Tabernacle a reminder to be strong in the faith
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The great Tabernacle on Temple Square, erected in the days of the saints' poverty, is an architectural wonder and should inspire members to build lives of strength and virtue, said President Gordon B. Hinckley.
President Hinckley, first counselor in the First Presidency, called the Tabernacle, built by the pioneers in 1863-67, a "miracle building.""These [pioneers], in this wilderness outpost, were driven by a tremendous vision," he said at the priesthood session Saturday evening. "They believed without a doubt that they were building the kingdom of God on earth. Their faith matched their vision.
"Though built of wood, in the days of the poverty of our people, though designed and constructed without modern engineering and architectural expertise, it has stood and served for 125 years.
"If there is one great ringing message I take from the builders of this structure, it is this - Be strong!"
The Tabernacle should remind "each of us of the strength we must nurture within ourselves, while living in these mortal personal tabernacles which are the gift and creation of God."
He enumerated several ways to gain strength, the first way through self-discipline. He called upon members to avoid indulging in things that degrade and destroy. When degrading material is on television, he said: "Turn off the set. Stop being a boob in front of the tube."
Another step in gaining strength, he said, is to stand for that which is right. "As men of the priesthood we must cultivate the strength to follow our convictions."
President Hinckley admonished priesthood holders to be strong in the quality of mercy. "This sick world so cries out for kindness and love and mercy."
He also admonished his listeners to be strong in simple honesty. "Resist the temptation to lie a little, cheat a little, steal a little, bear false witness in speaking gossipy words about others," he said. "Rise above it, brethren."
He concluded by encouraging members to "be strong in the faith by which you walk and in the Church. . . . This is the work of God. It is the most precious of all causes."
