How can we apply editing principles to living the gospel?

Living the gospel is a process of refinement and improvement, much like the process of editing a piece of writing. Here are a few ways that we can apply editing principles to our spiritual lives:

First, we need to clarify our purpose. In the same way that an editor needs to understand the purpose of a piece of writing in order to edit it effectively, we need to have a clear sense of our purpose as followers of the gospel. What are our goals and values? What do we want to achieve in this life and the next? Once we have a clear sense of our purpose, we can align our thoughts, words, and actions accordingly.

Second, we need to cut out the clutter. Good editors know how to trim excess words and ideas to create a clear and concise message. Similarly, in living the gospel, we need to cut out the clutter in our lives. This might mean simplifying our schedules, letting go of material possessions that distract us from our spiritual goals, or eliminating negative influences from our lives.

Third, we need to focus on the essentials. When editing a piece of writing, it's important to focus on the most essential elements: the main idea, the key points, the supporting evidence. Similarly, in living the gospel, it's important to focus on the essentials: loving God and our neighbors, serving others, obeying commandments, seeking knowledge and understanding, and repenting when we fall short.

Fourth, we need to use feedback to improve. A good editor is always open to feedback and criticism, because it helps them improve their work. Similarly, as we seek to live the gospel, we should be open to feedback from others, including leaders, family members, and friends. Feedback can help us identify areas where we need to improve and make course corrections as needed.

Finally, we need to polish our character. Just as an editor polishes a piece of writing to make it shine, we should strive to polish our character by living the gospel more fully. This might involve developing Christlike attributes such as patience, kindness, and forgiveness, or seeking opportunities to serve others in meaningful ways. As we make these changes, we become more like our Heavenly Father and draw closer to Him.