This, however, does not mean that individuals are autonomous or alone. All individuals are spirit children of God the Father, who organized them into relationships in order to maximize their growth and happiness through loving and serving one another. LDS teachings make clear that living the gospel of Jesus Christ means voluntarily submitting the self to the will of God. The Church cannot force individuals to become one with God and others. The scale and profundity of these objectives are equal to the depth of commitment they require.
Salvation is both an individual and a collective matter.
Individuals are punished for their own sins, but the personal choices that foster growth and exaltation necessarily involve other people. Severe cases of disruption and violation may be subjected to disciplinary procedures and may result in disfellowshipment or even excommunication. Christ affirms great diversity and individuality in gospel service. Each person has abilities to perform Christlike service that others may not be able to perform. Organizations may in a measure constrain behavior, and the Church has a constraining influence on individuals insofar as they choose to conform or fulfill the requirements for holding callings or a temple recommend.