Small and Simple Things
[Alma 37:6-7] - Becoming great in the hands of the Lord
Now 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. And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls. [Alma 37:6-7]
Athletically speaking, have you ever heard coaches and players talk about how their season doesn’t really matter if they don’t win the ultimate prize?
Some believe that all their blood, sweat, tears, time and money, sacrificed and invested was wasted or “foolishness” because they didn’t win the World Series, Super Bowl, World Cup, Stanley Cup, Green Jacket, the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy (NBA), a Grand Slam, Career Slam, Calendar Slam, or a Gold Medal. And of course all the other sports, arenas, awards and trophies in-between? My point is…
If all you’re focused on is the finals, then sure, investing all those small and simple moments, then not win the ultimate prize can seem foolish.
To those who don’t see the true value of the little things, when they are not achieving the big things, it makes everything else seem foolish, or a waste of time. If an athlete knew for sure they weren’t going to win the championship, would they still compete will all their time, talents, and treasure (investments)? But think about all the good things they did do during the season, the smaller victories and achievements. And all they can do with their life, their health and their wealth to make the world a better place, not just improve the value of their trophy case.
Spiritually speaking, what are the “small and simple” things that can seem frivolous or not as important or effective in your life?
You may not think that praying always, or studying the same old scriptures every day, or even going to Church to hear the same old talks, isn’t making a difference in your life, but I promise you it is. And when your heart and home are focused on following Christ, then every single small and simple footstep forward is crucial to your momentary and eternal success.
If salvation is the spiritual Super Bowl, then we should make every moment we can count from now until then, no matter how seemingly insignificant!
And know this—everyone can win the ultimate prize if we keep doing the “small and simple” things. And I’m not just talking about scriptures, prayer, and serving others, I’m talking about sharing a smile, a hug, or high-five. I’m talking about truly comforting someone in need. The Lord loves to use things that seem insignificant, to to transform our simple service into huge blessings! Don’t let the devil deceive you into thinking that calling up that friend, or talking to that stranger, or helping someone clean their house, or yard or giving them a ride to the store, or taking them a meal is insignificant. We all need such things now and then and they are not foolish!