Elder Richard G. Scott, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (deceased), wrote in his book ‘Finding Peace, Happiness and Joy:
“Our Father in Heaven wants us to enjoy peace and happiness in mortal life. Our Master, Jesus Christ, and His prophets have taught us how to have that peace and happiness, even in a world that is ever more challenging, with increasing conflict and an intense concentration of alluring temptations.
I will illustrate the wrong way to find peace and happiness, and then the proper way, by using an analogy to rock climbing. Some attempt to scale a difficult cliff by using a method called “soloing.” They ascend alone without equipment, companions, or any secure protection. They depend on their own skill, capacity, and experience. They do it for the emotional thrill of living on the edge with high risk. It is done despite the probability that, in time, they will fall and be seriously injured or lose their life. They are like many who face the challenges and temptations of life without the security of following the commandments of God, guided by the Holy Spirit. In today’s difficult world they will almost assuredly violate critical laws, with painful, destructive consequences. Do not “solo” in life. You will almost certainly fall into transgression.
There is a safer way to rock climb. When a pair of climbers tackles a difficult ascent, the leader scales a wall, placing anchors a few feet apart. His or her rope is linked to an anchor by a carabiner. Safety is assured by a companion, called a second, who is stationed in a very solid position. The lead is protected as the second belays, that is, carefully controls how the rope is payed out. In this way the lead is assured protection while ascending. Should there be an inadvertent misstep, the anchor will limit the fall, thus avoiding a serious consequence. The second not only secures the lead but gives encouragement with comments and signals as they communicate back and forth. Their goal is to enjoy a safe, exhilarating experience through overcoming a significant challenge. They employ techniques and equipment that are tried and proven. The essential equipment includes a secure harness, a reliable rope, a variety of anchors to be fixed to the rock face, a chalk bag to improve grip, and proper boots or special shoes that each climber can use to grip the surface of the steep wall.
The companionship has studied the rules and techniques of rock climbing. They have received instruction from experienced climbers and have practiced to become comfortable with proper moves and the use of equipment. They have planned a route to determine how they will work together. When the leader scales far enough and finds a convenient place that is very safe, he or she belays while taking up the rope as the second follows the pitch or length of the rope that has been extended. When the leader is reached the process is then repeated. One belays while the other climbs, inserting anchors every few feet as protection should there be an inadvertent fall. While technical rock climbing appears to be risky and dangerous, these precautions assure an exhilarating experience, safely accomplished by following correct principles.
In real life, the anchors are the laws of God, which provide protection under all the challenges that one could face. The rope and carabiners that secure the rope to the anchors represent obedience to the commandments of God. When you learn the commandments of God, continue to practice them, and have a plan to avoid danger you can overcome life’s challenges and enjoy peace and happiness. You will have secure means of obtaining protection against Satan’s temptations. You will develop strength of character that will fortify you against temptations. Should you make a wrong move, there need be no enduring consequence because of the belaying or help that is available to you through repentance.
Let the Savior be your “lead” in life. He has said, “I am…the Rock of Heaven. . . whoso cometh in at the gate and climbeth up by me shall never fall.”[Moses 7:53] The Redeemer will safely lead you through the most difficult challenges of life. His laws are absolutely secure anchors of protection that dispel fear and assure success in an otherwise dangerous world. Such a life will certainly provide you peace and happiness.
True, enduring happiness, with accompanying strength, courage and capacity to overcome the most challenging difficulties, will come as you center your life in Jesus Christ. Obedience to His teachings provide 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 challenges you face, the growth experiences you encounter, are intended to be temporary scenes played out on the stage of a life of continuing peace and happiness. Sadness, heartache, and disappointment are events in life. I do not minimize how hard some of these events can be. When the lesson you are to learn is very important, difficulties can extend over a long period of time, but they should not be allowed to become the defining focus of everything you do. Your life can and should be wondrously rewarding. It is your understanding and application of the laws of God that will give your life glorious purpose. That perspective keeps challenges confined to their proper place—stepping stones to further growth and attainment.
Your happiness in life depends upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His Holy Son, as well as your conviction that the plan of happiness of our Father truly can bring joy. Pondering Their doctrine will let you enjoy the beauties of this earth and enrich your relationship with others. It will lead you to the comforting, strengthening experiences that flow from prayer to Father in Heaven and the answers He gives in return.[James 5:16, Alma 5:45-46]
Peace and happiness are the precious fruits of a righteous life. They are possible only because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I will explain. . .” (to be continued) Richard G. Scott, ‘Finding Peace, Happiness and Joy’ (Salt Lake City, Deseret Book, 2007) p. 117-120
[1]
