Stand ye in holy places,
and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come;
for behold, it cometh quickly
D&C 87:8
and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come;
for behold, it cometh quickly
D&C 87:8
What are those “holy places”? Surely they include the temple and its covenants faithfully kept. Surely they include a home where children are treasured and parents are respected. Surely the holy places include our posts of duty assigned by priesthood authority, including missions and callings faithfully fulfilled in branches, wards, and stakes.
Dallin H. Oaks, “Preparation for the Second Coming,” Ensign, May 2004, 7
When we visit the temple as often as distance and individual circumstance permit, the temple will be in us. Then, despite the buffetings of life, we will always be in a holy place.
Lance B. Wickman, “Stand Ye in Holy Places,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 82
There are so many ways to keep the shielding seventh commandment firmly in place. Instructively, for instance, David’s fall, at least in part, was facilitated because he was not where duty lay: “It came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, … David tarried still at Jerusalem” (2 Sam. 11:1). Then, as you know, came the lustful view from the roof and all the sadness that followed. Implicit, therefore, in the instruction “Stand ye in holy places” is to avoid indulgent tarrying.
Neal A. Maxwell, “The Seventh Commandment: A Shield,” Ensign, Nov. 2001, 78
Those ‘holy places’ are our temples, stakes, wards, and homes.
“A Prophet of Certitude: Counsel from President Ezra Taft Benson,” Ensign, July 1994, 28
When an earthquake strikes, every person would be taken as he is then living—if at a movie, or a tavern, or in a drunken stupor, or whatever. But the true servants of God, who would be doing their duty, would be protected and preserved, if they would do as the Lord has counseled: to “stand ye in holy places, and be not moved,” when these days should come.
Harold B. Lee, “Watch, That Ye May Be Ready,” Ensign, Dec. 1971, 28
As we recall the commandment to stand in holy places, we should remember that beyond the temple, the most sacred and holy places in all the world should be our own dwelling places. Our homes should be committed and dedicated only to holy purposes. In our homes all of the security, the strengthening love, and the sympathetic understanding that we all so desperately need should be found.
James E. Faust, “Who Shall Ascend into the Hill of the Lord?” Ensign, Aug. 2001, 2
Holy places include any places where we are living righteously, prepared to see his face, and accept him. Holy places include any place where we are associating with righteous and wholesome people or where we are sharing the gospel and our love with those who need it. It would especially include our sincere presence in a temple room performing sacred ordinances, worshiping in a sacrament meeting, or at home with our families or friends doing righteous things.
John K. Carmack, “Stand Ye In Holy Places,” LDS Business College Devotional Lecture, Nov. 13, 1996
3 comments:
This is brilliant stuff, and well put together. I agree whole-heartedly.
The only thing I do have contest with is this concept that God has to "test" us (as if he is unaware of what we would do). Some speak in this manner, but I don't see that one at all.
The Job story is in total conflict with the rest of scripture in this regard. I think it should be taken with some deeper understanding rather than at face value.
The quote from Mosiah 23:21 I consider to be quoted out of context. I believe the trying of their patience and faith isn't for some test, but to give people an opportunity to decide their path (in this case).
Doug, it isn't so much a "test," but a "validation" of who we are and where we stand, what we stand for and whose side were on. It is true, God is completely aware of what we will do and how we will perform, though that is not enough to satisfy the demands of Justice. We must validate ourselves through our actions.
Because God knows what we will do does not change in any way that it is a test and we have a choice to take either path. We shouldn't assume we understand the concept of timeless eternity with our current finite minds.
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