Small, simple habits—like daily scripture study—can lead to profound spiritual growth and greater peace.
A recent article published in the Deseret News, showed that the average person in the United States only spent 2.4 minutes daily on spiritual activities. It compared this stat with time spent on other activities. The article states the average person spends 2.5 hours/day watching TV. This caught my attention and made me consider how much time I dedicate each day to spending time with the Lord.
Elder Oaks has said, “Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places.” 1
This type of commitment requires more than 2.4 minutes of spiritual activity per day.
The question is: Are we being intentional about our time and our efforts to be disciples of Christ? Are we striving to improve our daily habits to be more like Him?
Intentional & Disciple
I like to look at the meaning of words. Two words that are critical for this concept are intentional and disciple.
The word intentional means things are done by design. Its Latin roots also provide an additional meaning—a stretching out, straining, and exertion.
While the word disciple means a scholar, pupil, or student.
When broken down this way, we can ask ourselves: Are we living the gospel on purpose and by design? Are we stretching out, straining to put forth the effort toward being a student and scholar of Christ?
Elder Uchtdorf taught, “Remember that discipleship is not about doing things perfectly; it’s about doing things intentionally. It is your choices that show what you truly are, far more than your abilities.” 2
Discipleship is not about perfection but about intention.
Small & Simple Things
One way we can improve our discipleship is by focusing on small and simple improvements. When thinking about complete perfection I feel overwhelmed, but when I focus on improving one thing, It feels manageable.
Alma 37:6 states, “By small and simple things, are great things brought to pass.” Elder Bednar has taught:
“Small, steady, incremental spiritual improvements are the steps the Lord would have us take. Preparing to walk guiltless before God is one of the primary purposes of mortality and the pursuit of a lifetime; it does not result from sporadic spurts of intense spiritual activity.” 3
What is a small and simple change we could make today that would have a drastic difference in our life?
My Experience with Intentional Discipleship
Several years ago, I was facing some difficult challenges and needed some answers. General Conference was approaching and I had prepared a list of questions I needed answered. During the sessions, I found answers to several questions, but the most profound answer I needed came from President Monson.
During his talk, the prophet gave the following instruction:
“My dear associates in the work of the Lord, I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives.” 4
The next morning, I implemented this practice in my life, and it has had a major impact. My life is not perfect. However, I feel more clarity and I often recognize the heavenly help I’m receiving. This little habit of studying The Book of Mormon each morning has changed my life.
In his blog post titled My Personal Conversion to Jesus Christ, Stu Sondrup also talks about his experience reading The Book of Mormon regularly and the difference it made in his life.
Summary
Intentional discipleship is often based on simple habits and daily practices. Part of daily repentance should be exploring how we’re implementing better habits in our lives. These simple acts show that we’re living a life by design. That we’re putting forth effort or stretching out, straining, and exerting ourselves to be a better student and pupil of Christ.
The Lord wants to help each of us have greater peace and success in this life. He is reaching for us. We can reach for Him as we focus our efforts on living with the intention to follow Him.
- Dallin H. Oaks, “Followers of Christ,” General Conference April 2013, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/04/followers-of-christ?lang=eng ↩︎
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Your Great Adventure”, General Conference October 2019, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/43uchtdorf?lang=eng#p30 ↩︎
- David A. Bednar, Clean Hands and a Pure Heart, October 2007, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/10/clean-hands-and-a-pure-heart?lang=eng ↩︎
- Thomas S. Moson, The Power of the Book of Mormon, April 2017, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/04/the-power-of-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng ↩︎
