Spiritual Death Vs. Spiritual Life: What Every Mom Needs to Know

The world at large is very aware of what physical death looks like. We are also familiar with what causes physical death. For example, we know that without food and water, we will eventually die. Food and water are necessary for survival. In order to quench hunger or thirst, we must eat or drink. It is obvious and simple.

What is NOT so obvious to the world at large is spiritual death and its devastation surrounding us. In fact, 1 Timothy 5:6 teaches that some are “dead” while they live. Just as our physical bodies need proper nutrition, our spirits are in desperate need as well. Yet so, so many of us are unknowingly starving our spirits—continually. Spiritual death is worse than physical death, but cunningly Satan tricks our society into thinking otherwise. He says if we feel good and look good physically, then we are “alive” and well (2 Nephi 28:21).

As mothers, we know we can’t skip a day without food and water, or we wouldn’t be able to function. We wouldn’t be able to nurse, have a healthy pregnancy, or meet the needs of our children, because we would be so depleted and weak. Do we realize the same goes for our spirits? In order to properly function and serve in our families, we MUST nourish and feed our spirits, every day.

It is vital that we turn to the correct source for spiritual nourishment. Oftentimes, when we feel spiritual suffering, we turn to the wrong source to fill the void. Isn’t it interesting how Satan deceives us to act on PHYSICAL appetites to meet our SPIRITUAL needs? When our spirits are hurting, we might turn to food, entertainment, spending money, dangerous addictive behaviors, drug and alcohol abuse, physical pleasure, mind-numbing activities, and so on. These physical appetites can never fill a spiritual void, and instead, they make the void worse. It is neccessary that we turn to SPIRITUAL sources to meet our spiritual needs. Thankfully, Heavenly Father has given us plenty of simple ways we can find such nourishment.

Dallin H. Oaks teaches how we can feed and nourish our spirits,

“We know the principal sources of spiritual food: prayer, studying the scriptures, attending inspirational meetings, singing the hymns of Zion, serving in our callings, fasting, partaking of the sacrament, and making other covenants, such as in the temple.”

If we take a minute to self-analyze, I’m sure we can see a need for personal improvement. I think it is enlightening to ask ourselves two important questions.

What is most important to me?

Do my actions in a day reflect that?

I find it frustrating that sometimes my priorities in a day don’t reflect what I truly want in life. I’m sure many of you feel the same way. Why do we do that? Why do we, day after day, put time into things that are of little importance, while in the mean time, day after day, neglect to put time into things that are most important? Many of us are sure to browse social media daily, but somehow can’t find the time to study our scriptures daily. Or we are sure to exercise first thing in the morning, but forget to say our morning prayers. We might be sure to watch a favorite show on Sunday, but fail to attend all of our church meetings. Many of us put great effort into our jobs or hobbies, but neglect to magnify our church callings or do our visiting teaching. If we really care about our spiritual well-being, we must make the time for spiritual nourishment, instead of merely trying to find the time.

Remember, daily righteous efforts are not there to hinder us or add a burden to our day…in fact, they do just the opposite! Righteousness enables us and lightens our days. If we can commit to nourish our spirits every day (i.e., daily scripture study and prayer), without a doubt—we will be happier. And not only will we be happier, but we will enjoy all the beautiful fruits of the Holy Ghost in our lives, “…love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23). I don’t know about you, but as a mother I am in desperate need to feel such precious fruits in my daily life. These are powerful blessings worth fighting for.

In contrast, at times we feel the OPPOSITE of the fruits of the Spirit—hate, misery, turmoil, impatient, harshness, wickedness, doubt, pride, and indulgence. Satan wants us to feel this way. These feelings indicate spiritual malnourishment and suffering. When we stop feeding our spirits, the results are awful. Thankfully, we always have the opportunity to change because of our Savior. At any moment, we can turn to Him, and start on the path of spiritual nourishment. “Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive…for such I have laid down my life” (3 Nephi 9:22). 

Furthermore, as we turn to Christ, we invite the Holy Ghost into our lives (3 Nephi 12:6).

Elder Keith K. Hilbig teaches of the blessings that come through the Holy Ghost, "When we invite the Holy Ghost to fill our minds with light and knowledge, He “quickens” us, that is to say, enlightens and enlivens the inner man or woman. As a result we notice a measurable difference in our soul. We feel strengthened, filled with peace and joy. We possess spiritual energy and enthusiasm, both of which enhance our natural abilities. We can accomplish more than we otherwise could do on our own. We yearn to become a holier person."

Those are blessings we really need as mothers and wives! Every day I need extra energy, strength, peace, and joy. Do we realize what an amazing gift the Holy Ghost is—that we can choose to have constant companionship with a member of the Godhead? Our spiritual survival is of utmost priority to the Holy Ghost, and He WANTS to be with us always. All we have to do is live worthily to receive His constant companionship. Just as an infant is completely dependent on his mother for survival, our spirits need the Holy Ghost in the same way. A mother offers love, comfort, protection, safety, and nourishment—the Holy Ghost does the same for our spirits. Imagine if a newborn rejected his mother’s constant attempts to help and comfort him. How devastating would that be? I’m sure the Holy Ghost feels the same way when we deny His companionship. However, I’m sure He finds great joy and fulfillment when we invite His companionship, just as a mother finds joy in helping her child.

Over the years, I have found that one of the best ways to nourish my spirit and invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost is through daily scripture study.

President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “More than at any time in our history, brothers and sisters, we have need for greater spirituality. The way to develop greater spirituality is to feast on the words of Christ as revealed in the scriptures.”

Through personal experience, I can testify that consistent scripture study is truly life-changing. At a young age, I began reading the scriptures every day. Because of this, I developed a testimony of my Savior, Jesus Christ. My love for my Heavenly Father increased. I felt close to the Holy Ghost. I felt happy and filled with love.

On the other hand, I specifically remember a time when I was 14 years old, and I went a week without reading the scriptures. No big deal, right? Wrong. By the end of the week, I was honestly frightened at how different and foreign I felt. The thoughts that crossed my mind scared me. The desires I felt scared me. My mood scared me. My actions scared me. I saw how empty I felt without the companionship of the Holy Ghost. I knew I could never miss a day of scripture study again—ever.

Richard G. Scott taught, “As you dedicate time every day, personally and with your family, to the study of God’s word, peace will prevail in your life. That peace won’t come from the outside world. It will come from within your home, from within your family, from within your own heart. It will be a gift of the Spirit. It will radiate out from you to influence others in the world around you…Through daily, consistent scripture study, you will find peace in the turmoil around you and strength to resist temptations. You will develop strong faith in the grace of God and know that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ all will be made right according to God’s timing.”

I bear my witness, that no matter our age or what stage of life we are in, it is possible to study the words of God, every day. We can do it! It is worth it! The blessings that come from scripture study are REAL. The blessings that come from the companionship of the Holy Ghost are REAL. The peace Elder Scott speaks of is REAL. I’ve experienced these blessings first-hand, and I promise they are worth the effort. I will be forever grateful for how much God’s words bless me—each day—in my motherhood. 

May we have the courage and conviction to nourish and enliven our hungry spirits by daily doing the small and simple things that matter most (Alma 37:6). How blessed we will feel as mothers to be spiritually strong! How blessed our families will be to see the Spirit emanating from their mothers! When we are spiritually strong, we are better equipped to help our families become spiritually strong. Our children need spiritual strengthening, just like we do. You can do it, Momma. Precious blessings will flow into your life, and the lives of those around you. Your posterity will forever thank you for the rock upon which you are built, even Jesus Christ (Helaman 5:12). May we all find true happiness, vigor, peace, and blessings as we enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost. May we come unto Christ, and find rest to our souls (Matthew 11:28-29). May we look to God, and live (Alma 37:47).