Sometimes, the best solution to a problem is the simplest one.
As Alma entrusted the scriptures to his son Helaman, he recognized that it would be tempting to underestimate their value and neglect this responsibility:
Ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
Alma 37:6
This principle can have many applications, but one of the most practical is this: Consistently making small improvements can result in tremendous spiritual growth. Consider the following counsel:
- Elder Neal A. Maxwell: “Each assertion of a righteous desire, each act of service, and each act of worship, however small and incremental, adds to our spiritual momentum. Like Newton’s Second Law, there is a transmitting of acceleration as well as a contagiousness associated with even the small acts of goodness” (“According to the Desire of [Our] Hearts,” General Conference, October 1996.
- Elder David A. Bednar: “Small, steady, incremental spiritual improvements are the steps the Lord would have us take,” (“Clean Hands and a Pure Heart,” General Confernece, October 2007).
- Elder Michael A. Dunn, “Seek modest but makeable fixes in your life that might result in the sweet joy of being just a little better” (“One Percent Better,” General Conference, October 2021).
- President Russell M. Nelson: ““Nothing is more liberating, more ennobling, or more crucial to our individual progression than is a regular, daily focus on repentance. Repentance is not an event; it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind” (“We Can Do Better and Be Better,” General Conference, April 2019).
I just returned home from a workout that was intentionally easy. Honestly, it was kind of hard for me to slow down that much, but this simple workout is part of a training plan which will (hopefully) prepare me for a race a few months out. I’ll never achieve my goal if I burn myself out every day. I have to make steady, incremental progress.
Alma counseled Helaman, “O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way” (Alma 37:46).
Today, I will make steady, incremental progress. I will commit to do the “easy” things which, over time, will result in spiritual growth.