Effort is required

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Nothing in the gospel of Jesus Christ is meant to come easily.  Heavenly Father imparts freely of His spirit, but it is after we show how much we really desire to have that spirit in our lives.

In Matthew 11:29-30 the Savior says: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." The yoke is not easy the moment we put it on, we have to do some work -- "learn of me" -- and when we do, we will find rest, and strength.

When we show effort, things become easier.  It's like weightlifting.  When we first pick up that 20lb dumbbell, it can be hard to lift it for a set.  The more we make the effort to lift that dumbbell, however, the stronger our muscles get, and the easier it is to lift it.  Studying the scriptures is the same.  It takes some effort at first, to find the time, to understand what we are reading, to find additional resources to help us better clarify their meaning, etc..  But the more we do it, the stronger we get. 

Then we pick up the heavier weights! : )