Maintaining Sacredness, Avoiding Complacency

Why are ordinances considered to be sacred? And how can we avoid being complacent about them?  

Today our attention is captured by catchy headlines, enthralling television shows, and clever gifs. We’re preoccupied with pressing deadlines and personal responsibilities. Our busy schedules can make it difficult to find time to pray daily and to attend the temple regularly. And other tasks on our to-do lists may seem more urgent or important than reading the scriptures and planning family home evening.

But God has asked us to make spirituality a priority. He wants us to understand the sacredness behind the commandments we obey and the ordinances we complete. In the article “To Hold Sacred,” Elder Paul B. Pieper explains that “our strength to endure faithfully depends upon recognizing, remembering, and holding sacred that which we receive from above.”

Anything that comes from heaven is considered sacred. We should treat what is sacred with utmost reverence and make it a priority in our lives, God asks us to do. But are we?

Elder Pieper explains that when we become complacent with what is sacred, our minds become darkened “and unless [we] repent, the light [we] have shall be taken from [us].” On the other hand, if we actively participate in and seek out sacred opportunities, we have this promise: “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day” (Doctrine and Covenats 50:24).  

Scheduling time to attend the temple will help lift our burdens. Remembering to say our prayers and read the scriptures daily will help us recognize the Lord’s hand in our lives. Partaking of the sacrament each week will give us peace. Making what is sacred a priority will help us maintain strong relationships with our Father in Heaven. We will be happier and more prepared to face the many pressing matters we encounter every day.

Read Elder Paul B. Pieper’s full talk, “To Hold Sacred,” to learn more about the importance of understanding sacredness.

Source: LDS General Conference

—Breanna Call Herbert, Mormon Insights

feature image by tessa rampersand

Find more insights

Learn how to stay captivated by the gospel by reading “Is It Still Wonderful to You?” by Elder Gérald Caussé.

Read about examples of sacredness in “A Sense of the Sacred,” by Elder D. Todd Christofferson.