Study Guide for "Recommended to the Lord"

In his talk, Elder Ronald A. Rasband discusses the importance and significance of being "Recommended to the Lord" through obtaining and maintaining a temple recommend. He emphasizes the spiritual growth and blessings that come from temple attendance and the personal commitment required to qualify for a temple recommend. He also encourages members to strive for worthiness regardless of their physical access to a temple, as it is a testament of their devotion to the Lord.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What is the significance of being "Recommended to the Lord"?
What are the requirements for obtaining a temple recommend?
How does Elder Rasband relate temple recommend to personal spiritual growth?
What does it mean to be "Recommended to the Lord" even when physical access to a temple is not possible?
What promises does Elder Rasband make to those who strive to live worthy of a temple recommend?

Topics

Understanding the Significance of Temple Recommends

Elder Rasband emphasizes that a temple recommend is not just a "checklist" or "hall pass", but a reflection of one's personal faith and commitment to live in harmony with the teachings of the Church. It is a testament of one's willingness to live the laws of the Lord and love what He loves.

To qualify for the honor of a temple recommend, you must live in harmony with the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Your temple recommend reflects a deep, spiritual intent that you are striving to live the laws of the Lord and love what He loves: humility, meekness, steadfastness, charity, courage, compassion, forgiveness, and obedience.

What is the significance of a temple recommend?
What does having a temple recommend reflect about a person's faith and commitment?
How do you personally view your temple recommend?
What steps can you take to align your life more closely with the teachings of the Church and qualify for a temple recommend?

Maintaining Worthiness Regardless of Physical Access to Temples

Elder Rasband encourages members to strive for temple worthiness even when they do not have physical access to a temple. Having a current temple recommend is a protection against the adversary and a promise that the Spirit will be with you.

Being worthy to attend the temple, however, has not been suspended. Let me emphasize, whether you have access to a temple or not, you need a current temple recommend to stay firmly on the covenant path.

Even though they could not present them at the temple, they would be presenting themselves before the Lord pure and prepared to serve Him.

Why is it important to maintain temple worthiness even when you do not have physical access to a temple?
How does having a temple recommend act as a protection and promise?
How can you strive for temple worthiness in your current circumstances?
What changes might you need to make in your life to obtain or maintain a temple recommend?

The Spiritual Growth and Blessings from Temple Attendance

Attending the temple increases our understanding of the Godhead and the everlasting gospel, strengthens our commitment to live and teach truth, and deepens our willingness to follow Jesus Christ. Temples are sanctuaries from the world where His Spirit envelops those who worship.

Attending the temple increases our understanding of the Godhead and the everlasting gospel, our commitment to live and teach truth, and our willingness to follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The temple is the Lord’s house and a sanctuary from the world. His Spirit envelops those who worship within those sacred walls.

How does attending the temple increase our understanding and commitment to the gospel?
What is the significance of the temple being a sanctuary from the world?
How have you personally grown from your temple attendance?
What blessings have you received from attending the temple?

The Importance of Being "Recommended to the Lord"

Being "recommended to the Lord" is a reflection of our personal commitment to live according to the teachings of the Church. It is a preparation for the day when we will stand before the Lord, and it requires us to let go of worldly distractions and strive to be like Him.

To be “recommended to the Lord” is to be reminded of what is expected of a covenant-keeping Latter-day Saint.

Putting off our shoes at the door of the temple is letting go of worldly desires or pleasures that distract us from spiritual growth, setting aside those things which sidetrack our precious mortality, rising above contentious behavior, and seeking time to be holy.

What does it mean to be "recommended to the Lord"?
What distractions or worldly desires might prevent us from being "recommended to the Lord"?
What steps can you take to be "recommended to the Lord"?
How can you let go of worldly distractions and seek time to be holy?

The Call to Redouble Our Righteous Efforts

Elder Rasband encourages us to "redouble" our righteous efforts, such as expanding our study of scriptures, family history research, and prayers of faith. As we strive to increase in righteousness, we will feel renewed in our devotion to God and feel peace knowing we are "recommended to the Lord".

When the Lord calls for us to “redouble” our efforts, He is asking that we increase in righteousness.

I promise you as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ that as you strive to redouble your righteous efforts, you will feel renewed in your devotion to God the Father and Jesus Christ, you will feel an abundance of the Holy Ghost guiding you, you will be grateful for your sacred covenants, and you will feel peace knowing you are “recommended to the Lord.”

What does it mean to "redouble" our righteous efforts?
What promises does Elder Rasband make to those who strive to increase in righteousness?
What specific efforts can you redouble in your own life?
How can you strive to increase in righteousness and become "recommended to the Lord"?