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In today's difficult world, with increasing conflict
and alluring temptations, Father in Heaven wants each of us
to enjoy peace and happiness.
I will illustrate the wrong way and then
the proper way using an analogy to rock climbing.
There are those who attempt to scale a difficult rock cliff
by a method called "free soloing."
They ascend alone, without equipment, companions,
or any secure protection.
They depend on their own skill and capacity.
They do it for the thrill of living
on the edge with high risk.
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.
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.
There is a safer way to rock climb.
While technical rock climbing appears
to be risky and dangerous, precautions
assure an exhilarating experience, safely accomplished
by following correct principles.
When a pair of climbers tackles a difficult ascent,
the leader scales a wall, placing anchors
a few feet apart.
His rope is linked to the anchor by a carabiner.
They have planned a route and determined
how they will work together.
When the leader scales far enough
and finds a convenient place that is very safe,
he belays while taking up the rope as the second
follows the "pitch" or length of rope that has been extended.
The process is then repeated.
Let the Savior be your "lead" in life.
His laws are absolutely secure anchors of protection
that dispel fear and assure success
in an otherwise dangerous world.
True and enduring happiness, with the accompanying strength,
courage, and capacity to overcome the greatest
difficulties, will come as you center your life
in Jesus Christ.
Obedience to His teachings provides a secure ascent
in the journey of life.
The secure anchors of His laws will assure safety and success
as you scale the challenges you will face.
Yours will be a life of peace and happiness crowned
with exaltation in the celestial kingdom of God.
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