From Candy Corn to Eternal Work: Honoring the Dead Through the Gospel

There are few times of year that prompt us to think about the past—the ghosts, the history, and the ancestors who paved the way for us. When the autumn air gets crisp and the decorations start popping up, it's easy to get caught up in the fun of Halloween. But as returned missionaries, we know that even the most fun, secular traditions often hold deep, underlying truths about the eternal plan of salvation.

I was recently having a lovely conversation with a friend who mentioned the traditions of Día de Muertos, the Day of the Dead. It’s a beautiful, profound cultural tradition where families honor and remember their deceased relatives, celebrating the continuity of life and the bond between the living and the departed. It’s a powerful reminder that death isn't an ending; it's a transition.

And honestly, that idea struck me because it opened the door to one of the most beautiful, yet sometimes misunderstood, aspects of our gospel—the work of the dead. We often think of this topic as something reserved for the temple, and while that is absolutely true, the principle behind it is something every single one of us can live by every day, right here in our own homes and communities.

When we talk about the work, we aren't just talking about a ritual; we are talking about the power of the Spirit and the sacred ordinances of the temple. The ordinances of baptism for the dead allow us to follow the Savior’s charge to keep the record and provide for those who have passed away without the opportunity to hear the gospel. It is a testament to the divine power of covenants and the enduring nature of the gospel.

The temple is the ultimate place to connect the living and the dead. When we are called to perform these ordinances, we are literally participating in the ongoing effort of the Restoration. It’s a profound, sacred experience that helps us understand that the mission field is not just where we stand with a name tag; the mission field is everywhere, and the work never stops.

Connecting the Ordinances: From Fun to Fulfillment

If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about the work with a friend who is just starting their journey—maybe they’re curious, maybe they’re skeptical—I wanted to share a small technique. Instead of leading with the technical details, lead with the principle of eternal remembrance. You might say, “I find it so comforting that even when people pass away, the gospel promises that we can remember them and help them progress. It’s a powerful reminder of how much we value life and covenants.”

This is the heart of being an Internet missionary. We are called to share the *why* before we share the *how*. The “why” is that the Savior loves us, and He has provided eternal means of exaltation. This understanding should inspire us to be more diligent about keeping the temple ordinances and deepening our understanding of the eternal plan.

Your Next Step in the Work

If this topic has stirred your heart, I encourage you to take a practical step. Our local Stake leaders and Temple and Family History Leaders are always available to answer questions and help coordinate opportunities to participate in the sacred work. If you are interested in learning more about the ordinances or even just doing some research into family history, check out the amazing resources in LivingBook. We also have fantastic discussions happening in the HolyPlaces Book Club right now that touch on the importance of covenants.

Remember, whether you are preparing for your first mission, serving as a returned missionary, or simply living as a lifelong disciple in your community, you are part of this great, continuous work. Let’s keep honoring the covenants and the memories of those who have gone before us, and who await the promise of eternal life.

🔥 Mission Prep Tip: When discussing ordinances, always focus on the Spirit. The ordinances are powerful because they are done under the direction of the Spirit, not because of human effort. This is the most Christlike way to frame the discussion.

Have questions about the work? Don't hesitate to bring them to the next Disciple Challenge! We’ll be discussing the covenant path and the eternal nature of the family.