Think Celestial!
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does President Nelson mean by "thinking celestial"?
- How does the Savior's Atonement relate to Heavenly Father's plan for us?
- How can our choices in this life impact our eternal destiny?
- What is the relationship between obedience and joy, both in this life and in the eternities?
- How can thinking "celestial" help us navigate trials and temptations?
Topics
Understanding Heavenly Father's Fabulous Plan
President Nelson emphasizes the fabulous nature of Heavenly Father's plan, which is made possible through the Savior's Atonement. He explains that understanding this plan can take the mystery out of life and the uncertainty out of our future, allowing us to choose how we live both now and in the eternities.
I have learned that Heavenly Father’s plan for us is fabulous, that what we do in this life really matters, and that the Savior’s Atonement is what makes our Father’s plan possible.
Because of Jesus Christ’s infinite Atonement, our Heavenly Father’s plan is a perfect plan!
Here is the great news of God’s plan: 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!
- What makes Heavenly Father's plan "fabulous"?
- How does the Savior's Atonement make this plan possible?
- What are some ways that understanding God's plan can impact our choices and our outlook on life?
- How can you better align your daily choices with Heavenly Father's plan?
- What aspects of God's plan bring you the most comfort or joy?
- How can you foster a deeper appreciation for the Savior's Atonement in your life?
The Eternal Impact of Our Choices
President Nelson teaches that our choices in mortality have eternal consequences, determining where we will live in the eternities, the kind of resurrected body we will have, and who we will live with. He urges us to "think celestial" when making decisions, considering their eternal implications.
Mortality is a master class in learning to choose the things of greatest eternal import.
Your choices today will determine three things: where you will live throughout all eternity, the kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and those with whom you will live forever.
When you make choices, I invite you to take the long view—an eternal view.
- What are the eternal consequences of our choices in mortality?
- How can we "think celestial" when making decisions?
- What does it mean to take "the long view" when making choices?
- What choices are you currently facing that could have eternal implications?
- How can you better incorporate a "celestial" perspective into your decision-making process?
- What steps can you take to ensure your choices align with your eternal goals?
Facing Trials and Opposition with a Celestial Mindset
President Nelson encourages us to view trials and opposition through a "celestial" lens. He explains that focusing on eternal truths can help us navigate challenges, resist temptations, and endure opposition. He also emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from trusted sources and increasing our capacity to receive personal revelation.
When you are confronted with a dilemma, think celestial! When tested by temptation, think celestial!
As you think celestial, your faith will increase.
Please do the spiritual work to increase your capacity to receive personal revelation.
- How can thinking "celestial" help us face trials and opposition?
- Why is it important to seek guidance from trusted sources?
- How can thinking "celestial" increase our faith and our capacity to receive personal revelation?
- How can you apply the principle of "thinking celestial" in your current trials or challenges?
- What steps can you take to increase your capacity to receive personal revelation?
- How can you strengthen your faith in the face of opposition or temptation?
The Importance of Moral Purity
President Nelson warns against violations of moral purity, emphasizing the divine nature of the power to create life and the clear guidelines God has set for its use. He urges us to think "celestial" when making decisions regarding morality and to repent if we have been unchaste.
Thinking celestial will also help you obey the law of chastity.
Physical intimacy is only for a man and a woman who are married to each other.
The Lord has declared that no unchaste person will attain the celestial kingdom.
- Why is moral purity so important in God's plan?
- What are the consequences of violating the law of chastity?
- How can thinking "celestial" help us maintain moral purity?
- How can you better align your choices with the law of chastity?
- What steps can you take to repent if you have been unchaste?
- How can you support others in their efforts to uphold the law of chastity?
The Role of the Temple in Thinking Celestial
President Nelson highlights the role of the temple in helping us to "think celestial". He explains that the temple is a place of revelation, where we learn how to progress toward a celestial life and draw closer to the Savior. He also announces plans to build more temples worldwide, enabling more people to access these sacred blessings.
Spending more time in the temple builds faith. And your service and worship in the temple will help you to think celestial.
The temple is a place of revelation. There you are shown how to progress toward a celestial life.
The Lord is directing us to build these temples to help us think celestial.
- How does spending time in the temple help us to "think celestial"?
- What can we learn in the temple that can help us progress toward a celestial life?
- Why is the Lord directing us to build more temples?
- How can you make more time for temple worship in your life?
- What have you learned in the temple that has helped you to "think celestial"?
- How can you support the building and use of temples worldwide?
