Human Orbits

 

Letting Christ’s Light Shine Through Us—Reflections on My Dad

By President Camille N. Johnson

Relief Society General President

Liahona Dec 2025

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles once wrote: “The same God that placed that star in a precise orbit millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the Babe has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise human orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others but warm them as well.”

At another time, Elder Maxwell expressed the idea this way: “[God’s] planning and precision pertain not only to astrophysical orbits but to human orbits as well. … Like the Christmas star, each of us, if faithful, has an ordained orbit.”

Will you pay attention to the people in your human orbit?

Who has the very God of the universe placed in your path?

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, how can you be more deliberate in warming and illuminating their way?

The source of all light—our Savior, Jesus Christ—asks us to let the light we derive from Him shine through us (see Matthew 5:14–16; 3 Nephi 12:14–16). One way we do so is by paying attention to the people around us. Acknowledging them. Listening to them. Loving them. Our light shines brightest when we love as Jesus loved.

Not a List of Deposits

"It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become."

Dallin H. Oaks

What were you born to do?

Wendy Watson Nelson

"My dear brothers and sisters, it's time to stop comparing ourselves with others. It's time to put away those erroneous views of ourselves and others. The truth is that we are not as hopelessly flawed as we may think, and others are not are perfect as they may appear- all except, of course, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The only think that really matters is that you and I are doing exactly what we committed- even covenanted- premortally with our Heavenly Father we would do while we are here on earth. 

So, let me ask you are question: What were you born to do?"

You Just Live Worthy of the Celestial Kingdom

• AUGUST 2016
• THE HOPE OF ETERNAL FAMILY LOVE

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FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

The Hope of Eternal Family Love

By President Henry B. Eyring

First Counselor in the First Presidency

A prophet of God once offered me counsel that gives me peace. I was worried that the choices of others might make it impossible for our family to be together forever. He said, “You are worrying about the wrong problem. You just live worthy of the celestial kingdom, and the family arrangements will be more wonderful than you can imagine.”

How Do We Coupe With Grief?

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles addressed this question in his October 2006 general conference address:

“I think that of all the days since the beginning of this world’s history, that Friday [when the Savior was crucified] was the darkest.

“But the doom of that day did not endure.

“The despair did not linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death. He ascended from the grave and appeared gloriously triumphant as the Savior of all mankind.

“And in an instant the eyes that had been filled with ever-flowing tears dried. The lips that had whispered prayers of distress and grief now filed the air with wondrous praise, for Jesus the Christ, the Son of the living God, stood before them as the firstfruits of the Resurrection, the proof that death is merely the beginning of a new and wondrous existence. . . .

“Because of the life and eternal sacrifice of the Savior of the world, we will be reunited with those we have cherished.”

“Sunday Will Come,” Ensign, Nov. 2006, 30.