He Spoke I Went

This week has been a week of reflection for me. Overnight, we received the news that President Russell M. Nelson, the prophet of the Lord, passed away. As I made the 100-kilometer drive to church, my heart was filled with thoughts of gratitude for the remarkable influence he has had on my life.

President Nelson once said: “I have learned that the most crucial question we each must answer is this: To whom or to what will I give my life?” For me, the answer is clear: I will give my life to Jesus Christ. The decision to follow Christ is one of the most important I have ever made.

One of the most meaningful changes President Nelson made was shifting the language of the temple recommend questions from “Are you…” to “Do you strive…?” That shift taught me that discipleship is not about perfection, but about direction. It reminds me that as long as I am sincerely trying, the Lord accepts my efforts. For someone who often feels like he is falling short, that message meant the world to me.

President Nelson also taught us to be peacemakers in a world filled with contention. He urged us to “think celestial” and see beyond the temporary distractions of mortality. His words brought healing to my soul and gave me courage to move forward in faith. He was the prophet who was inspired to extended the opportunity serve a mission to single senior males and I will forever be grateful for that call to discipleship.

In his final conference messages, he spoke often of the significance of temples in the gathering of Israel. In one of my favorite quotes he testified:

“My dear brothers and sisters, construction of these temples may not change your life, but your time in the temple surely will. In that spirit, I bless you to identify those things you can set aside so you can spend more time in the temple. I bless you with greater harmony and love in your homes and a deeper desire to care for your eternal family relationships. I bless you with increased faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a greater ability to follow Him as His true disciples.”

Those words feel even more powerful today. The temple is where we find the Savior, strengthen our families, and anchor our faith in eternal truths.

I know President Nelson was a prophet of God. I know Jesus Christ leads His church today through living prophets. I know that Joseph Smith was called by God to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that the Book of Mormon is true. Most of all, I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world.

President Nelson’s name will always be tied to my continued conversion, my decision to serve a mission, and my desire to follow the Savior. His teachings will live on in me, and I testify that they are true and add another quote that carried me through difficult times:

“When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation, which President Thomas S. Monson just taught us, and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy.”

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.