Denying Ourselves in Small Things

The Savior's directions will be found, on a careful examination, to harmonize in a wonderful manner with the tendencies and operations of the human mind. Under their wonderful simplicity, great insight and true wisdom, (estimating them even on human principles,) will be discovered to be hidden. "Whosoever," the Savior says in Mark 8:34, "will come after me, let him deny himself,  and take up the cross, and follow me."

This command, which of course applies to the will as well as other things, is universal. It implies, if we must deny ourselves in great things, we must deny ourselves also in those which are small. Such are the laws of the human mind, that indulgence in the latter will take away our strength, and deprive us of victory in the former. Deny thyself, therefore, in small things; subject thy will, in matters of minor importance, that thou mayest have power to conquer in things which are more difficult.

— edited and adapted from A Treatise on Divine Union (1851) Part 5, Chapter 5.