Elder Russell M. Nelson, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wrote: “Because one’s spirit is so important, it’s development is of eternal consequence. It is strengthened as we communicate in humble prayer with our loving Heavenly Father.[i]
The attributes by which we will be judged one day are all spiritual [ii, see below]. These include love, virtue, integrity, compassion and service to others (also see [iii]) Your spirit, coupled with and housed in your body, is able to develop and manifest these attributes in ways that are vital to your eternal progression [see [iv] below]. Spiritual progress is attained through the steps of faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, including the endowment and sealing ordinances of the holy temple.This is the Doctrine of Christ. (see 2 Nephi 31:11-21) Just as the body requires daily food for survival, the spirit needs nourishment as well. The spirit is nurtured by eternal truth…
We remain under covenant today to take the gospel to “every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.”[v] As we do so, both givers and receivers will be blessed.
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but we are not. Each day ours is the challenge to access the power of the Atonement, so that we can truly change, become more Christlike, and qualify for the gift of exaltation and live eternally with God, Jesus Christ, and our families. [vi] For these powers, privileges, and gospel gifts, thanks be to God! ~ (From Elder Nelson’s book, “Accomplishing the Impossible” p. 41-43)
From above:
[ii] The spirit, not the body, is the active, responsible component of the soul. Without the spirit the body is dead (see James 2:26) It is the spirit, therefore. that chooses good or evil and will be held accountable for both the positive and negative attributes it possesses at the Final Judgment (see Alma 41:3-7)
[iv] see 2 Nephi 2:11-16, 21-26; Moroni 10:32-33
