A Pure People

John wrote that we can become like God. “When he shall appear, we shall be like him,” he wrote, “for we shall see him as he is.” Then, he added, “[Everyone] that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (1 John 3:2-3).

Mormon described a similar future state for those who seek to acquire the attribute of charity:

Ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure.

Moroni 7:48

In 1833, the Lord spoke words of comfort to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, who were concerned about their families and also about members of the church who were being persecuted. The Lord assured them that “all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly.” Then He added that the adversity they were experiencing served an important purpose: to sanctify them: “For I will raise up unto myself a pure people, that will serve me in righteousness” (Doctrine and Covenants 100:16).

Elder Quentin L. Cook reminded us that the white clothing we wear in the temple symbolizes the purity we seek:

One of the precious things I love about the temple is that among those who attend, there are no distinctions of wealth, rank, or position of any kind. We are all equal before God. Everyone is dressed in white to signify we are a pure and righteous people. All sit side by side with a desire in their hearts to be worthy sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father.

“See Yourself in the Temple,” General Conference, April 2016

Today, I will strive for purity. I will remember that God has promised to raise up a pure people and that I can be one of them.