The Blessings NOW of Being Temple Worthy

What exactly are we striving for in this life? Do you want your family to be "united in love, harmony and peace" right now and not just in the next life? The Lord gives us a promise that we can have that right now and in the next life as we keep ourselves temple-worthy no matter if we having ups or downs. Elder Quentin L. Cook gives great advice on how to remain temple worthy in order to receive these blessings.

If we have the knowledge of the plan of happiness, then we should be preparing to receive it. He says that "the rewards of righteousness are available right now." I love how he states that some of us may feel that reaching the ultimate goal of being worthy enough my seem too distant for us but that it is attainable and here's how by giving a list. Here is that list from my notes of his talk:

Principles That Lead to Righteousness

1. Righteous Self-Control and Conduct
• Self-control is like a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Avoiding something tempting once will help you develop the ability to resist other temptations in the future. 
• Exercising self-control and living righteously strengthen our ability to resist temptation
• If we don't continually exercise spiritual strength and self-discipline these qualities will atrophy like a muscle that is not used
• We need to develop and demonstrate conduct and appearance that declare we are true followers of Christ
2. Honoring the Sabbath Will Increase Righteousness and Be a Protection for the Family
• Sabbath symbolizes the mighty works of God
• Observing the Sabbath is sign between God and me that I know He is the Lord my God
• Honoring the Sabbath is a form of righteousness that will bless and strengthen families, connect us with our Creator, and increase happiness
• Keeping the Sabbath Day holy is a refuge from the storms of life
• Keeping the Sabbath Day holy is a sign of devotion to our Father in Heaven and helps us understand better the sacredness of sacrament meeting
3. Divine Protections Are Provided When We Are Righteous
• When we are worthy, we can have the companionship of the Holy Ghost as a gift
• Holy Ghost serves as a cleansing agent if the gospel is first in our priorities
• Holy Ghost is a voice of warning against evil
• Holy Ghost is a voice of protection against danger
• Holy Ghost will help us avoid temptations and dangers
• Holy Ghost will comfort and lead us through challenges
• Adherence to sacred gospel principles will allow us to be temple worthy, enable us to find happiness in this life, and lead us back to our heavenly home

Apostolic Promise

Living and maintaining temple-worthy lives will hold together all that really matters. 

Blessings that come from this promise:

• Peace
• Happiness
• Joy
• Eternal life
• Celestial glory with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

Righteous vs. Wickedness

As for the message, have you noticed that when most scripture-reading, church-going people talk about themselves, they consider themselves to be "the righteous" and others to be "the wicked?" I guess it is a natural tendency for all of us. But what kind of criteria does God use to determine if we are righteous or wicked? In 1 Nephi 16:3, Nephi lists several such criteria:
1. If we are willing to listen to the Truth.
2. If we are willing to make changes in our lives.
3. If we do not complain that God's ways are just too hard.

"And now my brethren, if ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it, that ye might walk uprightly before God, then ye would not murmur because of the truth, and say: Thou speakest hard things against us. " 1Nephi 16:3