We are blessed to own a duplex and live in the side more unique in design with a larger floor plan. The trees on the property are well established, though two; a Cyprus and Blue Spruce are crowded by others… limiting their potential growth and beauty. Yesterday I spent some time pruning neighboring trees to prevent further damage to tops of the two choice trees. I came away reflecting that my own life needs pruning for greater growth, potential, and freedom. This to meet disciplines under Christ’s example and influence. Correct self pruning is not limiting nor does it incur damage, but is quite the contrary.
Left to my own devices; placing few demands upon myself for growth towards Christ leaves me unfulfilled, sloppy in management of ‘this creature’ and yields an end result far below potential. Often that end result leaves others unfulfilled, bereft of needed sustenance… that timely spiritual pruning, evaluation, change.
One aspect of many embraces ‘gospel scholarship’. Said by Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, (deceased): “The need for greater individual study of the gospel—more scholarship on the part of individual members who do not demand of the Church that it supply them with intellectual handouts—is also something which can start to be met in the home. We can be much more effective as leaders and followers if we engage in individual gospel scholarship.” (From Elder Maxwell’s book ‘Excellent’, p. 126). kdm
