Think Celestial

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Think Celestial: Embracing Eternal Perspectives

By John Fisher


President Russell M. Nelson, at the October 2023 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered a profound message titled “Think Celestial.” At age 99, he shared invaluable lessons from nearly a century of life, emphasizing the significance of eternal choices and the transformative power of focusing on celestial goals.

Summary
In his address, President Nelson urged listeners to adopt an eternal perspective by “thinking celestial.” He taught that our choices in mortality determine our eternal destiny, including where we will live, the type of body we will be resurrected with, and with whom we will spend eternity. Drawing on personal experiences, including recent physical challenges, he testified of the Savior’s Atonement as the key to God’s “fabulous plan” for His children. By prioritizing faith, obedience, and moral purity, and through temple worship, individuals can align their lives with eternal principles and receive divine blessings.

  • “Your choices will determine where you will live throughout eternity, the kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and those with whom you will live forever.”
  • “Thinking celestial means being spiritually minded. To be spiritually minded is life eternal.”
  • “Because of Jesus Christ’s infinite Atonement, our Heavenly Father’s plan is a perfect plan!”
  • “Put Jesus Christ first because your eternal life is dependent upon your faith in Him and in His Atonement.”
  • “When you are confronted with a dilemma, think celestial! When tested by temptation, think celestial!”
  • “The very things that will make your mortal life the best it can be are exactly the same things that will make your life throughout all eternity the best it can be!”
  • “Mortality is a master class in learning to choose the things of greatest eternal import.”
  • “The ordinances and covenants of the temple are of eternal significance.”
  • “The power to create life is the one privilege of godhood that Heavenly Father allows His mortal children to exercise.”
  • “The temple is a place of revelation. There you are shown how to progress toward a celestial life.”

Conclusion
President Nelson’s call to “think celestial” serves as a reminder to prioritize eternal truths in a temporal world. Through faith in Jesus Christ, adherence to divine laws, and engagement in sacred temple covenants, individuals can find peace, guidance, and eternal joy. This mindset not only prepares us for challenges but transforms trials into opportunities for spiritual growth. President Nelson’s words inspire us to see beyond today and focus on our ultimate celestial goals.

Reference

Nelson, R. M. (2023, October). Think Celestial. General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/51nelson?lang=eng

Hashtags: #ThinkCelestial #FaithInChrist #EternalPerspective #TempleBlessings #MoralCourage

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