Today Alice M. Presented the lesson "Immortality of the soul". In a recent exchange with a dear friend Alice realized the uniqueness of our understanding of the soul. We start with the premortal life, move to the mortal/earthly life, we then live in the Spirit world and finally eternally in the Post-mortal world.
In the premortal world, as spirits, we gained some of our talents and gifts, we had a choice whom we should follow and ultimately we all chose to follow Jesus and to come live in mortality in the conditions we live. In this time we were taught, we received callings and foreordination. This is called the "first estate". Abraham 3:24-26.
In the manual there is a story of a funeral address given by George Albert Smith. He said that before he came he was unsure about whether he would be able to give the address, but as he spoke he testified of the peace he felt with the knowledge that death was not the end, just part of the eternal process. We sometimes think of eternity as what happens after we die, but we are currently in one part of our eternity.
Here on Earth we are meant to gain several things. First we gain our mortal body and have opportunities to make covenants. We also experience trials that teach us, we learn more about the Gospel, we have additional choices and gain mortal experience. We learn through serving others. It is our Spiritual Adolescence in a sense. We are organized into families, which persists through eternity. We experience joy.
When Alice's father died she thought about what it is that is most important. First is our relationship with God, and second relationships with our family and others. Turns out these are the first two great commandments.
President Smith notes that despite prosperity many doubt. Why? He declares that we are selfish and place ourselves above our fellow men.
After this life we our spirits and bodies are reunited and we are judged. We need ordinances and covenants, which is the purpose of our temple work. We return to enjoy that which we are willing to receive.
"Do the things the Lord would have you do, and you will not miss anything that is worth while; but on the contrary you will be continually laying up treasures in heaven where moth and rust cannot corrupt or thieves break through and steal." - George Albert Smith
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