Ezra Taft Benson: 'The Lord is pleased with every effort, even the tiny, daily ones in which we strive to be more like Him.'

The Lord is pleased with every effort, even the tiny, daily ones in which we strive to be more like Him.

In his powerful statement, Ezra Taft Benson encapsulates the significance of our daily efforts to align ourselves with the teachings and example of the Lord. While the quote may seem simple at first glance, its profound meaning reminds us of the value of even the smallest actions in our quest for spiritual growth. Each day presents us with countless opportunities to improve ourselves and become more like our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. No effort is too small or insignificant in the eyes of the Lord; He is pleased with every sincere endeavor we make to emulate His divinity.At first, this quote appears to emphasize the importance of consistency and steadfastness in our spiritual journey. It reminds us that true progress lies not only in grand gestures or momentous achievements but also in the seemingly mundane and ordinary actions we take each day. As we strive to live according to the principles of love, kindness, compassion, and integrity, we gradually become more like our Heavenly Father. The Lord recognizes and appreciates our efforts, no matter how small, because He understands that authentic growth requires consistent commitment.However, diving deeper into the quote, an unexpected philosophical concept arises – the idea of divine reciprocity. If the Lord finds pleasure in our daily efforts to become more like Him, could this imply that our endeavors, collectively, have an impact on His own divine nature? This thought challenges conventional beliefs about the immutable, unchanging nature of God. It suggests that our actions, even on a minute scale, can influence and shape the divine realm.This interpretation sparks intriguing philosophical contemplation. Could it be that as we strive to develop godly attributes, the essence of God Himself expands and evolves? If our efforts to emulate His character bring Him joy, then it follows that our progress contributes to His own growth and development. This concept introduces a profound sense of reciprocal transformation, blurring the lines between the individual and the divine.While this philosophical concept may be purely speculative, it invites us to reflect on the dynamic nature of our relationship with a divine being. It encourages us to consider the co-creation of our spiritual journey alongside that of our Heavenly Father. Rather than viewing our efforts as solely personal endeavors, this concept implies that our choices, actions, and character development have the potential to influence God in some capacity.Ultimately, regardless of whether this philosophical concept is true, the central message of Benson's quote remains unchanged. The Lord does indeed find pleasure in our smallest, daily efforts to become more like Him. It reminds us that our spiritual progression lies in the cumulative effect of the countless choices we make, the actions we take, and the attributes we cultivate. These seemingly insignificant efforts, when combined, shape us into more Christlike individuals and contribute to the greater tapestry of divinity.So, let us be encouraged by the knowledge that our smallest acts of righteousness and our persistent dedication to personal growth matter to the Lord. May we find solace and motivation in the understanding that our daily efforts, regardless of how minute they may seem, bring joy to God and align us more closely with His divine nature. And while we contemplate the philosophical possibilities that this quote unveils, let us humbly embrace the opportunity to co-create our spiritual journey with a God who delights in our sincere pursuit of becoming like Him.