The scripture teach that we are all influenced by “the Spirit/spirit”, but which one? Maybe this should be called the dichotomy of the spirit. Here is an example from the scriptures:
…the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit which was not of the LORD troubled him. 1 Samuel 16:14 JST
Saul, who was the Lords’ choice for king, when the children of Israel were determined to have a king, lost the Spirit of the Lord and acquired an evil spirit instead. How did this happen to Saul? The short answer is he stopped listening to the Lord’s prophet.
Nephi’s teachings about prayer also points out the dichotomy of the spirit we experience in mortality:
…For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray. 2 Nephi 32:8
If we listen to the prophet Nephi and pray as we should, then we will be harkening to the Spirit of the Lord, and resisting the evil spirit.
Where do evil spirit reside? A scripture in Mosiah provides one answer:
And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men. Mosiah 3:6
How do we avoid evil spirits?
…that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils… seek ye earnestly the best gifts… they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do… D&C 46:7-9
Spiritual gifts are the key to avoiding evil spirits.
Conclusion:
To be in tune with the Spirit of the Lord:
1. Follow the Lord’s living prophets
2. Pray Earnestly
3. Seek the gifts of the Spirit