On a sunny afternoon, I found myself on a nature walk with my grandchildren, exploring the wonders of the forest. As we wandered, we stumbled upon a large alder tree, its trunk riddled with holes and decay. The sight piqued the curiosity of my ever-inquisitive grandkids.
“Grandpa, how did that tree get so many holes in it?' they asked, their eyes wide with wonder. I couldn't resist a playful response.
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'Monsters did that,' I said with a grin, knowing full well the incredulous 'no way' would follow. But their curiosity was not so easily satisfied.
'No, really, Papa, how did those holes get in there?' they pressed.
This was my teaching moment. 'Remember that grub you found the other day?' I asked.
'Yes,' the eldest granddaughter replied, her memory sharp.
'Well, that little white grub and many other insects started all this tree damage,' I explained. Their eyes widened with intrigue.
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'How did that happen?' they asked curiously.
'Well,' I began, 'the white grub turned into a beetle and began eating the soft, wet parts of the tree. Soon, other bugs followed, attracting woodpeckers, which feast on beetles and insects. The woodpeckers' constant pecking caused holes in the tree. Over time, the holes got bigger with the help of other animals and, of course, grandkids poking their sticks into the rotten holes”, I teased! “Eventually, the tree lost its green leaves and its once-stellar majesty, and it began to die.'
Small Decisions Can Have Huge Effects
As we continued our walk, I couldn't help but reflect on how this tree's story mirrors our own lives. Our bodies are like trees, and our thoughts are like the insects that can either nurture or pollute our minds. It doesn't take much—a negative or impure thought here and there can easily begin to poison our thoughts and lead to impure actions. These 'thought bugs' invite constant hammering of our souls when we are not watchful or seeking to do good.
The scriptures remind us of this truth: 'For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he' (Proverbs 23:7). Our thoughts shape our character, our actions, and ultimately, our destiny. Just as the tree's decay began with a small grub, our spiritual decay can begin with a single negative thought. As Elder L. Tom Perry taught, “Inescapably our thoughts shape our lives.” (Conference Report, Oct. 2000, 60).
We Must Pull the Weeds in Our Lives Immediately
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to let our guard down and allow negative thoughts to take root. These thoughts can be as subtle as a whisper, yet they have the power to influence our actions and attitudes. Over time, if left unchecked, they can create spiritual holes in our hearts and minds. But just as the tree can be protected from decay, so too can we guard our minds and hearts from spiritual decay. The Saviour declared, “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:45). Constant virtue ensures us that spiritual decay is never permanent and through the restorative power of Christ’s Atonement, we can confidently follow His invitation to “Walk with Me” (Moses 6:34).
Here are five ways to nurture positive thoughts and protect ourselves from spiritual decay:
Be Mindful of What We Consume: Just as the tree was vulnerable to insects, our minds are vulnerable to the influences around us. Be mindful of the media, conversations, and environments in which you engage. Choose uplifting and edifying content that strengthens your spirit.
Practice Gratitude: Gratitude is a powerful antidote to negative thinking. By focusing on the blessings in our lives, we can shift our perspective and cultivate a positive mindset. Take time each day to reflect on the things you are truly grateful for.
Seek Spiritual Nourishment: Regular prayer, scripture study, and participation in Church activities provide spiritual nourishment that strengthens our minds and hearts. These practices help us align our thoughts with God's will and invite His Spirit into our lives.
Repent and Forgive: When negative thoughts creep in, it's important to repent and seek forgiveness. Repentance not only stops further decay—it is the divine process that heals what may already have been damaged. Through the grace of Jesus Christ, true repentance fully restores our hearts and minds. The Lord promises that when we sincerely repent, “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). He assures us that “he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:42). Through His infinite Atonement, He not only protects us from future spiritual decay but makes the “holes” in our symbolic tree as though they never existed. Likewise, forgiving others and ourselves frees us from the burden of negativity that festers in our souls.
Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Just as the tree was affected by its environment, we are influenced by the people who surround us. Choose friends and mentors who uplift and inspire you to be your best self.
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As we concluded our nature walk, I hoped my grandchildren would remember the lesson of the alder tree. Our thoughts, like the insects in the tree, have the power to shape our lives. Yet, through repentance and the grace of Jesus Christ, any damage caused by impure thoughts or actions can be completely healed. Elder Neal A. Maxwell warned, “What we insistently desire, over time, is what we will eventually become and what we will receive in eternity” (Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 21). By being vigilant and intentional about the thoughts we entertain, and turning to the Saviour in humble repentance, we can protect our minds and hearts from spiritual decay, drawing us closer to our Heavenly Father and our heavenly home.