Applying Editing Principles To Living The Gospel

 

The quote by Gordon B. Hinckley emphasizes the importance of continuous self-improvement and striving to become better versions of ourselves. It highlights the significance of kindness, mercy, forgiveness, and overcoming past weaknesses to create a positive impact on the world around us. Interestingly, the principles of editing can be applied to living the gospel, just as they are used to refine and perfect written work. 

To start with, editing involves reviewing and revising content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and coherence. Similarly, in living the gospel, we must regularly review and revise our thoughts, words, and actions to ensure they align with gospel principles. This process of self-reflection and introspection enables us to identify areas for improvement, correct mistakes, and make amends when necessary. By doing so, we can refine our character, become more Christlike, and live a life that is more in harmony with the gospel.

Secondly, editing involves cutting out unnecessary words or phrases to streamline the content. In a similar vein, we must learn to let go of negative habits, attitudes, and behaviors that hinder our spiritual growth and progress. Just as unnecessary words can clutter and obscure the message, so too can negative influences in our lives obscure our vision and hinder our ability to live the gospel. By removing these obstacles, we can simplify our lives, focus on what is truly important, and make room for positive, uplifting influences.

Thirdly, editing involves rearranging and reorganizing content to improve its flow and structure. In living the gospel, we must also learn to prioritize and organize our time, resources, and energy to maximize our impact. By setting goals, creating schedules, and allocating our time wisely, we can ensure that we are dedicating sufficient time to spiritual pursuits, such as prayer, scripture study, and service to others. This process of reorganizing our lives enables us to live more intentionally, make the most of our time, and become more effective disciples of Jesus Christ.

Fourthly, editing involves adding new content to enhance the message and make it more engaging. Similarly, in living the gospel, we must continually seek to add new skills, knowledge, and experiences to our spiritual repertoire. This can involve seeking out new opportunities for service, learning new skills, and developing new talents. By doing so, we can become more effective instruments in the Lord's hands, better equipped to serve others, and more capable of making a positive impact in the world.

Finally, editing involves proofreading to ensure that every detail is accurate and perfect. In living the gospel, we must also strive for perfection, not in the sense of being flawless, but in the sense of continually striving to become better. This involves paying attention to the small things, such as our thoughts, words, and actions, and ensuring that they align with gospel principles. By doing so, we can become more mindful, more intentional, and more committed to living a life that is pleasing to God.

In conclusion, the principles of editing can be applied to living the gospel in various ways. By reviewing and revising our thoughts, words, and actions, we can refine our character and live a life that is more in harmony with the gospel. By cutting out negative influences, prioritizing our time and resources, adding new skills and experiences, and striving for perfection, we can become more effective disciples of Jesus Christ and make a greater impact in the world. As Gordon B. Hinckley so eloquently stated, "Each of us can do a little better than we have been doing." By applying the principles of editing to our spiritual lives, we can do just that – become a little better, a little kinder, a little more merciful, and a little more forgiving, ultimately creating a brighter, more uplifting world around us.