Our Castle of Protection

Recently my wife Denna and I had a chance to tour the Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva, in Switzerland. This Medieval castle was a strategic stronghold for many years, from about the 11th century to near the end of the 18th century.

We were very impressed with the construction of the castle, built on solid rock that formed a small island outcropping in the lake. The tour of the castle detailed how the structure was designed and constructed for maximum protection. It also included a collection of armor and weapons from that period which the occupants would have used for defense and protection.   

Shortly after we finished the tour, we received a text from a family member with a picture of the temple that they were visiting that day.

Denna quickly raised the topic of the similarities and the differences between the castle and the temple.  Both were built for protection. Both stand as a defense. But one as a defense with mortal consequences.  The other as a defense with eternal consequences.

The Saints throughout history received great promises of protection.

   I am thy shield (Genesis 15:1, Psalms 3:3)

   No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17)

In these the latter days, we continue to have “divinely provided protections.”   

Elder Quentin L. Cook stated, “… the storms and temptations of this life are often unpredictable. But this we know: they will come! In order to overcome the challenges and temptations that each of us inevitably faces, it will require righteous preparation and the use of divinely provided protections. We must determine to be temple worthy regardless of what befalls us. If we are prepared, we shall not fear.”

I testify that the temple is a “divinely provided protection” for us.  As a Stake Presidency, our highest priority and focus is to see all members to be temple worthy and hold a temple recommend.

May we all follow the words of President Howard W. Hunter: “It is the deepest desire of my heart to have every member of the Church worthy to enter the temple.”