We often think we need to change the world in order to feel accomplished. In truth, it’s the small and simple things that are harder to achieve and more glorious in reward.
Photo by Jake Hills
In “Small and Simple Things,” President Dallin H. Oaks reminds us of a familiar scripture: “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6). We’ve all read this scripture in Sunday school a dozen times, but we often forget its message when we need it most. At some point, many people feel that they’re not good enough. They think they’re lacking because they haven’t done anything that compares to the prophets of old.
While we may not become the leader of a worldwide humanitarian initiative, there are important things that we can do to improve our lives and the world around us. President Oaks highlights the importance of doing the little things, like praying, reading the scriptures, and attending institute classes. He tells us that “these small and simple things invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the Testifier who enlightens us and guides us into truth.” Great spiritual achievement doesn’t come quickly or through one grand act; it comes from years of consistently praying to our Father morning and night and studying the scriptures to learn more about our Savior.
These acts, along with the continued practice of repentance, help to strengthen us spiritually. This is what Alma told his son Helaman in the Book of Mormon, and this is what we must remember when we think that we aren’t doing enough and want to be better.
Read President Dallin H. Oaks’s talk “Small and Simple Things” to learn more about repentance and faith.
Source: LDS General Conference
—Kamber Alldredge, Mormon Insights
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Read the article “Simple Acts of Faith,” by Stephanie Neher, for further insight on the importance of small and simple actions.