President Russell M. Nelson on the value of spiritual exercise

President Russell M. Nelson (born Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"Muscles become larger and more capable from exercise, whereas those parts that are not physically exercised undergo atrophy. Similarly, spiritual strengths become increased through use, while those hidden may dwindle. If you recall the parable of the talents, he who had received one talent and didn't use it had it taken from him and given to another who had ten talents (see Matthew 25:24, 28)....

"Spiritual parallels exist for the fact that hard work or 'pumping iron' increases one's capacity to do physical labor:

"'Intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom, truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue, light cleaveth unto light' (D&C 88:40).

"'That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day' (D&C 50:24).

"Spiritual exercise increases spiritual capacity."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Twenty Questions," address to CES Religious Educators, 13 September 1985; see  Teachings of Russell M. Nelson [Deseret 2018] pp. 303-304
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These remarks were shared 33 years ago when Elder Russell M. Nelson was, along with Elder Dallin H. Oaks, the most recently called of the apostles. As a way of introducing himself, he shared "20 questions" that he had been frequently asked and provided answers. Many of the questions reflect interest about his medical background and how that might relate to his service in the Church.

He compared physical and spiritual exercise in this section; muscles can become strong through regular exercise, or they can atrophy through neglect:

The spiritual equivalent of "pumping iron" is what is critical for us. In involves fundamental habits such as prayer, study, pondering, obedience, and growing in faith in God. But it requires regular and consistent efforts in order to see our strength be maintained and grow; inconsistency or lack of effort will result in spiritual atrophy.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Dallin H. Oaks on the impact of small and simple things

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"So is the powerful effect over time of the small and simple things we are taught in the scriptures and by living prophets. Consider the scripture study we’ve been taught to incorporate into our daily lives. Or consider the personal prayers and the kneeling family prayers that are regular practices for faithful Latter-day Saints. Consider attendance at seminary for youth or institute classes for young adults. Though each of these practices may seem to be small and simple, over time they result in powerful spiritual uplift and growth. This occurs because each of these small and simple things invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the Testifier who enlightens us and guides us into truth, as President Eyring has explained...

"A persuasive secular teaching of this same principle comes from former Senator Dan Coats of Indiana, who wrote: 'The only preparation for that one profound decision which can change a life, or even a nation, is those hundreds and thousands of half-conscious, self-defining, seemingly insignificant decisions made in private.' (Imprimis, 20:9, Sept. 1991, 4.)

"Those 'seemingly insignificant' private decisions include how we use our time, what we view on television and the internet, what we read, the art and music with which we surround ourselves at work and at home, what we seek for entertainment, and how we apply our commitment to be honest and truthful. Another seemingly small and simple thing is being civil and cheerful in our personal interactions.

"None of these desirable small and simple things will lift us to great things unless they are practiced consistently and continuously."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Small and Simple Things," General Conference, April 2018
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How much do the little things matter? How much do a few minutes of scripture study or a personal prayer on any given day really impact our life? Perhaps on many days, not a lot; but cumulatively, over time, as the minutes add up to hours and the actions become habits, they matter a lot. Elder Oaks testifies that doing those small, consistent actions really does make a difference over time, because they invite the Holy Ghost into our lives, which will make a difference every day:

Private decisions may seem insignificant. Things like how we use our leisure time, who we choose to interact with, the environment we create for ourselves, what are our priorities: they really do matter as the cumulative effect becomes very great. Practiced consistently, the small things can "lift us to great things."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Dallin H. Oaks on the impact of consistent small decisions

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"President Brigham Young was reported as saying: 'Our lives are made up of little, simple circumstances that amount to a great deal when they are brought together, and sum up the whole life of the man or woman.' (Deseret News, Oct. 17, 1877, 578. 

"We are surrounded by media influences and cultural deteriorations that will carry us downstream in our values if we are not continually resisting. To move upstream toward our eternal goal, we must constantly keep paddling. It helps if we are part of a team that is paddling together, like a rowing crew in action. To extend that example even further, the cultural currents are so strong that if we ever stop paddling, we will be carried downstream toward a destination we do not seek but which becomes inevitable if we do not constantly try to move forward."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Small and Simple Things," General Conference, April 2018
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President Oaks discussed the concept of small and simple things in this talk, acknowledging it is a concept that has been discussed various times in the past but feeling it was worth another review. The quote from Brigham Young is a good summation: "the whole life of the man or woman" is a product of the "simple circumstances" that combine to produce the result, and so we must take care how we create and respond to those circumstances. We have many choices:

So the message is that we must take control of our own destiny, carefully and deliberately choosing which "currents" we will follow and which we must resist. It's interesting to ponder the "cultural deteriorations" that threaten to carry us away. As we come to recognize and identify them, we will find inspiration to know how best to paddle against the currents that would take us to destinations we don't desire.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President M. Russell Ballard on the power of small and simple things

President M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985. He became acting president of the Twelve in January 2018.

"Great things are wrought through simple and small things. Like the small flecks of gold that accumulate over time into a large treasure, our small and simple acts of kindness and service will accumulate into a life filled with love for Heavenly Father, devotion to the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a sense of peace and joy each time we reach out to one another.

"As we approach the Easter season, may we show our love and appreciation for the Savior’s atoning sacrifice through our simple, compassionate acts of service to our brothers and sisters at home, at church, and in our communities."

- M. Russell Ballard, "Finding Joy through Loving Service," General Conference April 2011
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Small things can accumulate into great things, when consistent and repeated effort is manifest. This applies to collecting flecks of gold in a prospecting effort; it also applies to "simple acts of kindness and service" that can turn a normal life into one that is glorious and Christlike, filled with "a sense of peace and joy":

Elder Ballard gave a particular challenge "as we approach the Easter season" in his remarks. We are within a few weeks of that time right now, this year, as well. He encouraged us to find ways in our life to give "simple, compassionate acts of service" to those around us as ways to "show our love and appreciation for the Savior's atoning sacrifice." That would be a wonderful gift for us to share, and a wonderful blessing to feel the power and peace it brings to our lives.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Howard W. Hunter on consistent ordinary efforts

President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1959.  He served as Church President from June 5, 1994 to his death on March 3, 1995.

"The Lord has said, 'Out of small things proceedeth that which is great.' (D&C 64:33; italics added.) Each of us has seen individuals become wealthy or successful almost instantaneously, almost overnight. But I believe that even though this kind of success may come to some without a prolonged struggle, there is no such thing as instant greatness. This is because the achievement of true greatness is a long-term process; it may involve occasional setbacks. The end result may not always be clearly visible, but it seems that it always requires regular, consistent, small, and sometimes ordinary and mundane steps over a long period of time."

- Howard W. Hunter, "True Greatness," General Conference April 1982
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President Hunter points out that there is a difference between "overnight success" and true lasting greatness. While people occasionally stumble into success (financial, occupational, etc.) that really has very little to do with being truly great:

So according to President Hunter, true greatness comes after a prolonged process of effort that can include stumbles and failures, but always means lots of small steps in common and mundane ways. We need to learn to be content and persistent with our efforts from day to day, knowing that the cumulative effect of lots of little steps means a lot of progress over time; and that is where greatness comes from.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder David A. Bednar on living so that our actions match our beliefs

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"The commandment 'Thou shalt not bear false witness' (Exodus 20:16) applies most pointedly to the hypocrite in each of us. We need to be and become more consistent. 'But be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity' (1 Timothy 4:12).

"As we seek the Lord’s help and in His strength, we can gradually reduce the disparity between what we say and what we do, between expressing love and consistently showing it, and between bearing testimony and steadfastly living it. We can become more diligent and concerned at home as we are more faithful in learning, living, and loving the restored gospel of Jesus Christ."

- David A. Bednar, "More Diligent and Concerned at Home," General Conference, October 2009
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This concept of hypocrisy and bearing false witness against oneself is an interesting one. Elder Bednar discusses a number of ways it applies in this talk, as we strive to live the gospel-directed life. It is sometimes a hard lesson to learn, to make our true inner lives correspond to the outer perception we are presenting:

So the key warning is to "reduce the disparity between what we say and what we do." As we mature in the gospel, we know what we should be doing; we understand the guidelines and recommendations for our personal worship, our private behavior, etc. But Elder Bednar's warning is that we all too often fall short of the ideal.

Brigham Young said it this way: "The sin that will cleave to all the posterity of Adam and Eve is, that they have not done as well as they knew how" (JD 2:129-130). Our challenge is to have our behavior measure up to our beliefs, completely and sincerely. Elder Bednar's recommendation is to focus on being "more diligent and concerned at home" to establish those patterns of faithful living in our lives.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

Elder Quentin L. Cook on the importance of consistent efforts in spiritual growth

Elder Quentin L. Cook (b. September 8, 1940) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"Personal foundations, like many worthwhile pursuits, are usually built slowly—one layer, one experience, one challenge, one setback, and one success at a time....

"Unfortunately, in an increasingly secular world, less emphasis is placed on the amount of spiritual growth necessary to become more Christlike and establish the foundations that lead to enduring faith. We tend to emphasize moments of sublime spiritual understanding. These are precious instances when we know the Holy Ghost has witnessed special spiritual insights to our hearts and minds. We rejoice in these events; they should not be diminished in any way. But for enduring faith and to have the constant companionship of the Spirit, there is no substitute for the individual religious observance that is comparable to physical and mental development. We should build on these experiences, which sometimes resemble initial baby steps. We do this by consecrated commitment to sacred sacrament meetings, scripture study, prayer, and serving as called....

"Just as repetition and consistent effort are required to gain physical or mental capacity, the same is true in spiritual matters. Remember that the Prophet Joseph received the same visitor, Moroni, with exactly the same message four times in preparation for receiving the plates. I believe that weekly participation in sacred sacrament meetings has spiritual implications we do not fully understand. Pondering the scriptures regularly—rather than reading them occasionally—can substitute a superficial understanding for a sublime, life-changing enhancement of our faith."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Foundations of Faith," General Conference, April 2017
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Many things that matter in our lives take significant time to develop. This applies to intellectual learning, physical abilities, proficiency in a talent, etc. Elder Cook's point is that the same persistent effort is required in spiritual development. We grow "line upon line, precept on precept" and need to recognize the power there is in consistent, persistent efforts over a long period.

I thought this point was particularly important: the "moments of sublime spiritual understanding" are critical to us—those spiritual high-points when we have revelatory experiences or profound spiritual experiences. But they are not the things that build "enduring faith" and "constant companionship of the Spirit" in our lives. Those things come from our steady, repeated, personal "individual religious observance."

This message should encourage in each of us an examination of our "steadiness" to ensure that we are continuing to do the things that will bring that ongoing strength.

President James E. Faust on true belief and action overcoming fear

President James E. Faust (1920-2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"The Savior's words to the leader of the synagogue capture the essence of this story: 'Be not afraid, only believe' (Mark 5:36). These five words comprise my message to you.

"We must believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost (see Mosiah 4:9). We must believe in the Atonement and the Resurrection of the Savior. We must believe in the words of the prophets, both ancient and modern. We should also believe in ourselves.

"Believing requires action. If you prepare to walk down the path of life, you can be rewarded beyond your dreams and expectations. But to achieve this, you must work very hard, save, be wise, and be alert. You must learn to deny yourselves of worldly gratification. You must be faithful in paying tithes; you must keep the Word of Wisdom; you must be free from other addictions. You must be chaste and morally clean in every respect. You should accept and be faithful in all of the calls that come to you. Steadiness and toil will serve you better than brilliance."

- James E. Faust, "Pioneers of the Future: 'Be Not Afraid, Only Believe'," Ensign, Nov. 1997, p. 45
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The five simple words of the Savior's admonition as recorded in Mark are, to me, among the most profound and influential of His instructions. "Be not afraid, only believe." These words encapsulate guidance for dealing with a complex and sometimes confusing mortality, and provide the essence of the message of discipleship. They emphasize the important distinction between fear and faith, encouraging us to overcome the former with the latter. If we truly grasped the full import of this simple invitation and accepted it completely, much would be clarified and simplified in our lives.

Believe what? President Faust offers some suggestions: believe in God, the Savior, the Holy Spirit; believe in the power of the Atonement and Resurrection on our behalf; believe in prophets sent to represent God; believe in our own capacity to follow and find happiness.

But belief is not passive; true, sincere, heart-felt belief implies and requires action:

It's in the "deny[ng] yourselves of worldly gratification" that our incomplete belief is sometimes manifest, particularly as we allow those things to intervene in the actions that demonstrate true belief. The true and faithful disciple will demonstrate "steadiness" in the path, and not scattered instances of brilliance.

President Harold B. Lee on the blessing of daily scripture study

President Harold B. Lee (1899-1973) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1941. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1970-1972, then as Church president from July 1972 until his passing less than 18 months later in December 1973.

"Are you... continually increasing your testimony by diligent study of the scriptures? Do you have a daily habit of reading the scriptures? If we're not reading the scriptures daily, our testimonies are growing thinner, our spirituality isn't increasing in depth. We, ourselves, must be studying the scriptures and have a daily habit."

- Harold B. Lee, Regional representatives seminar, 12 Dec. 1970; see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee [2000], 66

As I have commented previously in talking about President Lee, he was one of the great scriptorians of our dispensation. He knew how to find answers to the challenges of life in that great resource, because he had become familiar with it through many years of careful personal study. And so that is the source of this advice; we must be studying the scriptures; and the greatest power and benefit come from consistent, daily study!

President Howard W. Hunter on consistent scripture study

President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1959.  He served as Church President for only nine months, from June 5, 1994 to his death on March 3, 1995.

"When we follow the counsel of our leaders to read and study the scriptures, benefits and blessings of many kinds come to us. This is the most profitable of all study in which we could engage...

"Reading habits vary widely. There are rapid readers and slow readers, some who read only small snatches at a time and others who persist without stopping until the book is finished. Those who delve into the scriptural library, however, find that to understand requires more than casual reading or perusal—there must be concentrated study. It is certain that one who studies the scriptures every day accomplishes far more than one who devotes considerable time one day and then lets days go by before continuing. Not only should we study each day, but there should be a regular time set aside when we can concentrate without interference....

"It would be ideal if an hour could be spent each day; but if that much cannot be had, a half hour on a regular basis would result in substantial accomplishment. A quarter of an hour is little time, but it is surprising how much enlightenment and knowledge can be acquired in a subject so meaningful. The important thing is to allow nothing else to ever interfere with our study."

- Howard W. Hunter, "Reading the Scriptures," Ensign, Nov. 1979, p. 64
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President Hunter starts this excerpt by reiterating an eternal truth: following the counsel of leaders results in benefits in blessings. In this case, he applies that principle to studying the scriptures, and promises blessings that will come as we learn to study faithfully and consistently.

He then offers counsel on how to study effectively, emphasizing that there are many styles and approaches that work well; the key is to study consistently:

Once a time is chosen and "set aside," it is our responsibility and privilege to make that time sacred. "The important thing is to allow nothing else to ever interfere with our study." Consistency brings rewards of its own, and our understanding and appreciation of the scriptures will grow and bring great blessings to us. It's as if we plant new seeds each day, then give time for them to grow and mature as we ponder them through the day; but each new day needs a new seed planted in order for the growth to continue.

Howard W. Hunter on living lives of true greatness

President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1959.  He served as Church President for only nine months, from June 5, 1994 to his death on March 3, 1995.

"Frequently it is the commonplace tasks that have the greatest positive effect on the lives of others, as compared with the things that the world so often relates to greatness.

"It appears to me that the kind of greatness that our Father in Heaven would have us pursue is within the grasp of all who are within the gospel net. We have an unlimited number of opportunities to do the many simple and minor things that will ultimately make us great. To those who have devoted their lives to service and sacrifice for others and for the Lord, the best counsel is simply to do more of the same.

"To those who are doing the commonplace work of the world but are wondering about the value of their accomplishments; to those who are the workhorses of this Church, who are furthering the work of the Lord in so many quiet but significant ways; to those who are the salt of the earth and the strength of the world and the backbone of each nation—to you we would simply express our admiration. If you endure to the end, and if you are valiant in the testimony of Jesus, you will achieve true greatness and will live in the presence of our Father in Heaven."

- Howard W. Hunter, "True Greatness," Ensign, May 1982, pp. 19-20
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"I'm nobody special. I'm just a plain, simple, ordinary person."

While "the world" may have a definition of greatness that involves public recognition and grand visibility, that's not the Lord's way. President Hunter explains that in many cases it is the performance of "commonplace tasks" that makes a greater difference in the long run. Quiet acts of service, simple efforts to bless and lift others, consistent performance of duties—these are things that really matter to the Lord. And we each have so many opportunities to fill our lives with goodness: "We have an unlimited number of opportunities to do the many simple and minor things that will ultimately make us great."

That's a great tribute and a great challenge to faithfulness. To endure, to be valiant in the "commonplace work" we are assigned is what really matters, even when it goes largely unnoticed!

David A. Bednar on consistency in living gospel principles

Elder David A. Bednar (b. 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"In my office is a beautiful painting of a wheat field. The painting is a vast collection of individual brushstrokes--none of which in isolation is very interesting or impressive. In fact, if you stand close to the canvas, all you can see is a mass of seemingly unrelated and unattractive streaks of yellow and gold and brown paint. However, as you gradually move away from the canvas, all of the individual brushstrokes combine together and produce a magnificent landscape of a wheat field. Many ordinary, individual brushstrokes work together to create a captivating and beautiful painting.

"Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. 'Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great' (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes."

- David A. Bednar, "More Diligent and Concerned at Home," Ensign, Nov. 2009, pp. 17-20
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I love Impressionistic art, where small points or smudges of color come together to form a beautiful picture when seen in its entirety. There are lots of applications of that concept; for example, sometimes we get caught up in small challenges or disappointments in life, forgetting that as part of a broader view they might provide a part of a beautiful bigger picture.

Elder Bednar's application relates to the importance of each of those small brushstrokes; together they form a composite that only the master artist could have conceived in the production. And the analogy is to our lives: each small act of goodness, under the guidance of an overall plan, while not necessarily memorable or impressive, can result in "significant spiritual results" when combined together over time.

David A. Bednar on simple and small things

Elder David A. Bednar (1952- ) was sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2004.

"Many people in our contemporary world are drawn to promises of big results that occur quickly and all at once. Consider, for example, all of the money spent on lottery tickets. Recall the claims of advertising messages you have received that pledge immediate weight loss, instant health, fast hair growth, and a more youthful appearance in just 14 days. We are bombarded constantly with messages from a variety of sources promoting speedy supersizing, instant gratification, and outstanding performance that will impress our families and friends....

"I believe many, if not all, of the most satisfying and memorable accomplishments in our homes, in the Church, in our jobs and professions, and in our communities will be the product of this important spiritual pattern—of simple and small things. We should find great comfort in the fact that ordinary people who faithfully, diligently, and consistently do simple things that are right before God will bring forth extraordinary results....

"The spiritual pattern of small and simple things bringing forth great things produces firmness and steadfastness, deepening devotion, and more complete conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel. As you and I become increasingly steadfast and immovable, we are less prone to zealous and exaggerated spurts of spirituality followed by extended periods of slackness. A spiritual 'spurter' is one who is given to a short burst of spectacular effort followed by frequent and lengthy periods of rest.

"A big spurt may appear to be impressive in the short run, but steadiness in small things over time is far more effective, far less dangerous, and produces far better results."

- David A. Bednar, "By Small and Simple Things Are Great Things Brought to Pass", BYU Women's Conference, April 28, 2011
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Elder Bednar sets the stage for his teaching by pointing out a curious aspect of our modern society—the need or desire for rapid results and instant gratification. It's prominent in advertising schemes, and it often succeeds because so many are eager to get something for nothing, or to get as much as possible for as little cost or effort as possible.

But he teaches and testifies that the opposite is often true; real benefits come from prolonged and extended efforts, achieved a step at a time; the "simple and small efforts" will lead to the greatest results.

Robert D. Hales on daily spiritual renewal

Elder Robert D. Hales (1932- ) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"This past winter I had the opportunity to learn more about my lungs. I became very aware that we cannot store oxygen. We cannot save the air we need to breathe, no matter how hard we try. Moment by moment, breath by breath, our lives are granted to us and are renewed. So it is with spiritual light. It must be renewed in us on a regular basis. We must generate it day by day, thought by thought, and with daily righteous action if we are to keep the darkness of the adversary away.

"When I was a boy, I used to ride my bicycle home from basketball practice at night. I would connect a small pear-shaped generator to my bicycle tire. Then as I pedaled, the tire would turn a tiny rotor, which produced electricity and emitted a single, welcome beam of light. It was a simple but effective mechanism. But I had to pedal to make it work! I learned quickly that if I stopped pedaling my bicycle, the light would go out. I also learned that when I was 'anxiously engaged' (D&C 58:27) in pedaling, the light would become brighter and the darkness in front of me would be dispelled.

"The generation of spiritual light comes from daily spiritual pedaling. It comes from praying, studying the scriptures, fasting, and serving—from living the gospel and obeying the commandments. 'He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light,' (D&C 93:28) said the Lord, 'and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day' (D&C 50:24). My brothers and sisters, that perfect day will be when we will stand in the presence of God the Father and Jesus Christ."

- Robert D. Hales, "Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light," Ensign, May 2002, pp. 69-72
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Some years ago, when I was undergoing a medical treatment, I had an adverse reaction to some medication and suddenly found myself unable to breathe. Fortunately a well-trained nurse was nearby and was able to provide an antidote that quickly resolved the issue.  But it was a terrifying few minutes as I struggled to get that life-giving air. Perhaps only one who has been in such a situation fully appreciates Elder Hales' comment. The human body has no provision to store oxygen; it requires continuous replenishment. "Moment by moment, breath by breath, our lives are granted to us and are renewed." Elder Hales suggests a similar critical need for "spiritual light" in our lives, requiring the same kind of continuous replenishment. It's a great comparison.

He provides a further illustration in remembering a small device that used to be used on bicycles; I had one of these too in my youth. The simple generator worked as long as the bicycle was in motion. The consistency and intensity of the effort made the difference in the strength of the light produced, and thus the amount of darkness dispelled.

The spiritual analogy is clear. As our efforts in doing the things that produce light are more consistent and focused, greater light will enter our lives, growing "brighter and brighter until the perfect day."

Here is Elder Hales' summary of the kinds of things involved in "spiritual pedaling" to generate more "spiritual light" in our lives: