Why do Mormons build Temples?

Have you ever wondered why Mormons build temples?  Did you know that we do?  Perhaps you've passed by one and wondered to yourself what is that big, beautiful building...?

If these questions have ever come to mind, please take a few minutes and watch this video explain the WHY behind our temple building across the earth.

When I think of the word temple these words come to mind: peace, sanctuary, refuge, holiness, house of worship, beautiful, happiness, joy, solitude, reverence, faith, gratitude, rejoicing, light, truth, CHRIST.
Temples are holy and sacred edifices built amongst a world that lies in darkness and sin.  For myself, as a Latter-day Saint, I find great peace and comfort going to the temple.  It allows me to ponder and reflect upon the often asked questions; Where did I come from?  Why am I here?  What is the purpose of life?  Where do I go after I die?
It gives me an opportunity to put aside the things of this world; my job, the worldly distractions that abound, temptation and sin, life's stresses, and other temporal pursuits.  I can focus on the things of God, prioritize my life, and recommit to follow the Savior, Jesus Christ more wholly.

As I serve in the temple it helps me to be more selfless and set aside my personal, selfish desires and agenda of the day or week.  I am reminded of scriptures and principles that are taught therein like faith, hope, charity, gratitude, and humility.  Each time I go I feel a little more full of faith, hope, charity, gratitude, and humility.  For this I am very thankful to a loving Heavenly Father who knows better what I need than I fail to recognize at times to progress in this life.  As mortals, we all fall short of the glory of God.  We live in a fallen world where sin and temptation abound.  Gratefully, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to overcome death and sin.

John 3:16 ¶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

He loves each one of us so much, unconditionally, and has laid out a plan of happiness and salvation.  The holy scriptures are our road map for making it safely back to him in an eternal, Heavenly state. 

See how one sister recently accepted Christ into her life and converted to His restored gospel:

The temple is very symbolic and stands as a beacon of light and truth in a darkened world.  The temple points us to Christ and teaches of Him.  Just as the Savior proclaimed that He is the way, the truth, and the life...

• John 14:6

  6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
  
   ...as Latter-day Saints we seek to follow His ways and His teachings so we may return to the Father:
  

• 2 Nephi 25:26

  26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

I am thankful for my testimony and knowledge of these things I have shared with you today.  If you know someone who may be wondering the same questions posed at the top of this post...please share this link with them.  I know that God lives.  I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world.  I know that He Lives and loves each one of us.  I know that He has restored His church back to the earth with the fullness of His gospel.  I know that temples are sacred houses built unto God to help further His work.  And I know these things because I have prayed about them and the Holy Spirit has witnessed unto me that they are true.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

~C.J. Poulsen