Applying Editing Principles to Living the Gospel

President Gordon B. Hinckley’s quote reminds me that improvement does not always have to be dramatic. Sometimes it is simply choosing to be a little kinder, more forgiving, more merciful and more willing to change. I think editing principles can apply to living the gospel because editing is about reviewing, correcting and improving.

When we edit writing, we look for unclear ideas, mistakes, weak sentences and unnecessary words. In the same way, discipleship requires us to examine our lives honestly. We can ask ourselves what needs to be removed, corrected or strengthened. Maybe we need to remove pride, correct impatience or strengthen our faith.

Editing also takes humility. A writer must accept that the first draft is not perfect. Spiritually, we also need to accept that we are still growing. Through Jesus Christ, repentance allows us to revise our lives and become better.