By President Russell M. Nelson
President Nelson emphasizes the importance of making choices that align with God’s plan for eternal happiness. He highlights the profound impact of Jesus Christ’s Atonement and urges listeners to consider the eternal consequences of their decisions. President Nelson encourages everyone to “think celestial” and prioritize spiritual matters in their lives to secure blessings for both this life and the hereafter.
Choosing an Eternal Perspective
President Nelson emphasizes the significance of God’s plan and the Atonement, stating, “Because of Jesus Christ’s infinite Atonement, our Heavenly Father’s plan is a perfect plan!” He underscores the importance of making choices that will affect where individuals will reside in eternity and the nature of their resurrected bodies.
“The baseless notion that we should ‘eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us’ is one of the most absurd lies in the universe.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- 2 Nephi 2:25: “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.”
- Alma 41:10: “Wickedness never was happiness.”
Living for Eternity
President Nelson advises individuals to make decisions that align with their eternal goals, particularly those related to temple sealing and covenants. He stresses the importance of understanding that choices have eternal consequences and that living according to celestial laws is essential to living with loved ones forever.
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, how and where and with whom do you want to live forever? You get to choose.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 132:21: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot attain to this glory.”
The Power of Purity
President Nelson highlights the importance of moral purity and chastity, stating, “When you make decisions regarding morality, please think celestial.” He emphasizes that adherence to divine standards for intimacy and relationships is crucial for maintaining a strong testimony.
“The Lord has declared that no unchaste person will attain the celestial kingdom.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 42:22: “Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.”
- 1 Corinthians 6:18: “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”
Seeking Personal Revelation
President Nelson encourages seeking personal revelation and trusting in the Lord’s guidance, particularly when facing challenges and opposition. He emphasizes the importance of increasing one’s capacity to receive divine inspiration and discerning between truth and deception.
“Please do the spiritual work to increase your capacity to receive personal revelation.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Moroni 10:5: “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”
- John 14:26: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
Building Faith through Obedience
President Nelson shares personal experiences about faith, tithing, and temple worship. He underscores the importance of living virtuously, spending time in the temple, and serving God to strengthen one’s faith. He encourages individuals to embrace an eternal perspective and trust in God’s promises.
“The temple is a place of revelation. There you are drawn closer to the Savior and given greater access to His power.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 109:15: “And I thank thee that thou hast purified those who have obeyed my gospel and taken upon them the name of thy Son.”
- Malachi 3:10: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
Calls to Action:
- Embrace an eternal perspective and prioritize choices that lead to celestial blessings.
- Uphold moral purity and live in accordance with divine standards for intimacy.
- Seek personal revelation and increase your capacity to receive divine guidance through spiritual work.