How to Apply Editing Principles to Living The Gospel

Each of us can do a little better than we have been doing. We can be a little more kind. We can be a little more merciful. We can be a little more forgiving. We can put behind us our weaknesses of the past, and go forth with new energy and increased resolution to improve the world about us, in our homes, in our places of employment, in our social activities.”— President Gordon B. Hinckley

Have you ever written about a topic, read what you wrote, and thought, "This could be so much better"?  Well, that's the reality of editing. We remove what doesn't belong, clarify what's confusing, and strengthen what we find to be weak. We publish a version that reflects the story we are telling when we are finished.  Which is why President Hinckley's words invite us to undertake this same process with our lives. 

We can do this in the following  four ways:

1.  By Revision

"We can be a little kinder." In writing, revision means looking at every sentence and asking, "Does this help?" However, in the gospel of Christ, kindness is our tool for revision.  Can we feel it in that sharp comment to a child? Revise it. What about that ignored text from a friend, maybe? Revise it. We don't have to become perfect overnight, but we can be a little kinder today than yesterday. 

2.  By cutting the fluff

"Put behind us our weaknesses of the past. " Every good editor cuts out what isn't necessary or what doesn't make sense to convey their intended messages. They remove clutter, grudges, and sentences that no longer serve their story.  So that's how President Hinckley invites us to cut the weight we've been carrying, like all the resentment, guilt, and old habits we've carried for years.The Atonement of Jesus Christ acts as the ultimate "delete" button.  Therefore, we can choose not to copy-paste yesterday's mistakes into today's chapter.

3. By Clarifying  the Purpose

"Improve the world around us." Good writing has a clear purpose, and every paragraph should point to it. Our purpose should be just as clear so we can improve the world around us. At home, a little more patience at dinner is a start. At work, a little more integrity in how we treat people is a good thing. In social activities, a little more mercy is shown when someone gets it wrong, also commendable. When our daily "drafts" align with that purpose, our lives read differently to others.

4. With New Energy, Increased Resolution

 A  true writer never finishes a first draft and calls it final. We always go back with fresh energy and make edits.  So you see, President Hinckley isn't asking for dramatic overhauls; instead, he's asking for increased resolution, which is our decision to try again. Today, we can pray for help in being a little more forgiving. Tomorrow,  we can all try again to be a little more merciful. That's how disciples are edited into the image of Christ, line by line, day by day.  

So, what can you edit today: a weakness, a grudge, a distraction?

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