Opinions differ on every aspect of society these days from styles we wear to what taxes are fair. As many people as you ask about any given subject, they will give you a different take on it. Some question whether a right or wrong even exists. Is there such a thing as truth or is it just a relative idea?
This is question is growing increasingly common especially on college campuses and BYU is no exception. For many the first time they leave their parents direct sphere of influence is when they start college and so it is a time for them to begin to think for themselves and form their own opinions. However, that does not mean that their parent’s teachings are forgotten. The Mormon belief is that people are ultimately free to choose who and what they want to be but most often the principles that parents instill shape the base that they will build their lives upon.
The Book of Mormon teaches principles that bring blessings and happiness.
That brings me to the thoughts I had this week as I read from the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Christ in 1 Nephi. The prophet speaking here is named Lehi and he had a vision. In this vision he saw a straight and narrow path that ran along a ravine and river of water. The path led to a tree whose fruit was “sweet above all that was sweet … and desirable to make one happy.” Overshadowing the path was a mist of darkness that made it impossible for one to see and along side the path ran an iron-rod, like a handrail. In this vision, Lehi sees great numbers of people advancing towards the path, hoping to reach the tree and partake of the fruit. Some people started forward and as they walked they could not see the path anymore due to the darkness and they wandered off and were lost. Some people walked near the rod and only held lightly and at some point they slipped and fell into the ravine. Others seized hold of the rod and followed it with all their strength until they reached the tree and ate of the fruit.
As I read that, I pictured the rod as representing principles that people are taught. If people choose to believe that there is a truth or that it is all relative, that does not change the truth: Christian principles, learned and followed bring true happiness and fulfillment. Those that did not follow Christian principles [the rod] were quickly lost. Those that stayed close by but did not stick to them completely also fell victim of circumstance and the difficulty of the journey. Only those who knew the principles of the gospel and clung to them ever made it to their goal of tasting of the fruit.
This I have seen in my own family. Some of my cousins were brought up in a home where they were free to believe whatever they wanted. Others were taught correct principles but they choose not to live them. And still others were taught Christian principles and lived their lives based on them. Talking to all three they tell me how they feel and what they want in life and only the one who lived what he believed feels peace and happiness. It shows that the vision Lehi saw taught truth. It also reveals that the truth is that religious principles, when lived in a daily manner, can get us through the mists of darkness we all pass through and bring us to the fruit of happiness.
By Stuart M.
Stuart is from Las Vegas and is studying pre-med at BYU. He enjoys playing sports, studying, and music.
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