Following the Path
Some years ago, on an unseasonably warm January day two rock climbers began setting up for a day of climbing in Red Rock Canyon. The selected route would be a challenging 2000 ft ascent, one that neither of the climbers had ever before attempted. Doing their best to follow their guidebook’s instructions to locate the start of the climb, the climbers scanned the red and yellow sandstone walls to find the telltale marks of white chalk commonly used by climbers to ensure a secure grip on the rock face. The chalk marks are usually noticeable on popular climbing routes especially during the dry summer when it might stay in place for days. But at that time in January when there is much less climbing activity the rock was completely clean. Unsure of whether they were in the right place or not, the climbers did their best to follow the route. The lead climber started out with chalked up hands setting anchors into the small cracks and crevices along the way. The climbers made their way up the routes alternating between the lead and follower. It became a perfect day for climbing as the Sun shone on the south facing slope making the rock warm to the touch. Though the climb was challenging for both climbers, the follower always had an easier time knowing where to place his hand on secure holds since the lead climber’s chalked handprints had marked the path and the anchors and rope led the way for the second to follow. After reaching the top of the mountain the climbers were completely stoked about their accomplishment and the amazing views they were rewarded with as they sat basking in the afternoon Sun.
In our journey through life, we might find many other scenarios in which we rely on others to mark a path and lead the way for us to follow.
Jesus Christ has marked the path and led the way to return to live with and become like our Heavenly Father. Jesus was completely obedient to his Father’s will, though he was without sin he went to one with authority to be baptized that he might to fulfill all righteousness. He submitted himself to drink the bitter cup of our salvation, he submitted himself to suffer as only God could, and he submitted himself to his captors and died so that he could break the bonds of death ushering in the resurrection. And all this so that we could be lifted up. And when we fall, He is the advocate of our repentance. Jesus is our lead climber. His anchors are perfectly placed, and the marks of his hands are as the white chalk on red sandstone giving us a clear path to follow.
Jesus said to Peter and his brother Andrew when calling them to be fishers of men, “I am he of whom it is written by the prophets, follow me.” Jesus went to Galilee and found Philip and said to him, “follow me”. Then what did Philip do? Not only did Phillip follow Jesus but he also went to get Nathaniel and told him to come and see as recorded in the first chapter of John.
Just as Jesus boldly and with complete confidence declared his mission as he of whom it was written by the prophets, we can also declare our mission as children of God who have made covenants to always remember him and keep his commandments. Our covenants and callings will at times require that we become lead climbers marking the path and leading the way for others. Being a lead climber can be a nerve-racking experience especially when starting out for the first time. Not unlike the callings and responsibilities we are given in the church such as teaching a class or sharing our testimonies.
When I consider the variety of callings I have had throughout my life in the church to this point, it is apparent that except for a couple years in an Elders Quorum presidency I have always had a calling to teach in some capacity. So, the feelings I have about the responsibility to teach have had many opportunities to grow develop. You have probably heard me express them many times before, but it is worth repeating, that though standing before you to lead a gospel discussion causes me no small amount of anxiety, but I know that this responsibility gives me the motivation to study and learn with a focus that I may not otherwise have. And so, I embrace it.
I have also learned that our Savior must be at the core of every lesson. In every opportunity we have to stand in front of a class and lead a discussion we must testify of Jesus Christ. Bearing testimony of the Savior no matter how small or humble it may be, has the power to invite the Holy Spirit into the meeting which will allow those who are willing, to learn exactly those things they are desirous to know. More important than any knowledge you have of the subject matter of the lesson, of the history of the church or of the scriptures, is bearing your sincere testimony of the Savior and any lesson taught without allowing your students to hear of the faith you have no matter how simple, is incomplete. Remember that we are not called because of what we have done or what qualifications we might have but because of what we may become if we choose to accept.
If you have any anxiety about your calling, if you are scared or feel inadequate. I say good. It is good that you feel that way because it means you are close to humility, and humility is a requirement for allowing the Holy Spirit to strengthen you. If you feel inadequate it is because you are, we all are. We all require the strength of the Holy Spirit to make us worthy. You are starting in the right place and now can grow and become strong. And God would have us become powerful, forces to be reckoned with. Bring your imperfections and lay them at his feet and see what he can make of you when you show that you are willing follow the path he marked.
Next to the gospel I think my favorite teaching experiences have come when teaching rock climbing. It is inspiring to see those who approach a new climb without fear and make the ascent, but it is even more awesome and satisfying to see those who are so scared they are literally shaking with fear, overcome that fear and upon seeing them reach the top I shout with excitement. You’ve done it! Amazing! Awesome job. Just think of the joy of our Father in Heaven when we overcome our fear to serve and just do it. He sends his Holy Spirit to humbly whisper to us, you did it! You are amazing, awesome job.
An important climbing lesson to learn are the rules and guidelines for building secure anchors. There are no climbing police so it is up to each person to decide to follow them knowing that it might be a matter of life or death. My self-imposed rule for setting an anchor for top rope requires three anchor points. Even if I am sure that any one of them is solid, I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure there are three secure points fixed for the rope. A system with redundant protection.
In the path that the Savior set there are also rules. Anchors we must set securely. Anchors that keep us from falling. We call them commandments.
Unlike a climbing route we don’t get to choose when we top out in life. Sometimes the route becomes long and tiresome. But the path has been set, Jesus will always lead the way.
We learn in Moses chapter 7 of Enoch and his meeting with the Lord, which was similar to that of Moses.
2 And from that time forth Enoch began to prophesy, saying unto the people, that: As I was journeying, and stood upon the place Mahujah, and cried unto the Lord, there came a voice out of heaven, saying—Turn ye, and get ye upon the mount Simeon.
3 And it came to pass that I turned and went up on the mount; and as I stood upon the mount, I beheld the heavens open, and I was clothed upon with glory;
4 And I saw the Lord; and he stood before my face, and he talked with me, even as a man talketh one with another, face to face;
Jehovah did not tell Enoch and Moses and the others who had similar experiences, I will meet you at the bottom of the mountain, or even halfway. His commandment was that they climb and meet him at the top. The climb requires effort, it is supposed to be difficult. But you can do it, you can do hard things.
53 And the Lord said: Blessed is he through whose seed Messiah shall come; for he saith—I am Messiah, the King of Zion, the Rock of Heaven, which is broad as eternity; whoso cometh in at the gate and climbeth up by me shall never fall; wherefore, blessed are they of whom I have spoken, for they shall come forth with songs of everlasting joy.
