6 “Vital Signs” of Spiritual Health

6 Vital signs of physical health and well-being

During my frequent visits to the doctor, six things always take place. 

• First, they take my weight. 
• Second, they check my blood pressure.  (Unfortunately, they take the blood pressure after the trauma of taking my weight.) 
• Third, they take my pulse. 
• Fourth, they check my temperature.
• Fifth, the doctor listens to my heart. 
• Sixth, the doctor listens to my lungs.

These six things occur regardless of the reason for my visit. These six “vital signs” provide the doctor with important information.  These six “vital signs” are basic indicators of physical health and well-being.

6 Vital signs of spiritual health and well-being

The scriptures and prophets teach that even more important than our physical health is our spiritual health.  Nothing will ever be more important than our relationship with our Heavenly Father and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Just as there are six “vital signs” of our physical health, there are also six “vital signs” of our spiritual health and well-being.  The six vital signs of spiritual health are:

• prayer
• scripture study
• pondering/meditation
• obedience
• church activity  
• ministering/Christian service

As Bishop, I always gave my interviewees a spiritual “checkup.”  I checked their six “vital signs” of spiritual health.  I did so regardless of the reason for the visit.  This gave me important information about their spiritual health and spiritual well-being. 

The Lord proclaimed that receiving certain blessings is based on living certain laws.

“There is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated.  And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.” (D&C 130:20-21)

Thus, in order to receive the blessings associated with spiritual health and strength, we must abide by the laws of spiritual strength.  

When we abide by the six laws/vital signs of spiritual strength we draw closer to the Lord.  When we neglect them, we drift farther away.  It is that simple.

Prayer

Heber J. Grant explained: “The minute a man stops supplicating God for his Spirit and direction, he starts to become a stranger to God and his works.  When men stop praying for God’s spirit–they gradually lose the spirit of God, just the same as near and dear friends by never writing to or visiting with each other will become strangers.”(Improvement. Era, Aug 1944, p 481)

“Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good.” (Alma 37:37)

Scripture Study

Spencer W. Kimball observed, “I find that when I get casual in my relationship with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far, away, if I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns. I find myself loving more intensely those whom I must love.” (Teachings, p. 135)

Pondering/Meditation

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Ps 46:10; D&C 101:16)

“President David O. McKay would frequently suggest the need for us to turn from the hectic day-to-day schedule filled with letters to answer, calls to be made, people to see, meetings to attend, and take time to meditate, to ponder, and to reflect on the eternal truths and the sources of the joy and happiness which comprise each person’s quest.  When we do, the mundane, the mechanical, the repetitious patterns of our lives yield to the spiritual qualities, and we acquire a much-needed dimension which inspires our daily living.” (Thomas S. Monson, The Ensign, May 1993, p 59)

Obedience

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” ( John 14:21) 

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

The Doctrine and Covenants proclaims: “And if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.” (D&C 14:7)

Church Activity

Ezra Taft Benson challenged, “Be an example in your Church activity… Serve cheerfully and gratefully in every calling you receive.” D&C 51:19 promises: “Whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life.” 

Ministering/Christian Service

 “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” (Mosiah 2:17)

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their afflictions, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27)

“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)

“He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all.” (D&C 50:26)

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