James teaches us that the little things are what make a big difference. "Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth." (James 3:3-4) The little bit drives the big horse, and the little helm steers the big ship. It's really the little things that make a big difference in every aspect of our lives.
"Small" refers to the efforts of men. All we do is "small" because we don't have the power to do great things. "Simple" is just as it sounds, "not complex," or "easy." "Great" Refers to the work of God, "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39) What God does is great, however, man can, by small and simple means, bring about great things. The greatest gift of all is available to man in the small and simple things he does, "if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God." (D&C 14:7) The small and simple commandments bring the greatest of all things, Eternal Life. Jesus tells how: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3) It is through a relationship with God that we obtain such "great things." Relationships are built over time, little-by-little.
Words
In his discussion on little things making a big difference, the Apostle James explains how much damage a little tongue can do. On the other hand, our words can also build ourselves and others up to Eternal Life. When we endeavor to speak a word by the Spirit of God, we can change lives. How much good can a word do! There are many who were in the wrong way until someone just said the right words that made them think and turn their lives around.
The word "minister" is the use of words to build up, enlighten, and instruct. Ministering angels are sent from God to give powerful words to men. One of the names of Christ is "The Word." The words we speak bring us to God if they are the words of Christ. Words bring great things, if they are from the Holy Ghost: "And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation." (D&C 68:4)
Labor
It's not the big things we accomplish, but rather our little actions every day that make up who we are. Some may point to their importance as a leader in business or government, how they wield power over others. However, what is really important is not the multitudes who look to them, but the one person at a time that they can influence.
"The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world." We often think of those in high places as having great influence, but in reality it is those who have a direct relationship with others. The mothers who choose to raise their children have much more influence on society than a king or a president. The 2000 stripling warriors saved a nation not because they had Helaman for their leader, but rather because of the faith taught them by their mothers: "they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them." (Alma 56:47)
Thoughts
All day long the theater of our mind is playing. The movie never stops. We have control over it every minute of every day. If we think about things that are untrue, fantasy, or destructive then we become that -- it's what we are. It's not the one time that we sat down to figure out the meaning of life, like the Buddha, but rather the minute-to-minute thoughts that keep our minds occupied. If we think about pain, evil, and hatred, that is what we are in our hearts. However if we think only about virtuous thing we become virtuous. "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)
Health
Our temporal salvation is dependent on our little daily habits. It's not that we eat a vegetable occasionally that makes us healthy. I notice that it's very common for people to remember the occasional "good" meal they eat, and not the constant high-calorie-and-low-nutrient snacks. There are two ways to look at food: taste or nourishment -- it seems you can't have both. Those who eat for taste are malnourished and get diabetes, cancer, and other degenerative diseases. In my profession I find the most helpful thing is to help others commit to eating only nourishing foods. Every little thing they put in their mouths should be for the purpose of nourishing the body.
Moreover, those who exercise regularly a little bit are much better off than those who only occasionally put out a lot of effort. The former marathon runner who now does no appreciable exercise is no better off than the one who never exercised. The little daily things like using the stairs instead of the elevator, walking instead of driving to the store, and so forth, are what helps us maintain our strength and energy.
Wealth
What makes us wealthy is not winning the lottery or getting lucky in any other way. Rather it's the little things such as buying only things we can afford, or avoiding debt and interest and saving to earn interest. Either way, the interest is a relatively small amount, but over time it adds up to a great deal of difference. Those who earn interest become wealthy, whereas those who pay interest remain poor. The little bits add up over time.
Service
As we give to others we also come to know God. "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17) Giving of ourselves, our time, talents, goods, money, and efforts to those in need is a requirement for coming to know God. "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." (1 John 4:8) The sacrifice we make for the benefit of others is how we show our love. Some will speak of a time when the gave much, but do not continue. It is only in constant service that we continue to love.
Sacrifice
Some think that making a huge sacrifice can change them, but it's really the little, daily sacrifices we make that make up who we are. We are changed little-by-little. A mother sacrifices for her children on a daily basis. She gives of herself. She loses sleep. She makes sure they are fed, clothed, clean, and taught on a daily basis. It's not the one time she put on a perfect birthday party that makes the relationship, rather it's the daily acts of selflessness that shows her love.
God requires sacrifice for us to come to know Him. We cannot come to know Him without sacrifice. Altars from Adam to the present day all represent the sacrifices that are required of us. In ancient days it was literally "the firstfruits of the field and the firstlings of the flocks" that were burnt on the altar. Now it is our best efforts. We sacrifice our time, our desires, our needs and wants, just giving them over to God, which allows us to obey Him and serve Him and come to know Him. Lots of little sacrifices over a long time give us great love for God.
Prayer
It's not that one time we prayed a fervent prayer, even if it was answered in a miraculous way. Seeing a miracle doesn't change who you are. Rather, it's constant daily prayer that gradually changes the heart in each person. Alma explains:
Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;
Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.
Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.
Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.
Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.
Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.
Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.
Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.
But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.
Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you.
(Alma 34:17-27)
Prayer is the development of a relationship with our Maker. We don't know Him. We are so far from Him, as the Lord tells Isaiah: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8) In order to come to know him we must have experience with Him. This is true of anyone. We must spend time with people to get to know them. We don't call someone we have never met a friend. The more time we spend with a person, the better we know him. Prayer is the time we spend with God. Minute by minute we come to know Him.
We cannot neglect prayer and think we have a relationship with God. Constant communication develops our relationship with God over time. It isn't automatic, it isn't a gift, it isn't earned, it is only experienced, just like any other relationship.
Scripture
The writings of the prophets describe their relationship with God. Also, God tells prophets things that can help other people. We can come to know him through others' experiences. They tell us how God deals with His children. Moreover, we can be taught by God through His Spirit as we read. The Holy Ghost testifies to our hearts and minds, creating a witness or testimony in us. This can grow as we read the word of God.Temple
The depth of our experience with God is increased dramatically as we go to His House and spend time with Him. "Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths." (Isaiah 2:3) All of the rest of our experiences on Earth are to prepare us to go to His house and learn His ways. We cannot walk in His paths until we learn what they are. This is learned in the Temple. Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God; But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory. (D&C 84:19-24)
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