Although many felt their way toward that building, Lehi noted that “numberless concourses of people” first started out on the path that leads to eternal life. Along that path, mists of darkness arose and many became lost; but others found their way to an iron railing that, if they held to it tightly, would guide them all the way to the Tree of Life which bore the fruit of eternal life.
Those who made their way to the tree were of two types.
On the one hand were those who pressed forward toward the tree with a sense of faith, humility and dedication, who then partook of the fruit of the tree and remained ever faithful enjoying the blessings of eternal life.
On the other hand, there were some who, clinging to that iron rod, came and ate of the fruit of the tree, but then became ashamed because of the taunting and teasing of those other people who had made their way to the building without any foundation.
In the world and in the Church today, there remain echoes of those types of people seen in Lehi's dream.
There are countless people for whom the world's promises, trends and ideas are supremely attractive. They gravitate toward a philosophy of life that justifies doing what feels right in the moment, at least provided your neighbour happens to agree. Today, the world is largely guided by an ethics based on relativism and shame rather than a commitment to eternal truth and values.
Those who do seek eternal truths often are feeling their way in darkness, trusting in teachers who seem to say the right words but are themselves as lost in the mist as those who follow them; but for those who want it, there is an iron rod, a railing that guides us to the source of eternal life. The iron rod is the Gospel of Jesus Christ which, if understood and observed, will bring us safely to that source, which is the love of God freely shared through Jesus Christ.
Of those who find their way, there are still two types.
Some, finding the source of eternal life, being baptized and blessed with the Gift of the Holy Ghost, yet fall away. They hear the words of those who choose instead the relative values of the world, and, worse still, they heed them. That is, they listen, and they believe, and so they feel shame or guilt, uncertainty, or other kinds of doubt, that cause them to slip away from the Church and Gospel, gaining the approval of the world, but potentially losing the gift of eternal life.
Each of us is continually at risk of joining that group.
We are social creatures, and we want the approval of those around us.
The more prominent, attractive, intelligent or humorous some people are,
the more likely we are
to enjoy and desire their approbation,
to join their club,
to be part of their circle.
This is part of the reason why we forward their videos and quotations on social media, join trends and share memes; to be part of that larger group that we perceive as being aware, wise, or popular.
Many of them are permanent residents in that building that has no base; and if we buy into their balconied view of the world, we might well start to find our self-esteem, self-image and self-confidence undercut. We might not feel prepared to stand alone in a world that mocks the values we believe to be so dear, and that strong desire within us to be approved, to be liked, to be respected, might drag us back from the source of life to which we have come to partake.
So how are we to be protected from making that decision, from sliding back into the waiting arms of the world?
First:
it has nothing to do with your circumstances.
Second:
it has everything to do with your character.
It is so easy for us to blame what goes on around us or is done to us as the reasons for our being held back from gospel progress. Often, this blame is easy to place because our circumstances really are very bad. Around us there may be family strife, addictions, poverty, victimization, and deceit; we may not have the inherent gifts, talents or intelligence of others; we may be out of shape, overweight, underweight, too short, too tall; we might not have the looks we find attractive; we may be alone or, even if surrounded by so-called friends and family, we may not be understood or appreciated. There are all sorts of ways that life can dump on us and make us feel bad about who we are and what we want to do. We might even suffer from exactly the opposite of all those afflictions, and because of our talents, good looks, wealth or popularity, be judged or made to bear the burden of expectations that don't conform to our desires.
Every circumstance we suffer is a challenge
that causes us to determine who we are.
Do we cave in to the pressures of misfortune or social judgement? Or do we decide for ourselves the ground on which we will stand, and let the winds around us blow where and however strong they may?
"As for me and my house,"
as said the prophet Joshua,
"we will serve the Lord."
In 2011 a talk given by Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles called “Living a Life of Peace, Joy and Purpose,” he offered 10 keys – principles and practices that relate to the development of a character that is consistent with the eternal truths taught in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that lead us to eternal life – keys to happiness. He described them as “10 specific things to help you be successful in the plan the Lord would have you follow in your life.”
by which you live in your home, work, school, community and church life. Don't allow exceptions to those standards. Be loyal to your parents, your loved ones, the Lord and his Church. Live so that the Lord can guide you to be where you ought to be and serve as you ought to serve. Serve. Smile. Don't complain. Always have a church assignment. Go to and worship in the Temple. Use the Saviour Jesus Christ as your example for life.Establish principles |
They will strengthen you.
But let's not fall into the trap of being superficial in our understanding.
Why will these things strengthen you? How can they protect you against the influences and instrumentalities of the world?
They strengthen you because
they discipline your character.
They require you to make decisions and then to stand by them. They direct you to assume and fulfill obligations for the benefit of others and not only yourself. They cause you to see yourself as an agent in the world, capable of acting, not only of being acted upon. They remove the attitude of victimization and impose the opportunity for heroism. They remind you that there are not only those who look on you to judge who you are what you do, but also those who seek from you an example of how they should lead their lives.
They protect you by guiding you toward and helping you maintain your hold upon the iron rod that leads to the Tree of Life. Both the rod and the tree are representations of the Atonement, power and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This is the ultimate key:
In the final analysis,
the truth is,
you won't make it without Him.
Only those who held to the iron rod made their way to the Tree of Life. Of them, only those who humbled themselves in gratitude for His grace remained faithful after partaking of the fruit.
You will succeed, in this life and the next, if you centre your life upon Jesus Christ.
Frankly, even employing those 10 principles or keys that Elder Scott shared – or any other patterns, principles or practices for success that are taught in the world or in the Church – will not ultimately bring you lasting peace or fullest joy without sincere faith in his loving presence and eternal grace.
Therefore, if I had just one opportunity to say to you just one thing that would help you to find peace, happiness and success in your life, I would say immerse yourself in the life and knowledge of your Lord Jesus Christ.
I believe there is no lasting peace in a life without Jesus.
There may be some happiness, there certainly can be some fun, as well as loving and kind relationships, but to weather all the storms that life can bring, and to have certainty about the path you are on, only faith in Jesus Christ will suffice.
Perhaps that all sounds too simple, too trite, and too concise. Perhaps the secret of life should seem more complex in our utterly complex-seeming world.
But the truth is simple; and Jesus is the truth.
To establish your life upon the principles of His Gospel,
choose first, faith,
which is grounded in the knowledge of His life, His teachings and His sacrifice for us;
and hope,
which is based upon the experience of His grace;
and charity and love, which grow in the hearts of those who are cleansed by His Atonement.
Then, develop and rely upon the related principles of
virtue,
knowledge,
temperance,
patience,
kindness,
godliness,
humility and
diligence.
These are both the outcomes and expressions of our appreciation and love for God and Jesus Christ.
And when you have done this, make no exceptions to those standards whether at home, work, school, church or anywhere else. Keep the commandments and pray always, so that you will have His Spirit to guide and teach you. Attend and participate in church regularly and, when properly prepared, attend the temple often so that you can be strengthened in your understanding, faith and service.
As you seek his help, the Lord will send his Spirit, even the Holy Ghost, to guide you in service and love toward others.
Be honest and keep your promises;
be generous and kind;
serve others as He did, giving freely of the talents and gifts with which he was blessed, sharing knowledge, support and encouragement to all who need it.
Also be positive and glad.
Remember in the face of all your afflictions how He both divided one sea and calmed another, and with what ease and confidence He shared His grace to heal the sick, to uplift the sorrowing, to feed the hungry, and even to raise the dead.
Trust that He can also cause all your troubles, fears and sorrows to cease.
Lastly, please remember that there are those who are looking to your example. Let them see the light and love of Jesus Christ through your smiling countenance; speak His words, and do His deeds.
If you will do these things, the Lord will strengthen your resolve and your exercise of faith, He will grow your character so that you will be an instrument of good in the world.
Elder Scott closes his article in this way, as I do this entry:
“As Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have experiences that are very sacred that allow us to bear our testimony of His name and of His power. I do that with deep conviction. Jesus Christ loves you. He will guide you in your life. In times of great challenge, when you are perplexed about which turn to take, kneel down and ask your Father in Heaven to bless you and let your faith in the Savior and His Atonement be the rock and foundation of your successful life.” |