Study Recap: Spirituality by Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Title: Spirituality
Author: Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Source: October 1985 General Conference
Link: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1985/10/spirituality?lang=eng

Rating: 5/5


Favorite Points

• As faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have a distinctive way of looking at life. We view our experiences in terms of eternity.
•  To be spiritually minded is to view and evaluate our experiences in terms of the enlarged perspective of eternity.
• Each of us has a personal lens through which we view the world. Our lens gives its special tint to all we see. It can suppress some features and emphasize others. It can also reveal things otherwise invisible. Through the lens of spirituality, we can know “the things of God” by “the Spirit of God.” (1 Cor. 2:11.)
• As the Apostle Paul taught, such things are “foolishness” to the “natural man.” He cannot see them “because they are spiritually discerned.” (See 1 Cor. 2:14.)
• How we interpret our experiences is also a function of our degree of spirituality. Some interpret mortality solely in terms of worldly accomplishments and possessions. In contrast, we who have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ should interpret our experiences in terms of our knowledge of the purpose of life, the mission of our Savior, and the eternal destiny of the children of God.
• Spirituality is not a function of occupation or calling. A scientist may be more spiritual than a theologian; a teacher may be more spiritual than an officer. Spirituality is determined by personal outlook and priorities. It is evident in our words and actions.
• ...we should not be so occupied with what is routine and temporal that we fail to cherish those opportunities that are unique and spiritual.
• Many Esaus have given up something of eternal value in order to satisfy a momentary hunger for the things of the world.
• The Roman soldiers of Pilate provided an unforgettable illustration of the different perspectives of the carnal mind and the spiritual mind. During a tragic afternoon on Calvary, a handful of soldiers waited at the foot of a cross. The most important event in all eternity was taking place on the cross above their heads. Oblivious to that fact, they occupied themselves casting lots to divide the earthly property of the dying Son of God.
• Jim, you don’t understand,” President Dunn replied. “You see, I’m raising boys, not cows.”
• What we see around us depends on what we seek in life.
• The enemies of the young prophet, Joseph Smith, hounded him to get possession of the golden plates from which he was to translate the Book of Mormon. They sought the golden plates to get money, not a message. The temporal value of the plates had a price; their spiritual value was priceless.
• Materialism, which gives priority to material needs and objects, is obviously the opposite of spirituality.  
• There is nothing inherently evil about money. The Good Samaritan used the same coinage to serve his fellowman that Judas used to betray the Master. It is “the love of money [which] is the root of all evil.” (1 Tim. 6:10; italics added.)
• As faithful Latter-day Saints, we can bear the death of loved ones because we have faith in the resurrection and the eternal nature of family ties. We can repent and rise above our mistakes and inadequacies because we know that our Savior “suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent.” (D&C 19:16.)
• Seen with the perspective of eternity, a temporal setback can be an opportunity to develop soul power of eternal significance. Strength is forged in adversity. Faith is developed in a setting where we cannot see what lies ahead.
• Spirituality is not acquired suddenly. It is the consequence of a succession of right choices. It is the harvest of a righteous life.
• Through the lens of spirituality, we see all the commandments of God as invitations to blessings.
• To the faithful, spirituality is a lens through which we view life and a gauge by which we evaluate it. The Apostle Paul expressed this thought in two of his letters:
  
  
  “We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:18.)
  
  
  “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
  “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Rom. 8:5–6.)