“Ninety-seven,” said the medical assistant, “You may enter the office.”

I have heard these words quite often in the past few weeks. I am not permitted entry to certain establishments without first getting my temperature screened. Even my dog got his temperature scanned today when I took him for grooming.

In a few weeks, I will be scanning students’ temperatures as they enter school as part of a daily safety protocol. My body temperature is usually on the low end. Yes, 97 is normal for me, but according to a recent virtual sermon called “What is Your Spiritual Temperature?”, given by Apostle President Joel Gehly, 97 would be considered a low spiritual temperature.

Brother Joel encouraged us to have a high spiritual temperature for the Lord and even used the word “fever.”

What does a high spiritual temperature look like? It is the opposite of a “natural” fever, which usually knocks us down. Brother Joel explained that a high spiritual temperature is showing zeal for our Lord and being active in our service.

Recently, my daughter “regifted” her smartwatch to me. One of the things that gets my attention are the rings that prompt me to stand, move, and breathe. I pay attention to the “move” ring the most. On days when I haven’t done my daily exercise routine (it has recorded), the watch will gently nudge me and say something like,” You haven’t done as much as you did the day before. There’s still time.” In other words, “Get off the couch, potato.” On days where I have moved a lot, it gives me little affirmations of praise like, “Keep up the good work.”

What does this have to do with a spiritual fever? Do I need gentle reminders to read, pray, meditate, or reach out to others? Is some electronic device recording my spiritual patterns? No, but the Holy Spirit is like that smart watch that speaks to me. It inspires me what to read, to pray for specific people, gives me understanding, and prompts me who to help, simply without the rhetoric.

During the virtual meeting with Brother Joel, one brother referenced the following scripture that is better than an electronic device giving gentle reminders to show zeal for our Lord. It is found in Alma 5, which asks some powerful, introspective questions starting in verse 14:

“…have ye spiritually been born of God? Have you received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts? Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you?”

There are more questions posed in this scripture. They are good temperature checks that allow entry to the most important portal, Heaven’s gates. What is your spiritual temperature today? Check out Alma 5, and let it be your thermometer.

It’s best to have a fever in this case and hear the words, “You may enter.”

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.