I was so thrilled that we got to hear from President Russell M. Nelson in the Sunday afternoon session of General Conference. I was worried that with the pain from his recent injury, he wouldn’t be able to speak. So I was so happy to see him and hear his words. His joy and light just radiated through the screen, reminding me that he is a true prophet called by God to guide us today.
In his talk Think Celestial, President Nelson taught us 3 key lessons that I know will change how we live if we choose to apply them daily:
1. Heavenly Father’s Plan is Fabulous
The very first thing President Nelson said he has learned in his nearly 100 years of life is that Heavenly Father’s plan for us is truly fabulous. What comfort it brings knowing that God has a perfect plan outlined for our happiness!
President Nelson promised that if we align our lives with God’s celestial laws, it will bring us joy right now in mortality. He pleaded with us to make the Celestial Kingdom our goal, and then carefully consider how each choice we make will align us with that ultimate destination.
I felt the truth of his words wash over me as I recommitted in my heart to live in such a way that I can qualify for the highest degree of glory.
2. Our Choices Matter
Next, President Nelson emphasized over and over again that our choices really do matter. He warned that the philosophy of “eat, drink, and be merry” will never lead to lasting happiness. But then he taught the glorious truth that the very things that will make your mortal life the best it can be are exactly the same things that will make your eternal life, or your life throughout all eternity, the best it can be.
What a gift from our Heavenly Father that He has made the path so straightforward and easy to understand! As I listened, I pondered carefully how I can tweak my daily choices to better align with celestial living. And quite frankly, there’s a lot I can do!
But President Nelson promised that our decisions today will determine where we live eternally, the resurrected body we will receive, and who we will live with forever. Understanding those stakes motivates me to stop choosing Telestial distractions and start choosing actions that invite the Spirit into my life.
3. The Savior’s Atonement Makes it All Possible
Finally, President Nelson bore powerful testimony that through the Savior’s atonement can we access the full blessings of Heavenly Father’s plan. Trying to work our way to Heaven without the atonement will always fail. It is only through having faith in Christ, trusting in His power to redeem, and seeking to apply His atoning grace can we hope to qualify for eternal life with our loved ones.
As President Nelson said, “mortality is a master class in learning to choose the things of greatest import.” I know if we put Jesus Christ and His gospel first, despite opposition and trials, we will be able to hear the voice of the Spirit guiding us to live celestial principles today.
How do we think celestial?
President Nelson didn’t just teach these 3 key doctrines, he also gave us practical ways to implement them in our lives:
- Make the temple and temple covenants central
- Pray sincerely for living discussions with God
- Read the scriptures daily and feast on Christ’s words
- Serve others and stop judging or criticizing
- Keep the Sabbath day holy
- Pay tithing as a demonstration of faith
As I have tried to apply these habits this week, I have felt a greater light enter in my soul. There is so much more for me to do, but I know that when I choose to actively follow the advice of President Nelson and think celestially, I am on the right path.
But unfortunately for us, knowing what to do doesn’t automatically make it easy. The adversary is real, and he will try to distract you from staying focused on the Savior and His gospel. But I know that as we continue to study President Nelson’s words and feast on the truths he taught, our testimonies will become an iron rod guiding us steadily along.
And when doubts arise or temptation strikes, we can imagine President Nelson’s voice in our heads urging us to “think celestial.” President Nelson only wants the best for us, and having him and the Spirit as guides, we cannot lose!
Study For Yourself: An Invitation to You!
My invitation to you today is to join me in studying President Nelson’s talk Think Celestial. Write down impressions you receive. Designate time each day to ponder principles that stood out to you. And then make small but consistent changes to better align yourself with Christ and think celestially.
President Nelson promised that, “as you think celestial, your heart will gradually change. You will want to pray more often and more sincerely… The Lord’s perspective transcends your mortal wisdom. His response to your prayers may surprise you and will help you to think celestial.” This is true, I have seen it in my life and I am grateful for the opportunities I have had in my life to converse with the Lord.
I know President Nelson is a prophet of God. I know that as we apply the simple, powerful truths from Think Celestial, we will be empowered to stay firmly on the covenant path. We will be strengthened to resist evil, even when we feel so alone. We will feel greater capacity to hear the voice of the Lord speaking peace, direction, and encouragement to our souls. We will find increased ability to repent, change course, and align our will more fully with God’s divine will.
My prayer is that you will open your hearts and minds to feast on President Nelson’s teachings. I pray you will take action, moving from knowing to doing. And as you do, I promise the windows of Heaven will open and you will receive strength beyond your own to walk the celestial path, leading us back to our Heavenly Father. I express gratitude for living prophets and for the gift of General Conference and I say these things in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
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