Cheerfully

How can we calibrate the intensity of our labors in God’s work?

I’m currently training for a half marathon. I used to train all-out; I thought running as fast and as long as I could was the best way to build up my speed and endurance. But I have learned that it’s more effective to spend lots of time in zone 2, a pace that’s slow enough to comfortably carry a conversation while running.

In a letter to the Church from Liberty Jail, Joseph Smith urged church members to work hard documenting the abuses they had endured in Missouri. He called this effort “an imperative duty” and urged them to “waste and wear out [their] lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness” (Doctrine and Covenants 123:7, 9, 11, 13). That sounds a lot like the all-out running efforts I used to make.

But then, he moderates the message with a few clarifications:

You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

Doctrine and Covenants 123:16-17

These verses remind me of two important principles:

1. “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6).
2. God is able to do His own work (2 Nephi 27:20-21).

President Russell M. Nelson taught us that the Lord loves effort. (See Joy D. Jones, “An Especially Noble Calling,” April 2020 general conference). So how do we calibrate our efforts to ensure that we’re doing enough but not trying to “run faster than [we have] strength?” (Mosiah 4:27; compare Jacob 5:48). The key may lie in the simple word “cheerfully.”

Alma’s people endured hardship cheerfully. (See Mosiah 24:15.) Paul said, “God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Obviously, we sometimes endure hardships or put in extra efforts which are quite uncomfortable, but if this is our normal state, then I wonder if we’re approaching our discipleship the way I used to approach my running. Maybe we need to slow down a little in order to more fully experience the joy of gospel service.

Elder Patrick Kearon said:

Because of the loving plan of our Heavenly Father for each of His children, and because of the redeeming life and mission of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, we can—and should—be the most joyful people on earth! Even as the storms of life in an often-troubled world pound upon us, we can cultivate a growing and abiding sense of joy and inner peace because of our hope in Christ and our understanding of our own place in the beautiful plan of happiness.

“Welcome to the Church of Joy,” October 2024 general conference

And Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf counseled:

If you ever think that the gospel isn’t working so well for you, I invite you to step back, look at your life from a higher plane, and simplify your approach to discipleship.

“It Works Wonderfully,” October 2015 general conference

Today, I will find joy in my worship and in my church service. I will moderate my efforts, serving diligently and cheerfully, remembering that small contributions can yield large results, and trusting that God is capable of doing His own work.