In an interview shortly after receiving his call as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Elder Patrick Kearon said: “I see greater simplicity now in the gospel than I have ever seen […]” (1). Clearly, he was not suggesting that his calling would be simple. Quite to the contrary, he also talked about his “shock and the very shaking nature of this call” (2). In other words, just a few days after this sacred call to be an apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ, Elder Kearon focused on the simplicity of the gospel rather than the complexity of his calling. This fact made me reflect upon the lesson “that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (3).
We live in a world of increased complexity. Just in the last 25 years a host of technological and sociological changes have occurred that affect most of us on a daily basis (4). While the world may have always been complex, the current flood of information coming into our homes, including differences of opinion, social and political uncertainty, as well as environmental changes may at times appear overwhelming. It feels like “the whole earth [is] in commotion […]” (5). So, what then is our answer to this increased complexity?
“The answer to the simplest questions and to the most complex problems is always the same. The answer is Jesus Christ. Every solution is found in Him” (6). The Apostle Paul teaches us to focus on “the simplicity that is in Christ” (7). In a world of increasing complexity, Jesus Christ can help us understand what really matters most (8).
President Nelson reminded us: “The adversary is clever. For millennia he has been making good look evil and evil look good. His messages tend to be loud, bold, and boastful. […] However, messages from our Heavenly Father are strikingly different. He communicates simply, quietly, and with such stunning plainness that we cannot misunderstand Him” (9).
So when the world is loudly shouting mixed messages that are confusing, overwhelming and apparently complex, applying the simplicity that is in Christ means turning down these loud voices and, as Elder Uchtdorf suggests, to take a “step back, look at your life from a higher plane, and simplify your approach to discipleship. Focus on the basic doctrines, principles, and applications of the gospel” (10).
I have learned the reality of this in my own life. When dealing with challenges in my family, work, or church callings, relying on my own strength alone was often not a successful approach. But asking myself the simple question – “What would Jesus do?” (11) or considering simple gospel principles that might be applicable to my current situation helped me to draw on heavenly powers and to deal with these challenges in a much better way. The problems would not necessarily go away, but I found strength, hope, and focus in working through or living with my concerns. Confusion was replaced by clarity of thought and purpose.
Elder Ballard often reminded us: “Keep it simple. It is in that simplicity that you will find […] peace, joy, and happiness […]” (12). Of this I also testify.
- “Elder Kearon’s Message to News Media: Turn to the Source of All Peace — Jesus Christ”, 23 January 2024 – Salt Lake City News Release
- “Elder Kearon’s Message to News Media: Turn to the Source of All Peace — Jesus Christ”, 23 January 2024 – Salt Lake City News Release
- Alma 37:6
- Compare Rita McGrath, in Harvard Business Review, August 31, 2011
- Doctrine & Covenants 45:26
- Ryan K. Olson, “The Answer Is Jesus”, General Conference October 2022
- 2 Corinthians 11:3
- See Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Of Things That Matter Most”, General Conference October 2010
- Russel M. Nelson, “Hear Him”, General Conference April 2020
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “It Works Wonderfully!”, General Conference October 2015
- See Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Cost—and Blessings—of Discipleship”, General Conference April 2014
- M. Russel Ballard, “The True, Pure, and Simple Gospel of Jesus Christ”, General Conference April 2019