Diligence (Oct 2020 Conference Themes)

 This post is part of a series reflecting on October 2020 General Conference. Read the intro here. 

The first General Conference theme I focused on is diligence. 

This theme, I feel, came as an answer to a major issue in my life. I hear Elijah’s voice regularly, “How long halt ye between two opinions?” During Conference, I felt like the Lord was gently reminding me - “You have to be constant in your efforts. Choose this day whom you will serve, and do that. Consistent, daily decisions are the path to becoming like Christ. Press forward, push through. Keep going. Doin’t give up.” 

Diligence is basically steady and constant effort and work in the direction of a desired goal. That goal may be something really specific, or as broad as “becoming like Christ.” With anything we want to accomplish, it requires diligence - steady and constant effort and work. This is one meaning of the word faithful - to be faithful is to be committed, constant, and loyal. 

Another key to diligence is persistence - not giving up. We won’t reach our goal with a few days of effort. No, we need to be constant over a long period of time. Press forward, don’t give up. 

Also, I think we can sometimes get overwhelmed by diligence. It seems SO BIG and we have to do it FOREVER?? Well, that’s another piece of good news. The scriptures (and this General Conference) really emphasize that diligence is a marathon not a sprint. We are constant and steady over a long period of time because we rely on “small and simple means.” We know we will not achieve our goal overnight. The Lord says it is not requisite that we run faster than we have strength. And that’s what diligence is about - small, consistent efforts over time. 

One of the most important aspects of diligence (in my opinion), that probably won’t be mentioned in the dictionary, is grace - relying on the Lord’s strengthening power. We will not be able to go on steadily and constantly forever by relying on our own strength. If we want to make it, we need the Lord’s help. 

Here are some synonyms and other keys words associated with diligence: 

Steadfast, Firm, Immovable, Press forward, Endure, Faithful, Patience, Determination, Persistent, Commitment, Continue, Persevere

If you want to learn about diligence, I’d recommend going to the Topical Guide or Index to the Triple Combination and reading verses under those headings. 

The scriptures also promise so many rewards for diligence. Honestly, check them out! 

I think there is one verse that really encapsulates all these aspects of diligence. It’s a classic:

Alright, now that we know what diligence is, what did the speakers at General Conference teach about diligence?

Great question! Here are some quotes about diligence, organized under those five aspects of diligence (Some appear more than once, because they cover multiple categories).

Effort & Work

• “It takes persistent, rigorous spiritual work…It takes consistent, daily effort” (Pres Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail”)
• “Maintaining change takes effort” (Becky Craven, “Keep the Change”)
• “It is always worth the effort to keep trying” (Carlos A. Godoy, “I Believe Angels”)
• “Such adjustment requires a daily and constant personal effort” (Ulisses S. Soares, “Seek Christ in Every Thought”)
• “By their faithful endurance and effort, they became more like the Savior and our Heavenly Father” (Henry B. Eyring, “Tested, Proved, Polished”)
• “Your consistent efforts in this endeavor - even during those moments when you feel that you are not being particularly successful - will change your life, that of your family, and the world” (Jeremy R. Jaggi, “Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work, and Count It All Joy!”)
• "Commit to exerting meaningful effort. These attributes… will come incrementally while endeavoring…You will need to put in sustained effort. Much like climbing a mountain requires preparation before and endurance and perseverance during ascent, so too will this journey require real effort and sacrifice. True Christianity, in which we strive to become like our Master, has always required our best efforts.” (Scott D. Whiting, “Becoming Like Him”)

Steady & Constant (by small & simple means)

• “It takes persistent, rigorous spiritual work…It takes consistent, daily effort” (Pres Russell M. Nelson, “Let God Prevail”)
• "These attributes won’t come cheaply and suddenly, but through His grace they will come incrementally while endeavoring…In order to see real progress, you will need to put in sustained effort. Much like climbing a mountain requires preparation before and endurance and perseverance during ascent, so too will this journey require real effort and sacrifice. True Christianity, in which we strive to become like our Master, has always required our best efforts.” (Scott D. Whiting, “Becoming Like Him”)
• “Additional aspects of a spiritual foundation…include acting ‘in wisdom and order,’ which implies a gradual buildup…over time, as well as embracing “small and simple” means, which is a demonstration of faith that the Lord will magnify our small but consistent efforts” (W. Christopher Waddell, “There Was Bread”)
• “We endure to the end by continuing to apply these principles….Our daily choices will either help or hinder our progress. Small but steady, deliberate changes will help us improve.” (Becky Craven, “Keep the Change”)
• “Your consistent efforts in this endeavor - even during those moments when you feel that you are not being particularly successful - will change your life, that of your family, and the world” (Jeremy R. Jaggi, “Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work, and Count It All Joy!”)
• ““I may not soon make it to the top, but I can do this next step right now.” Over time the daunting task ultimately became achievable—step by step” (Scott D. Whiting, “Becoming Like Him”)
• “Such adjustment requires a daily and constant personal effort” (Ulisses S. Soares, “Seek Christ in Every Thought”)
• “With [God’s] help and our faithfulness and endurance, we will prevail” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Be of Good Cheer”)

Grace (relying on the Lord’s strength and power)

• “Humbling ourselves and seeking heaven’s inspiration to endure or conquer what is before us will be our safest and surest way to move confidently forward” (M. Russell Ballard, “Watch Ye Therefore, and Pray Always”)
• “We are never alone in our efforts” (Sharon Eubank, “By Union of Feeling We Obtain Power With God”)
• “The Lord is ready to assist us in our personal efforts” (Ulisses S. Soares, “Seek Christ in Every Thought”)
• “The Lord will magnify our small but consistent efforts” (W. Christopher Waddell, “There Was Bread”)
• “He will send angels to help you” (Carlos A. Godoy, “I Believe Angels”)
• “Combining our efforts with the Savior’s ability to change us, we become new creatures….In addition to the transforming power of our Savior’s Atonement, the Holy Ghost will support and guide us as we put forth our effort” (Becky Craven, “Keep the Change”)
• "These attributes won’t come cheaply and suddenly, but through His grace they will come” (Scott D. Whiting, “Becoming Like Him”)
• “With [God’s] help and our faithfulness and endurance, we will prevail”(Dallin H. Oaks, “Be of Good Cheer”)

At All Times & Unto the End

• “Such adjustment…takes a lifetime of diligence and faithfulness” (Ulisses S. Soares, “Seek Christ in Every Thought”)
• “We endure to the end by continuing to apply these principles throughout our lives…Do not become discouraged. Change is a lifelong process” (Becky Craven, “Keep the Change”)

Rewards & Promises

• “The Lord…promises remarkable blessings if we endure to the end” (Ulisses S. Soares, “Seek Christ in Every Thought”)
• “Your consistent efforts in this endeavor - even during those moments when you feel that you are not being particularly successful - will change your life, that of your family, and the world” (Jeremy R. Jaggi, “Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work, and Count It All Joy!”)
• “Our faith will grow as we experiment on the word of God with hope and diligence” (Lisa Harkness, “Peace, Be Still”)
• “By their faithful endurance and effort, they became more like the Savior and our Heavenly Father” (Henry B. Eyring, “Tested, Proved, Polished”)
• “With [God’s] help and our faithfulness and endurance, we will prevail” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Be of Good Cheer”)

Find all the General Conference addresses here. 

Fantasia: Discussion Guide for Parents

Walt Disney Pictures, 1940

All information below is general suggestions and ideas. 

Always adapt to your family’s situation and beliefs and the needs of individual children. 

Content Warnings:

• Some music and accompanying animation is intense and may trouble sensitive viewers.
• Sorcerer’s Apprentice animates brooms and kills some; near drowning. 
• Dinosaurs hunt, attack, defend, kill.  
• Semi-nudity - topless centaurettes, naked cherubs/cupids (see buttocks, no genitals), breasts of spirit women
• Alcohol/drunkeness (implied)
• Depictions of Satan, disembodied spirits rising from graves

Before Beginning:

Fantasia is an anthology film. Watched at once, (in my opinion), it’s kind of long and boring,  for any age, really. Kids and teens may enjoy watching one movement at a time. 

Discussion Questions

1. In “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” things get out of hand while the sorcerer is away. What kind of things went wrong? How could the apprentice have made things go differently?

• The apprentice used the sorcerer’s magic hat - he took something that did not belong to him, which he did not have permission to use. 
• The apprentice used magic to make the brooms do his work, rather than doing it himself. He sat in idleness while the brooms did the work for him. 
• The apprentice fell asleep and was surprised by how things got out of hand. He was not paying attention.

2. In “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” things got out of control until the apprentice was spinning down a whirlpool - he was in big trouble and unable to save himself. Just in time, the sorcerer returned and saved him. How is this like our own struggle with sinned the Savior’s role? 

• Sin grows bigger and bigger, until it seems to engulf us. We can’t get ourselves out. The Savior can come and rescue us. We respond and give our thanks by following Him, just as an apprentice follows his master. 

3. “Rites of Spring” (and the conductor’s introduction) depicts the beginnings of life on earth. Read the Creation story in the scriptures. How are the series similar? how are they different? What can we learn from the scriptures and from scientific discoveries about God and our world? 

• Discuss nonliteral interpretations of scripture. Scripture’s primary goal is to teach us about God and humanity, not history or scientific inquiry. What can we learn from scripture about the nature of God, the earth, and humanity (even if the story didn’t happen in six literal days)?
• Pay attention to the order of things - what kind of life appears first, second, third - in scripture and the film? Consider researching surest scientific theories - how does their order compare? 

4. In “The Pastoral Symphony,” the black pegasus tries to fly many times, but falls. Each time, his Mother comes to carefully pick him up. How is this similar to the Savior, who comes to our rescue after we fall? The pegasus continues to get up and try again. This is an example of perseverance. How can you practice perseverance? 
5. While the creatures are celebrating a festival in “The Pastoral Symphony,” it begins to rain and Zeus sends down thunderbolts. Why do you think he does this? Once the rain clear, the creatures come back out and there is a rainbow in the sky. How is this part of the story similar to and different from Noah’s ark and the rainbow which follows? 
6. In “Night on Bald Mountain,” what happened to the creatures when the church bells started ringing? How is this symbolic of what happens in our lives when the Savior enters?

• Example: When Satan reigned, there was chaos and darkness. After the church bells rang, Satan and the spirits surrendered their power and the light took over. When we live in sin, things are dark and chaotic. When we follow the Savior we can have light and hope.

7. “Ave Maria” is a song about Mary, Jesus' mother. What do we learn in the scriptures about Mary? How is she an example of faith?

Scripture Connections

• Laziness/Idleness and Work. Gen 3:19; 2 Chron 15:7; Proc 14:23; Matt 25:14-27; Acts 20:33-34; 2 Nephi 5:17; Mosiah 2:14, 23:5; D&C 42:42; Moses 4:25
• Sin & Redemption. Rom 3:23, 5:12, 6:6, 6:12-23; Eph 2:5; Heb 12:1; 1 John 5:17; 1 Nephi 10:6; Helaman 6:30; D&C 88:86
• Creation. Gen 1:1-2:22; Exodus 31:17; Moses 1:33, 2:26-3:22; Abraham 4:1-5:17
• Perseverance. John 8:3; Col 1:23; Heb 12:1; D&C 6:13
• Noah’s Ark. Gen 5:29-9:17, Moses 7:42-8:30

Ideas for Further Study

• Fantasia uses music from a full orchestra. Research the sections that make up and orchestra. Choose one instrument to learn more about.
• Think of parts of the movie that stood out to you.  Research the composer of the music and write about their life and music career (or, for the segments from a ballet, research choreographers). Attend a performance of classical music or dance. 
• Ekphrastic art is art inspired by other art (traditionally, poetry inspired by visual art). Fantasia is an example of ekphrastic art - it’s visual art inspired by existing music. Try your own ekphrastic exercise. Start with a piece of visual art or instrumental music. Experience the art and create something (visual, poetry, a story, music) based on what you saw, heard, felt, thought while experiencing the original art. 
• “The Nutcracker” portion of the film included many beautiful plants and flowers. Research some of them. Draw your own plant/flower artwork. Visit a public garden or arboretum. What plants grow naturally where you live?
• An apprentice is a person who studies under a master to learn their work (like making shoes or clothes, farming). Research what apprenticeship was like in the past. Or, research a job you might like to do in the future. See if one child or the whole family can shadow an occupation for a day. 
• “Rite of Spring” depicts the beginnings of life on earth. Research theories about early life on earth. Visit a science or natural history museum. 
• The “Rite of Spring” scene shows many animals and creatures that are extinct. Choose one that interests you and learn more about it. Or, choose an animal that lives on the earth now but is endangered (may become extinct soon). Visit a science or natural history museum.
• Learn more about Mount Olympus. Who are the gods and other creatures that live there? Choose one that interests you and research it. 
• “Dance of the Hours” includes animals dancing ballet. Research something about ballet that interest you (history, how pointe shoes are made, a dancer living today). Try your hand at ballet by watching a youtube video or attending a class.