ways that the temple is a strength-providing refuge. The week after President Russell M. Nelson’s passing and the tragic events at the church building in Michigan, I was greatly looking forward to the opportunity to be in the House of the Lord and connect with the calm reassurances there. I was grateful to be able to go soon thereafter and indeed feel the comfort that comes in the temple.

Shortly after that trip to the temple, my son shared this quote from David A. Bednar’s talk, “Let This House Be Built unto My Name” with me. Elder Bednar said,  “We do not come to the temple to hide from or escape the evils of the world. Rather, we come to the temple to conquer the world of evil. As we invite into our lives the ‘power of godliness’ by receiving priesthood ordinances and making and keeping sacred covenants, we are blessed with strength beyond our own to overcome the temptations and challenges of mortality and to do and become good.”

This got me thinking a bit more about the idea of the temple as a “refuge.” It isn’t a refuge in regard to a place to cower and hide. Instead, it is a refuge in the interpretation of a place to rest, recharge, gain strength, and perspective while preparing to go back into the battles of life. One of my sons shared a simple testimony when he said, “I know that if we ‘think celestial,’ we will view trials and opposition in a new light.” 

As fall rolls in, the shadows during my morning walks have been getting longer and longer. It reminded me of a story that my friend, Tessa, shared. She talked about how when the sun is on the periphery, it can lead to large shadows of tiny objects. Imagine walking along a path early in the morning, right after sunrise - even a small pebble can have a very long shadow. However, as the day goes on and the sun moves to the center of the sky and above the object, the shadow gets smaller and smaller. 

In the same way, if we have Christ on the periphery of our lives, those small obstacles can seem overwhelming, but when we keep Him at the center, we are given a better perspective - an eternal perspective - of the challenges we face.⁠ 

In his October 2021 General Conference address, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” President Russell M. Nelson shared, “The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple. Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through the Spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ. His essential ordinances bind us to Him through sacred priesthood covenants. Then, as we keep our covenants, He endows us with His healing, strengthening power. And oh, how we will need His power in the days ahead.”

Focusing on, learning about, and attending the temple can help us focus on Christ and gain a viewpoint that provides improved insights into the trials we face in life.