Topic

Mortality

The term mortality refers to the time from birth until physical death, the duration of our life here on earth. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that before this life, all people lived with God as spirits. We entered mortality as part of God’s plan of salvation in order to gain bodies and learn and grow in ways we could not otherwise.

While in mortality, we should gain knowledge, make covenants, and form relationships that will prepare us return to the presence of God. Because we know that we will be held accountable for the decisions we make in mortality, we strive to make good choices and live lives of faith and service. We can choose to come unto Christ and emulate Him, learn obedience to God’s commandments, and gain self-mastery.

Mortality is filled with difficult experiences and circumstances because we live in a fallen world. We each face adversity. Though this is a time of testing and trial, God wants us to experience joy. We can find strength, comfort, and peace through Jesus Christ and His Atonement. We can be assured that God is aware of our mortal experience and will guide us through it as we draw near to Him.

In these addresses, speakers share what they have learned about navigating mortality. As you read, listen to, or watch them, it is our hope that you will find greater confidence in your ability to rise above the challenges of this life and find joy through Jesus Christ.

Inspiring Shorts

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By Study & By Faith

Larry Y. Wilson December 1, 2015

Jean Bethke Elshtain October 24, 2006

Joaquina Hoskisson August 3, 2004

James O. Mason June 11, 1974

Elder Steven J. Lund, general authority seventy

Steven J. Lund | September 20, 2022

The Lord has asked us to walk through the darkness of mortality, but He also provides flashes of light to grow our faith and reveal the way.

devotional 2022

Christopher A. Mattson | July 19, 2022

Christopher A. Mattson offers six ways to build spiritual boats that will carry us through life's journey, no matter the situation.

devotional 2022

Wade J. Hollingshaus | July 26, 2016

I invite you to join me in engaging in the conditions of uncertainty that are a divinely designed part of what it means to be on earth.

devotional 2016

Allan F. Packer | January 12, 2016

We can safely travel life’s journey by relying on the maps of the scriptures and the words of the living prophets and the compass of the Holy Ghost. God’s plan and desire is that we all successfully reach our destination.

devotional 2016

Larry Y. Wilson | December 1, 2015

Elder Larry Y. Wilson reminds us that we must be prepared for the return of our King, Jesus Christ. He gives suggestions on how to prepare.

devotional 2015

J. Matthew Shumway | January 20, 2009

The choices we make fill in the details of our lives and determine who we will become.

devotional 2009

Bruce C. Hafen | February 5, 2008

The disciple's journey is one of opposition, sacrifice, and divine tutorial. However, its destination is the sweetest reward imaginable.

devotional 2008

Jean Bethke Elshtain | October 24, 2006

Political philosophy professor Jean Bethke Elshtain, citing C.S. Lewis, warns against tampering with our definition of what is human and deserving of life.

forum 2006

Merrill J. Bateman | March 5, 2006

The Book of Mormon teaches God's plan for us. Live according to that plan—take care of your body, seek intelligence, and prepare for an eternal family.

devotional 2006

Joaquina Hoskisson | August 3, 2004

Mortal life is like a study abroad away from our Heavenly Father, who makes it possible for us to return home to Him with spiritual passports.

devotional 2004

J. Kelly Flanagan | April 1, 2003

Cairns are placed on trails to guide us across trail segments that are unclear and difficult to find. I have described three spiritual cairns today that can help guide you safely through mortality: scriptures, prophets, and temples.

devotional 2003

Merrill J. Bateman - BYU President - and Marilyn S. Bateman

Merrill J. and Marilyn S. Bateman | January 14, 2003

A physical body, spiritual growth, and family are all important purposes of mortality. Caring for these will help us make the most of mortal life.

devotional 2003

Dallin H. Oaks—first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dallin H. Oaks | January 29, 2002

Faith means trust—trust in God’s will and timing. We must not try, in our personal lives or in building His kingdom, to impose our timetable on His.

devotional 2002

Mary Ellen Smoot | November 14, 2000

No life is free of conflict or work. The process of seeking for solutions will be the difference between humble growth and stagnant pride.

devotional 2000

Richard G. Scott | September 12, 1999

Richard G. Scott uses object lessons to illustrate the principles of trust and discernment. He admonishes listeners to live with no regrets.

devotional 1999

Connie L. Blakemore | July 28, 1998

The spiritual eyeglasses we view the world through define what we believe, where we focus, and how we act. Wearing an incorrect pair can distort our vision.

devotional 1998

Mary Ellen Smoot | February 10, 1998

As you travel down the superhighway of life, do not forget to recognize the Spirit, your support system of loved ones, and God as they cheer you on.

devotional 1998

K. Fred Skousen | November 11, 1997

Life is a test that we have the opportunity to take part in. To better understand this test, we must understand agency and accountability.

devotional 1997

Renata Tonks Forste | July 29, 1997

The society we live in is continually changing, so like the early pioneers, we must find our individual paths on our journey to Zion.

devotional 1997

W. Eugene Hansen | March 14, 1995

Success in life is built on small, consistent choices and the determination to work hard. Steer a steady course, and you will not be disappointed.

devotional 1995

Elaine L. Jack | November 16, 1993

We can learn from the mistakes of the Donner party's failed trek West and glean principles that assist us on our eternal journey back to Heavenly Father.

devotional 1993

Barbara W. Winder | March 13, 1990

How do you confront seemingly impossible tasks? Everyone faces challenges, but without any struggle we would not be able to appreciate the goodness in life.

devotional 1990

Ardeth G. Kapp | June 4, 1989

Sometimes we're in the spotlight, and other times we serve quietly. If we play our part, no matter the role, God will be proud of us as we exit the stage.

devotional 1989

J. Thomas Fyans | April 10, 1988

We all experience life's peaks and valleys—moments of spiritual highs and lows. How can we remain at the top rather than slide back into spiritual darkness?

devotional 1988

L. Tom Perry | February 7, 1988

We are here in this university of mortality to learn eternal values. Some courses might include self-worth, morality, integrity, and hard work.

devotional 1988

A. Don Sorenson | July 14, 1987

To pass from death unto fullness of life everlasting—that is the purpose of our mortal existence, why we came to earth. Without this mortal experience, without Adam’s bringing death into the world, and without the saving works of Jesus Christ, we could not attain the very purpose of our being—everlasting fullness of life.

devotional 1987

Derek A. Cuthbert | February 18, 1986

There are three basic kinds of needs in the world: needs based on duty, needs due to a lack of something, and need for relief.

devotional 1986

Ardeth G. Kapp | January 29, 1985

In mortality, we must keep “valiant values” so that when we return to Heavenly Father, we can declare that we used our agency righteously.

devotional 1985

L. Tom Perry | January 4, 1981

May we determine this year to live "in the world," to be a part of it, to set the standard and example that we have learned.

devotional 1981

Charles A. Didier | May 4, 1980

To master the "art of living" and be happy, we must be willing to do what will bring us happiness—live the commandments of God.

devotional 1980

Richard H. Cracroft | August 2, 1977

Richard H. Cracroft shares some of the twists, turns, and tools on our trek through the wilderness of life as we journey to a spiritual Canaan.

devotional 1977

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ.

Neal A. Maxwell | January 4, 1976

The cross that we are each called to bear is unique and incomparable. The moment we choose to take it up is a defining moment in eternity.

devotional 1976

Marvin J. Ashton | January 21, 1975

When the challenges of life inevitably come for us, what shall we do then? As we go through the rest of our lives, now is the time for decision making.

devotional 1975

James O. Mason | June 11, 1974

Thank you, President Oaks. Brothers and sisters, I stand before you in all humility. I am numbed by the knowledge of the stature of those who have preceded me in these devotional programs and by the knowledge of those who will follow. I have a son who formerly was a student at this University and is now serving in the mission field and a daughter who recently was accepted for…

devotional 1974

Sterling W. Sill | January 29, 1974

Elder Sill discusses the significance of our choices in preparing for significant times in our lives: birth, marriage, choosing our calling, and death.

devotional 1974

Paul H. Dunn | October 30, 1973

In some ways, life is like a sports game. You need to keep your eye on the prize, to play by the rules, and to help your teammates.

devotional 1973

William J. Critchlow | July 2, 1968

Life neither begins at birth nor ends at death. The eternal life of man is like a three-act play, and we are doing our part now to determine the final act.

devotional 1968