8 Inspired Messages from President Russell M. Nelson for Young Adults
Timeless teachings from a beloved prophet, meant just for you!
During his seven years as prophet, President Russell M. Nelson (1924–2025) left a legacy of faith, joy, and Christlike leadership. He inspired millions with his energy and optimism, guiding the Church through historic moments like the COVID-19 pandemic. He also announced 200 new temples, introduced a home-centered gospel curriculum, and helped initiate the creation of a new hymnbook.
But perhaps most notably, he believed in the rising generation (you and me!) and our divine potential to lead, love, and lift others as disciples of Jesus Christ.
President Nelson taught us so much, but here are just a few things he shared for young adults:
1. Embrace Your Divine Identity
President Nelson taught young adults that our three most important labels should be:
-
Child of God
-
Child of the covenant
-
Disciple of Jesus Christ
He warned, “Any identifier that is not compatible with these three basic designations will ultimately let you down.”
When we embrace these divine identifiers, they guide our decisions, help us reach our potential, lead us to eternal life in the celestial kingdom, and help us avoid adopting labels that limit our eternal progression.
2. You Are the Future of the Church
President Nelson often expressed his love for young people. In 2018, he told the youth of the Church: “You are among the best the Lord has ever sent to this world. You have the capacity to be smarter and wiser and have more impact on the world than any previous generation!”
That same message still inspires us today. He praised our courage to stay true to our covenants and reminded us that our influence matters. We can live this teaching by striving to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ and looking to the future with hope and enthusiasm.
3. Your Choices Matter
As young adults, we face big decisions with eternal consequences! That can feel overwhelming. But President Nelson taught that by taking small, faithful steps and keeping our covenants daily, we move steadily toward a celestial destination. The small decisions we make now prepare us to face bigger ones with clarity and confidence. If the celestial kingdom is our goal, then our choices do matter because they shape our spiritual trajectory. That’s why President Nelson invited us to begin with the end in mind and make choices that align with a celestial destination.
He said, “You are establishing priorities and patterns that will dramatically affect not just your mortal life but also your eternal life.”
4. Think Celestial!
President Nelson memorably encouraged us to “Think celestial!” He stated:
“As you think celestial, your heart will gradually change. …
“You will find yourself avoiding anything that robs you of your agency. ...
Spend meaningful time with the Lord. Learn how you hear Him. This will help you figure out what you need to think differently about and how you can see it from a celestial perspective.
5. Learn to Hear Him
“In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” This poignant counsel from President Nelson made it clear that learning to receive and recognize personal revelation is essential to our spiritual well-being.
He urged us to increase our capacity to receive revelation through praying sincerely, studying the scriptures and words of living prophets, repenting regularly, and acting on the spiritual promptings we receive.
6. Be a Peacemaker
President Nelson repeatedly exhorted us to become peacemakers. He said: “You have your agency to choose contention or reconciliation. I urge you to choose to be a peacemaker, now and always.”
He also invited us to be leaders “in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice” and to “promote respect for all of God’s children.”
With the world becoming increasingly contentious, being a peacemaker isn’t always easy, but when we strive to be like Christ, we can pause before we respond, forgive more easily, and have an eternal perspective when facing difficult conversations or other challenging situations.
7. Take Charge of Your Testimony
President Nelson promised, “As you make the continual strengthening of your testimony of Jesus Christ your highest priority, watch for miracles to happen in your life.”
He also gave us a warning: “Don’t pollute [your testimony] with the false philosophies of unbelieving men and women and then wonder why your testimony is waning.”
To combat the world and build our testimony, President Nelson encouraged us to engage in daily prayer, study the words of ancient and modern prophets, and ask Heavenly Father for help in recognizing the Spirit. He also encouraged us to perform family history work and worship in the temple as often as our circumstances allow.
8. Grow in Confidence Before God
In one of his final messages, President Nelson promised that we can stand confidently before the Lord by increasing our charity and virtue. He taught, “Virtue will free you from anxious, troublesome thoughts.”
We can grow in confidence by forgiving, serving faithfully, and living worthily of the companionship of the Holy Ghost. As we take intentional steps to align our lives with Christ, we’ll find peace and increased power from our covenants with Him.
Now It’s Your Turn
President Nelson’s teachings were never just quotes for our phone wallpapers or catchy captions for social media. They were invitations to act, grow, and become more like Jesus Christ.
His prophetic teachings remind us that even in a noisy, confusing world, we can live with higher purpose, clearer vision, and deeper peace through the Savior.
So what will you do to honor President Nelson’s legacy?