The Pattern of Preparation: Living Up to the Covenant of the Temple

When we read the words of the Prophet Moroni, we are often struck by the sheer power of his people: “Behold, to [the Lamanites'] uttermost astonishment, [the Nephites] were prepared for them, in a manner which never had been known.” This phrase—prepared in a manner which never had been known—is a profound challenge to us as disciples today. It speaks not merely of military readiness, but of spiritual diligence. It suggests a preparation so profound, so comprehensive, that it defies modern understanding.

In the context of the Restoration, where covenants and ordinances are designed to bridge the gap between mortality and eternity, what does it mean to be "prepared"? We are called to receive sacred ordinances, whether they be temple baptisms, confirmations, or eternal endowments. But as the recent General Conference taught, the power to receive these blessings, and the strength to withstand the adversities of life, begins long before we step foot within the sacred walls of the house of the Lord.

The Mandate of Diligence: From Earth to Celestial Room

The Lord does not merely grant power; He requires our participation in building that power. Our preparation is not a passive state; it is an active covenant. It is a continuous process of refining the spirit and anchoring ourselves to the pattern of Christ’s Atonement. The temple, which represents the pinnacle of our covenant relationship with God, serves as the ultimate classroom for this principle. Our covenants are the curriculum, and the daily work of the Spirit is the study.

Following the Pattern: The Parable and the Priesthood

The Savior taught the parable of the ten virgins—five wise, five foolish. This parable, while often applied to the Second Coming, carries a powerful resonance for our covenants and temple preparation. The critical difference between the wise and the foolish was not simply the presence of a lamp, but the oil—the oil representing consistent, proactive diligence. The wise understood that readiness was not a one-time event; it was a sustained effort requiring continuous covenant keeping.

The wise virgins understood that the supply of spiritual oil was finite and required constant replenishment through prayer, study, and obedience. Their preparedness was an active, daily commitment to the covenants they had made.

This concept of pattern is echoed in our sacred ordinances. Moroni’s preparation was systematic; it involved the careful, patient work of converting, teaching, and fortifying the Nephites. Similarly, our own preparation for higher covenants requires us to treat our priesthood responsibilities—our calling—with the utmost reverence and diligence. We must understand that the doctrines and covenants are not merely intellectual concepts, but covenants that change us, giving us power to cope with the adversities of life.

A Three-Fold Pattern of Preparation

To embrace this pattern, we must commit to three areas of spiritual labor:

1. Scriptural Diligence: We must treat scripture study not as a requirement, but as a joyful covenant. Following the pattern of the prophets, we must engage in deep, scholarly study of the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, seeking the pattern of Christ in every passage.
2. Covenant Consistency: We must view our covenants—of baptism, confirmation, temple endowment—as living contracts. Our preparation involves daily honoring of these commitments, recognizing that even the smallest act of faithfulness sustains the covenant power.
3. The Spirit's Guidance: Ultimately, preparation is guided by the Spirit. We must cultivate a receptive heart, ready to receive revelation and instruction, trusting that the Spirit will teach us the pattern necessary for our current calling and future ordinances.

Let us, therefore, view our lives through the lens of eternal preparation. Let us not wait until the Lord calls us to a sacred ordinance, or until the great day arrives, to begin our work. Let us, like the wise virgins, diligently steward our spiritual oil—our time, our study, and our obedience—so that when the call comes, we are not merely ready, but prepared in a manner that truly is eternal and unsurpassed.

***

Brothers and sisters, let this principle guide our scholarly endeavors. I invite you to submit your deepest insights into the covenant path. Perhaps you have found a powerful scriptural pattern in the Book of Moses or a specific passage in the Book of Abraham that illuminates this topic. Let us build the corpus of knowledge that will help future generations understand the depth of our preparation. Submit your works and help us advance the Lord's gospel through the power of the Spirit and the Word.