Don't 'solo' in life
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A loving Father in Heaven wants His children to enjoy peace and happiness in mortal life — but there is the wrong way to seek such happiness, and the proper way.
That was the direction given by Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve on Saturday afternoon. The Church leader described two opposing rock climbing techniques as an analogy to the right and wrong way to find peace and happiness. Some climbers, he said, use a risky method called "soloing" to ascend a difficult rock cliff. They climb without equipment and companions, depending entirely on their own skill.
"They are like many who face the challenges and the temptations of life without the security of following the commandments of God, guided by the Holy Spirit," Elder Scott said. "In today's difficult world, they will almost surely violate critical laws, with painful, destructive consequences. Do not 'solo' in life. You will almost certainly fall into transgression."
Other climbers ascend a rock cliff with the assistance of a second climber and well-utilized equipment. They are well prepared for their climb and adhere to proven safety principles, including the fixing of anchors to the rock face.
"In real life, the anchors are the laws of God that provide protection under all of the challenges that you will face," Elder Scott said. "The ropes and carabineers that secure the rope to the anchors represent obedience to those commandments. When you learn those commandments, continue to practice them and have a plan to avoid danger, you will have a secure means of obtaining protection against Satan's temptations."
True enduring happiness, he added, comes when one centers his or her life in Jesus Christ. "Obedience to His teachings provides a secure ascent in the journey of life. That takes effort. While there is no guarantee of overnight results, there is the assurance that, in the Lord's time, solutions will come, peace will prevail, and happiness will be yours."
The Lord is intent on the personal growth and development of His followers, Elder Scott said.
"Your progress is accelerated when you willingly allow Him to lead you through every growth experience you encounter, whether you welcome this experience or not. Trust in the Lord. Ask to be led by the Spirit to know His will. Be willing to accept it. You will then qualify for the greatest happiness and the heights of attainment from this mortal experience."
Everyone makes mistakes; they result in broken, eternal laws. Justice is that part of Father in Heaven's plan of happiness that maintains order, Elder Scott said.
"The demands of justice for broken law can be satisfied through mercy, earned by your continual repentance and obedience to the laws of God. Such repentance and obedience are absolutely essential for the Atonement to work its complete miracle in your life."
