Worthy of the Temple

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me (John 14:21).

The bishop guides us to be worthy to go to the temple. Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “The bishop is the judge and the shepherd who has … the right to revelation and inspiration for the guidance of the flock.”* The Spirit tells him how to help us. By listening to his righteous counsel, we prepare to receive a temple recommend.

When the time comes to enter the temple, the bishop makes sure that we are ready. He explains what we need to know about going to the temple for the first time, and he answers questions. Most importantly, he interviews us for a temple recommend, a piece of paper that says we are worthy to enter the temple. Everyone must show a recommend at the temple before being allowed inside.

If we are unworthy, the bishop guides us to repent and eventually be able to enter the temple. Elder Richard G. Scott, also of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said,”You can become clean and pure by repentance under the guidance of the bishop.”† Not all repentance needs help from a bishop, but he can always help us if we feel prompted to visit him. He is like a shepherd, and the ward is his flock. He has been called by God to care for us, and he wants to help us.

Preparation for entering the temple begins today by keeping the commandments. We can follow our bishop’s example to be temple-worthy by obeying his counsel and asking for his help if we need it. We can show our appreciation for the bishop by praying for him and by serving the ward in any way we can.

Instructions

You will need: two 8 1/2″ x 11″ (22 cm x 28 cm) pieces of white paper, scissors, glue, tape, and a 3″ (8 cm) piece of string.

1. Remove pages 42–43 from the magazine.

2. Glue page 43 to a piece of white paper; trim on the outside solid lines. Cut the door on the dashed lines (see illustration).

   door to the Bishop’s office

   Keeping the door open and unglued, glue the back of the bishop’s office to another piece of white paper and trim (see illustration).

   open the door

3. Cut out the bishop on page 42 and fold his right arm on the broken line toward his chest.

   bishop cut out

   Without gluing his folded right arm, glue his body in the doorway (see illustration).

   folding right arm

   At about the level of the doorknob, tape the piece of string to the back of the door leaving a tail. Then tape the other end of the string to the bishop’s right hand (see illustration).

   completed activity

4. Close the door, then open it to see the bishop welcoming you into his office.

opening the door

Illustrated by Brian Bean

• Ensign, May 1997, page 22.

• Ensign, November 1994, page 38.