Silence and Succoring

"Elder David R. Stone of the Seventy discussed how techniques used in the construction of the Manhattan New York Temple provide an example of how to remove oneself from the influence of the world: 'Too many of the people of the world have come to resemble the Babylon of old by walking in their own ways and following a god ‘whose image is in the likeness of the world’ [D&C 1:16].

One of the greatest challenges we will face is to be able to live in that world but somehow not be of that world. We have to create Zion in the midst of Babylon. . . . 'My involvement with the building of the Manhattan Temple gave me the opportunity to be in the temple quite often prior to the dedication. It was wonderful to sit in the celestial room and be there in perfect silence, without a single sound to be heard coming from the busy New York streets outside. How was it possible that the temple could be so reverently silent when the hustle and bustle of the metropolis was just a few yards away? 'The answer was in the construction of the temple. The temple was built within the walls of an existing building, and the inner walls of the temple were connected to the outer walls at only a very few junction points. That is how the temple (Zion) limited the effects of Babylon, or the world outside. 'There may be a lesson here for us. We can create the real Zion among us by limiting the extent to which Babylon will influence our lives. . . ." -Book of Mormon Institute Manual

I can't find the source, but I also remember reading a really good thought once (from one of the Quorum of the Twelve, I believe) about how changing our standards to match the world's is like flying on a plane and changing your outfit depending on which countries you flew over! We are celestial material and we cannot conform to the "outfits" of the world. It is not our divine nature.

I also really liked this image: "Teaching about the word succor, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland stated: '[Succor] is used often in the scriptures to describe Christ’s care for and attention to us. It means literally ‘to run to.’ What a magnificent way to describe the Savior’s urgent effort in our behalf. Even as he calls us to come to him and follow him, he is unfailingly running to help us' (“Come unto Me” [CES fireside for young adults, Mar. 2, 1997], 7, www.ldsces.org)." -Book of Mormon Institute Manual