Relief Society Lesson -- Decisions for Eternity

Decisions for EternityElder Russell M. Nelson

Of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles

October 2013 General Conference

“Decisions Determine Destiny”– Thomas S. Monson

The wise use of your freedom to make your own decisions is crucial to your spiritual growth, now and for eternity. You are never too young to learn,never too old to change.

Created by God as a gift to you, [your body] is absolutely amazing!

The aging process is also a gift from God, as is death.

The eventual death of your mortal body is essential to God’s great plan of happiness.

From an eternal perspective, death is only premature for those who are not prepared to meet God.

Each time you look in the mirror, see your body as your temple.

Your body is the temple for your spirit. And how you use your body affects your spirit.

Your spirit is an eternal entity.

A pivotal spiritual attribute is that of self-mastery—the strength to place reason over appetite.

Fasting helps your spirit to develop dominance over your physical appetites.

Fasting also increases your access to heaven’s help, as it intensifies your prayers.

When we master our appetites within the bounds of God’s laws, we can enjoy longer life, greater love, and consummate joy.

Most temptations to stray from God’s plan of happiness come through the misuse of those essential, God-given appetites.

We can change our behavior. Our very desires can change.

True change—permanent change—can come only through the healing, cleansing, and enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Marriage between a man and a woman is fundamental to the Lord’s doctrine and crucial to God’s eternal plan.

Regardless of what civil legislation may be enacted, the doctrine of the Lord regarding marriage and morality cannot be changed. Remember: sin, even if legalized by man, is still sin in the eyes of God!

While we are to emulate our Savior’s kindness and compassion, while we are to value the rights and feelings of all of God’s children, we cannot change His doctrine. It is not ours to change. His doctrine is ours to study, understand, and uphold.

The Lord’s way is the only way for us to experience enduring happiness.