Celestial Living Now

Do you ever feel like you're just not good enough to make it to the celestial kingdom? Do you look at all the wonderful people around you and know for sure that "they're going to make it" but you're not too sure about your chances? I know I've experienced those thoughts and feelings and they can be very disheartening. But as I studied D&C 76 this week, I read these verses with a different perspective that helped me feel more confident in my standing with God.

One of the podcasts I listened to (Don't Miss This) suggested that we read these verses not as a checklist of things we have to do in order to live in the Celestial Kingdom some day, but as a guide to a celestial lifestyle right now. The celestial kingdom doesn’t have to be just a destination we are working towards that allows us happiness in the next life. Instead, the happiness and joy that is promised to those who “receive the testimony of Jesus” (v. 51) can be experienced now, in this life; celestial living can happen right here on earth. 

This section had new meaning to me when I looked at it with this perspective. Here's what we can be doing right now to live a celestial lifestyle here on earth...

• Bear record of the gospel of Jesus Christ (v. 50)
• Receive a testimony of Jesus Christ (v. 51)
• Believe on His name (v. 51)
• Be baptized (v. 51)
• Keep the commandments (v. 52)
• Be washed and cleansed from sin (v. 52)
• Receive the Holy Ghost (v. 52)
• Overcome by faith (self-mastery) (v. 53-see footnote a, v. 60)
• Receive temple covenants (His fullness) (v. 56, 94)
• Hold the Melchizedek Priesthood (men) (v. 57)
• Glory in God (v. 61, 93)
• Use the Atonement of Jesus Christ to become perfect (v. 69)
• Receive His grace (v. 94)

After looking over this list, hopefully you feel a little more confident about your standing with God, not only in the eternal sense, but right now. And perhaps this will give you confidence as you understand that your current lifestyle is more celestial than you previously thought👼