Chapter 32: Holiness to the Lord

Elder Jonas Childers
Apr 26, 2021
2 min read

Updated: Jan 31, 2024

"I love to see the temple, I'll go inside someday. I'll covenant with my Father, I'll promise to obey."

I Love to See the Temple

"When you have two pennies left, buy a loaf of bread with one and a lily with the other." Chinese Proverb

On Thursday, I fly out to Scotland to begin a new journey, and honestly, I am pretty terrified. So much is going to change. As a result of this upcoming change, I have really worked diligently to make the most of the last of my time here. The proverb rings true: we must make the most of what we are given, excelling in how we use such gifts both in practical ways and in ways to help us find beauty in life; bread and lilies.

The gift I've been given is time: time spent here in this mission. Eight wonder-filled months of incredible growth and change. With this time I have worked hard and, through the grace of Jesus Christ, have accomplished many incredible things. I have been amazed at the ways God has used me to fulfill his purposes. This is the proverbial bread.

Throughout this time as well I have spent my time establishing incredible friendships and really learning what true bonds of christlike love look like. I've seen the beauty of life magnified in all the people I've met. I've put serious work and effort into these relationships. This is the proverbial lilies.

In all things, my experiences culminated to the opportunity I had to go to the Philadelphia temple with my parents on Friday. It was sacred beyond any description I could attempt to give. There were a lot of tears, and such a spirit that could never be forgotten.

In the House of the Lord I felt the reality of eternity.

In the House of the Lord I felt the joy of Christ's love.

In the House of the Lord I felt true peace.

In the House of the Lord I felt power and truth fill my soul.

In the House of Lord, I became something more.

In the House of the Lord, my entire life changed.

Oh how grateful I am for that treasured experience, the capstone experience of my time in this mission. As I always have said, I know that life is good. I know that God is wise. We just simply cannot give up.

Trust God. Let His plan be your plan. Let your soul be filled with praises of "holiness to the Lord," for because of Him, all things are possible.

Elder Childers