Simplicity

Elder Russell M. Nelson quoted President Joseph F. Smith's closing remarks from the October 1912 General Conference in his talk this afternoon. (The parts Elder Nelson quoted are italicized.)

"[T]here is such a thing as overdoing. A man may fast and pray till he kills himself; and there isn't any necessity for it; nor wisdom in it. I say to my brethren, when they are fasting, and praying for the sick, and for those that need faith and prayer, do not go beyond what is wise and prudent in fasting and prayer. The Lord can hear a simple prayer, offered in faith, in half a dozen words, and he will recognize fasting that may not continue more than twenty-four hours, just as readily and as effectually as He will answer a prayer of a thousand words and fasting for a month. Now, remember it. I have in mind elders now on missions, anxious to excel their associates, each wants to get the most "red marks" of credit, and so he will exert himself beyond his strength; and it is unwise to do it. The Lord will accept that which is enough, with a good deal more pleasure and satisfaction than that which is too much and unnecessary. It is good to be earnest, good to be diligent, to persevere, and to be faithful all the time, but we may go to extremes in these things; when we do not need to. The Word of Wisdom dictates that when we become weary we should stop and rest."

This is one of the most profound things I've ever heard in General Conference: "The Lord will accept that which is enough".

The Lord judges us on our efforts, not our results. When we do our best, come what may, we are justified before God.

That is incredibly comforting to know.