BYU Student's React to President Nelson's Passing

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By: Ella Katzenbach

This past weekend, President Nelson was called back home to live with our Heavenly Father. After being President and Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ for the past seven years, Nelson helped progress the church like no other. 

Aside from cutting down church from three hours to two, he introduced the importance of home study with “Come Follow Me”.  He adjusted the identity of the church by rejecting the nickname “Mormon” and replacing it with being called the Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nelson underlined the importance of having a relationship with Jesus Christ and encouraged members to frequently pray and to always “think Celestial”. 

President Nelson had a huge impact on the rising generation as well. Under Nelson, the Church updated the For Strength of Youth pamphlet. Rather than having the traditional rules of “no tattoos, piercings, or dating until sixteen years old”, Nelson pivoted into a more Christ-centered and principle-focused perspective. Frequently, Nelson would remind the youth and young adults about the importance of remaining spiritually strong. He reminds us that we are born for greatness and that we are one of the most important generations in gathering Israel. One of his most influential quotes is this, “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost”. 

His passing brought shockwaves of love, appreciation, and reflection about the impact this loving man made on the church. In his presidency he travelled to 35 foreign countries to deliver devotionals, dedicate temples, and even meet with government leaders. This man dedicated his heart and soul to the church; therefore, his legacy will be engrained in the lives he touched, the temples he helped build, and the hearts he strengthened. 

Because Nelson made such a profound impact on the younger generation, especially Gen Z. I was curious to see how Nelson’s time as prophet  helped them turn to Christ and how he inspired them. 

I asked an assortment of questions about President Nelson’s impact on the younger generation here on BYU Campus. Here’s a few of my favorite responses that I gathered. 

When I asked the question, “What was one of your favorite things Nelson said about being members of the church?”, many students answered with a similar response of the importance of loving one another.  Having the ability to express Christ-like love was quite literally replicated by this man. He dedicated so much time, sacrifice, and devotion in ensuring that the youth knew their purpose of being children of God. 

In addition, many emphasized Nelson’s dedication to temple work. He knew the importance of not only going to the temple frequently. Because of the recent roll-outs of 200 Temples, the efficiency of gathering Israel will increase by an unprecedented degree! 

One of my favorite responses was from a student named Ansley, and she gave a great quote from Nelson which stated, “I invite you to take intentional steps to grow in your confidence before the Lord”. 

In order for us to grow closer to Christ, it’s up to us to take that first step in wanting to develop a relationship with him. God and Jesus Christ won’t invite themselves into our homes, but they will continue to knock on the door until we choose to let them in.