Study Guide for "Small and Simple Things"

In his General Conference address titled "Small and Simple Things," President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, emphasizes the profound impact of small and seemingly insignificant actions over time. Delivered on Easter Sunday, this talk underscores the importance of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and how small, consistent efforts in living the gospel can lead to significant spiritual growth and eternal blessings.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What significance does President Oaks attribute to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?
How does President Oaks illustrate the power of small and simple things?
What examples does President Oaks provide to demonstrate the impact of small actions over time?
How can small and simple things lead to both positive and negative outcomes according to President Oaks?

Topics

Celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

President Oaks begins by highlighting the importance of Easter Sunday and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which he describes as a pillar of faith for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He explains that the Resurrection provides hope and is a critical part of Heavenly Father’s plan for the salvation of His children.

Today we join other Christians in celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a pillar of our faith.

That resurrection gives us what the Apostle Peter called "a lively hope" (1 Peter 1:3).

Why is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ considered a pillar of faith?
How does the Resurrection provide hope for believers?
How can you personally celebrate and honor the Resurrection of Jesus Christ in your daily life?
In what ways does the hope provided by the Resurrection influence your actions and decisions?

Understand the Power of Small and Simple Things

President Oaks teaches that small and simple actions, when performed consistently over time, can lead to significant spiritual growth. He uses the analogy of a tree root slowly cracking a concrete sidewalk to illustrate how seemingly insignificant efforts can have a powerful cumulative effect.

By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.

The thrusting power that cracked these heavy concrete sidewalks was too small to measure on a daily or even a monthly basis, but its effect over time was incredibly powerful.

So is the powerful effect over time of the small and simple things we are taught in the scriptures and by living prophets.

What are some examples of small and simple things that can lead to great spiritual growth?
Why is consistency important in practicing small and simple things?
What small and simple actions can you incorporate into your daily routine to enhance your spiritual growth?
Reflect on a time when a small, consistent effort led to a significant positive outcome in your life.

Recognize the Importance of Daily Spiritual Practices

President Oaks emphasizes the importance of daily spiritual practices such as scripture study, personal and family prayers, and regular attendance at church meetings. These practices invite the Holy Ghost into our lives and contribute to our spiritual uplift and growth over time.

Consider the scripture study we’ve been taught to incorporate into our daily lives.

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.

How do daily spiritual practices invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost?
What are the benefits of regular scripture study and prayer?
How can you improve your consistency in daily spiritual practices?
What specific steps can you take to make scripture study and prayer more meaningful?

Avoid the Negative Consequences of Small Acts of Disobedience

President Oaks warns that small acts of disobedience can have cumulative negative effects on our spiritual progress. He uses examples such as the Word of Wisdom and the dangers of addictive substances to illustrate how seemingly minor actions can lead to significant negative outcomes over time.

Similarly, even small acts of disobedience or minor failures to follow righteous practices can draw us down toward an outcome we have been warned to avoid.

The Word of Wisdom provides an example of this.

The terrible consequences of partaking of anything that can become addictive, like drugs that attack our bodies or pornographic material that degrades our thoughts, is totally avoidable if we never partake for the first time—even once.

Why are small acts of disobedience dangerous to our spiritual well-being?
How can we avoid the cumulative negative effects of minor transgressions?
What small acts of disobedience do you need to avoid to protect your spiritual progress?
How can you strengthen your resolve to follow the Word of Wisdom and other commandments?

Embrace the Spiritual Pattern of Small and Simple Things

President Oaks encourages members to follow the spiritual pattern of small and simple things to achieve great spiritual results. He cites teachings from other church leaders and scriptures to reinforce the importance of consistent, small efforts in building spirituality and achieving eternal goals.

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.

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.

How does the principle of small and simple things apply to our spiritual growth?
What are the benefits of following the spiritual pattern of small and simple things?
What small and simple things can you do to deepen your devotion and conversion to the Lord?
How can you stay motivated to consistently follow the spiritual pattern of small and simple things?