The difference between happiness and misery in individuals, in marriages, and families often comes down to an error of only a few degrees.

The difference between happiness and misery in individuals, in marriages, and families often comes down to an error of only a few degrees....to hold fast to the counsel of the prophet just a little longer, may seem minor. But even small errors over time can make a dramatic difference in our lives.....an error of a few degrees has set us on a course for spiritual disaster.  Small errors and minor drifts away from the doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring sorrowful consequences into our lives. It is the early recognition of danger and a clear course correction that will keep you in the light of the gospel. Minor decisions can lead to major consequences....It is therefore of critical importance that we become self-disciplined enough to make early and decisive corrections to get back on the right track and not wait or hope that errors will somehow correct themselves.

The longer we delay corrective action, the larger the needed changes become, and the longer it takes to get back on the correct course—even to the point where a disaster might be looming.

The more we treasure the words of the prophets and apply them, the better we will recognize when we are drifting off course—even if only by a matter of a few degrees.

April 2008 General Conference, Dieter F. Uctdorf, A Matter of a Few Degrees