Let Him Do It With Simplicity

“Let Him Do It With Simplicity”
ELDER L. TOM PERRY

“In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life,

may we seek ways to simplify our lives.”

What are stressors or things that complicate our lives?

• Our need to work; maintaining strict work schedules
• Career demands
• Communication and the immersion of media and attachment to the world
• Family
• Studies
• Meetings
• Church callings; priesthood commitments

What can we do to simply our lives? Henry David Thoreau offers four suggestions from his experiences at Walden Pond.
1. Food

• The Word of Wisdom encourages us to eat health foods, and to avoid items that can be harmful to our bodies. The Lord tells us the benefits of following this guidance in D&C 89 -
  And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen. (D&C 89:18-20)
• Even more clear and concise verbiage is found “For the Strength of Youth” section on physical health:
  Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. When you do all these things, you remain free from harmful addictions and have control over your life. You gain the blessings of a healthy body, an alert mind, and the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Never let Satan or others lead you to think that breaking the Word of Wisdom will make you happier or more attractive. (For the Strength of Youth, p. 36)

2. Clothing

• Increased portion of the Spirit: “When we are modestly dressed, we also invite the Spirit of the Lord to be a shield and a protection to us.” (Perry, 9)
• Character and attitude: “I believe very casual dress is almost always followed by very casual manners.” (ibid)
• Respect, and not wasteful in spending: “Modesty in dress is a quality of mind and heart, born of respect for oneself, one’s fellowmen and the Creator of us all. Modesty reflects an attitude of humility, decency, and propriety. “(Ibid)

3. Shelter

• Financial Security – Elder Marvin J. Ashton gave us the 12 points to prosperity. (Marvin J. Ashton, “One for the Money,” Ensign, Sep 2007, 36–39)
  1. Teach family members early the importance of working and earning
  2. Teach children to make money decisions in keeping with their capacities to comprehend.
  3. Teach each family member to contribute to the total family welfare.
  4. Teach family members that paying financial obligations promptly is part of integrity and honesty development.
  5. Learn to manage money before it manages you.
  6. Learn self-discipline and self-restraint in money matters.
  7. Use a budget.
  8. Make education a continuing process.
  9. Work toward home ownership.
  10. Appropriately involve yourself in an insurance program.
  11. Strive to understand and cope with existing inflation.
  12. Appropriately involve yourself in a food storage program.

4. Fuel (spiritual)

• Are we gas guzzlers or are we fuel efficient? Does do we have to be pushed and encouraged by others or can we keep going ourselves?

“What is required to maintain a sufficient store of spiritual fuel?” (Perry, 10)

• Scripture study
• Attendance on Sunday
• Daily Prayer: Morning, Evening and Family
• Action: Act upon spiritual promptings

And remember: “In righteousness there is great simplicity.” (William R. Bradford, “Righteousness,” Ensign, Nov 1999, 85)