General Conference: "Spiritual Nutrients"

by Miriam Caldwell | More from this Blogger

26 Mar 2007 08:23 PM

In his talk "Spiritual Nutrients" President James E Faust speaks about the importance of spiritual nutrients. He opens his talk by sharing his experience of taking rock salt to salt licks for the cattle when he was a boy. He explained that the cows needed to have these nutrients to survive, and so the farmers would provide for them. In the same way we each need to have spiritual nutrients so that we can survive in the world. Elder Faust says:

"Spiritual nourishment prepares us for baptism. This preparation includes humbling ourselves before God, having "broken hearts and contrite spirits," repenting of all our sins, being "willing to take upon [us] the name of Jesus Christ," and manifesting "by [our] works that [we] have received of the Spirit of Christ."4

Our most important spiritual nutrient is a testimony that God is our Eternal Father, that Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer, and that the Holy Ghost is our Comforter. This testimony is confirmed to us by the gift of the Holy Ghost. From this testimony we derive the spiritual nutrients of faith and trust in God, which bring forth the blessings of heaven."

Elder Faust goes on to share three examples of finding spiritual nutrients. The first is through scripture study. He shares the story of a young man who was studying the scriptures, but one day did not feel the spirit while studying. As he read the scriptures he realized that he was not applying them to his life. He repented of his actions and was spiritual nourished.

The next story is of a young man who went to gather food for the poor with his Priests' Quorum. The young man returned empty handed because while he was gathering food he found a family truly in need and gave the food to them. He was nourished through service to others.

The third story is about a group of elders. Many elders gathered together and some were sick. The leader of the group was Elder J Golden Kimball. He asked the group why they didn't have the faith to be healed. One elder stood and said that he did. Elder Kimball administered to him, and he was healed. The group had been spiritually nourished and their faith restored.

Elder Faust goes on to speak about the importance of avoiding negative nutrients as well. He speaks of keeping your mind clean and pure. He stresses avoiding pornography and other negative influences. He challenges each of us to seek to replenish our spiritual nutrients through prayer as well.

This is a wonderful talk that teaches us to constantly strive to maintain our testimonies by doing the things, which will draw us closer to the Lord. Our testimonies can weaken if we do not focus on keeping them strong. I hope that you will take the time to read and apply this talk to your life.

Related Articles: Personal Scripture Study Family Home Evening: Service to Others Faith the Size of a Mustard Seed

Learn more about Miriam Caldwell

Miriam is a SAHM mom of three children. She has a daughter who is seven, and two sons, four and two. She loves being a parent and spending time with her children.

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