I have thought a lot about the temple, covenants, and gaining spiritual power and strength over the course of this year. The most recent Relief Society broadcast and general conference reiterated some of the thoughts I've had about it and I hope I can study more and actually go to the temple more to continue learning. The endowment ordinance we receive at the temple is important to our spiritual growth and ability to access the power of God in our lives.
Today during my study, I read this quote:
"An endowment is a gift or a bequest. In the Church it usually refers to a temple ordinance in which members make certain promises and receive a gift of knowledge and spiritual power in return. The endowment spoken of here, however, is not the same as the ceremony administered in later temples. Priesthood members in Kirtland did participate in a “partial endowment, the full ordinance being reserved for a future performance when a temple designed for ordinance work itself should be built” (Bruce R. McConkie, “A New Commandment: Save Thyself and Thy Kindred!” Ensign, Aug. 1976, p. 10). The first complete endowment in this dispensation was given by Joseph Smith in Nauvoo on 4 May 1842.
The endowment received in Kirtland included washings and anointings, as well as the washing of feet for official priesthood brethren. The Lord also poured out His Spirit, or in other words endowed them with spiritual power, and many received revelations or other gifts (see History of the Church, 2:308–10)."
The themes I'm seeing:
1. Covenants are a tool to keep us on the path of becoming like Christ. They give us accountability and a sense of responsibility; and thus influence our behavior.
2. We can claim a greater measure of the Spirit as we keep them (aka living the gospel); this enhances our ability to be more obedient and allow the Lord to transform our hearts
3. The Lord wants to bless us through the covenant relationship. The endowment and other ordinances/covenants are an opportunity for Him to give us a boost and propel us forward on our journey. They allow us to progress further and more quickly.
