We lose the Spirit through sin and wickedness. The Spirit cannot dwell in unholy temples (see Mosiah 2:37; Helaman 4:24). Let us remember that the keys to having the Spirit are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (see 1 Nephi 10:17), obedience to His commandments (see Moroni 4:3; 5:2), and a character distinguished by purity and love (see D&C 76:116). We are the ones who literally withdraw ourselves from the Spirit when we go contrary to the commandments (see Mosiah 2:36). When we lose the Spirit, we are left to ourselves. We have no direction and guidance. Let us never forget that if we deny the Holy Ghost once it has had place within us, we are guilty of a grievous sin. So grievous is the spiritual decline among the people during Mormon’s youth that the Lord removes the three Nephite disciples from among them and withdraws the gifts of the Spirit altogether.