small things

We have had a good week with some rough things and some good things. It's been one full of lessons, many taught, and many learned. It's really great to look at things after the fact and see the lesson that was taught. It's been great.

In talking with recent converts especially, but also investigators, we keep hearing stories about how the Spirit helps these people conquer their weaknesses and become stronger. Some have had to learn how to speak in front of others, or control their temper, or how to repent. It has been amazing to look at how such small things in their lives make the difference for them. Their experiences build their testimonies into inpenetrable fortresses. And it all comes from the soft and gentle help of the Holy Ghost. That still, small voice has very great influence to those who seek it and it is a blessing and testimony to me to see others changing their lives to become more worthy of living with the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

As for lessons we've learned, we have experienced pains and joys this week because of small decisions. Seemingly little things make the difference between a good lesson or a so-so one. Little things are what make us worthy to receive guidance and revelation. Many of us in life get to a point where we are doing fairly well. We don't have problems with "big" sins and we can be faithful and happy. We know that our existence is intended for progression, and that our progress is an eternal goal as well as potential. Once we reach a point of satisfaction, we have stopped walking our eternal path. As we continue to work and refine ourselves, we can understand further the nature of God and our purpose and capacity in this life.

We teach member families so often about little things that they should already be doing, and somehow it is news. Things like Family Home Evening, family prayer, and family scripture reading should never be shrugged off with any excuse of current conditions. Is there any family, in any form, who cannot receive or does not need blessings from God? Neither is there any family who is excused from their responsibilities and priveleges of building unity. I wish families here in the mission realized that. President Hinckley, when talking about the Word of Wisdom specifically, said that the scriptures do not tell us of the dangers of diving into a pool without water, or jumping off a freeway overpass, but we know these things will bring harm to us. So it is with every commandment. Let us stay as far away from the edge of the cliff of temptation as possible. We will get no reward in life for getting closest to the edge without falling. And chances are, we will just fall as we push the limits. I know that for myself. I know that we need the Lord's help in every moment, and that humility and reliance on Him is not weakness in any sense of the word, rather spiritually strong and mature.

The small things we do each day are important. They will make the difference between disciples and mere believers. I have seen the evidence of this, and have no doubt that it is true. Christ invited us to be perfect, as our Father is perfect, and later as He himself became perfect. I know He lives and directs this church. There is no question to me. Elder Mitchell and I read a talk this morning from the April 2007 Conference called, "It's True Isn't It? Then What Else Matters?" by Elder Nielson of the Presidency of the Seventy. It is a great talk and emphasizes a great point. The Church is true, and after that is established, nothing else is really ever as important as that one fact. Let's go forth and do good.

With love,

-Elder Sam Bostwick