Most devotionals and Church talks are reminders of things we already ought to know. If I had known Tuesday’s devotional by President Clark was going to be about keeping the Honor Code, then perhaps I wouldn’t have been very motivated to attend the devotional.

I may have thought it more convenient to halfway listen to it on the radio broadcast while doing some homework in my apartment. Somehow I managed to make it to the devotional where I received one of the greatest lessons I have learned at BYU-Idaho.

Reflecting on my own previous attitude towards certain “small rules” that are included in the Honor Code, I wonder how many students here take to heart the spirit of the law as described in President Clark’s talk.

How important is it that I shave my stubble or not enter my Home Evening sister’s apartment at 11:30 a.m. for a late breakfast. I guess it’s a question of how much I believe that this is the Lord’s university.

President Clark taught that from small means great things come to pass. He said over time our small actions of kindness and goodwill can have a great influence for good. A devastating effect is true for small acts of disobedience over a long period of time.

During my time in Rexburg, I have seen that most students are in the “zone of discipleship” described by President Clark; they keep the spirit and the letter of the law, while very few are not. Admittedly, I have mingled from time to time in other zones with lackadaisical effort to be all the Lord expects out of me here at BYU-I.

Most of us may be in the “discipleship zone,” but many students tend to mingle from time to time in other zones with the notion that it is OK because they are obedient “most of the time.” Sadly, I had seen it on many occasions and thought little of it until last Tuesday.

The devotional really caused me to think about the importance of these little rules, and about my place here. I am holding a place in this university that many worthy members would gladly replace. Am I worth it? Are you worth it?

The discipleship zone requires a willing heart and mind. It’s not too late to change our hearts and habits. When we commit ourselves to following President Clark’s counsel, we open ourselves to great blessings.

I think we all owe it to the Lord and to ourselves to make this year one of absolute obedience and discipleship.