Two Keys to the Work of Salvation

It has been quite sometime since I have posted anything here, but today my Bishop reiterated a challenge that he gave our ward at the beginning of the year. He promised that we will receive blessings of The Lord if we spend time in the Book of Mormon each day. The spirit touched my heart and I decided I need to be more diligent in this area, so here goes a revitalization of this blog. Last week we had a training with Elder Tate of our Area Seventy. The training was a regional meeting designed to follow-up on "The Work of Salvation" training broadcast by the general authorities several weeks ago. During the meeting he gave us some reading assignments. One of the chapters he asked us to read was 3 Nephi 11. I have read this chapter hundreds of times, but something new stood out today. Well at least the combination of two things was new. In verse 1, it states that a multitude of people was gathered together around the temple. In verse two it says "they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ." I think these two actions are essential to pushing forward the work of salvation (e.g. helping people make and keep the covenants that will allow them to receive eternal life). These people were committed to the gospel. In time of great turmoil after the earthquakes and floods and darkness, they could have gone many places, but they chose to gather at the temple. In our families, our wards, our quorums or other groups to we belong do we gather to the temple in time of trouble? We should. Not only is it a place of peace but it is a place of revelation. Secondly, had I gone through such a horrible time of natural disasters and geologic upheaval I think my conversation may have been focused on rebuilding my home or mourning the loss of loved ones. However these true disciples focused their conversation on the Savior. When trial comes or when there is a moment where our minds are not focused on a specific task, do our thoughts turn to the Savior and his work or do they turn to sports, current events, recreation or work? How much better of a place this world would be if all spent a little more time worshipping in the temple and if our thoughts turned to the Savior and how we might serve Him and His children just a little bit more each day! I imagine that the work of salvation would push forth at a much faster pace that it does now.