I mentioned briefly in my last post the differences in the paths that are followed when striving to live the restored gospel. Some experience great joy and draw ever nearer to Christ in thought, word and deed. Others, though apparently striving along the same path, experience frustration, doubt and fear in greater measure than the happiness promised to those sincerely doing all they can.
So what makes the difference? Is the path they are trying to walk somehow not the same path?
No, and yes.
The plan of happiness, or plan of salvation for God's children, is chronicled throughout scripture in abundant detail. Modern prophecy and revelation have sharpened our understanding of the plan and painted a lush and vibrant picture of the pathway to eternal life. The detail and variety described in the restored gospel lends itself to being understood by every personality type and personal perspective known to man. The simplicity and straitness of the way as taught in scripture are meant to guide us through our lives toward the promise of eternal life and exaltation in the highest degree of celestial glory.
As in all things, the key difference in how we each follow the path, in either joy or frustration, depends upon our personal agency and perspective. Heavenly Father desires each of us to come unto him through his Son, but he cannot and will not force us to do so. He will even go so far as to grant unto men according to their desires, so that he may righteously and fairly judge us based upon our own choices and the condition of our hearts. This is important to note when we look closer at the way of the strait and narrow path.
The strait and narrow path is what is most often referred to in the Church as the way by which we are to return to live with Father and Son in glory and eternal joy. The many likenesses and metaphors used to describe the strait and narrow path lend themselves to a strict and unyielding course we are to follow if we desire to reach a glorious end. The scriptures are quick to mention that many will fall away because of the straitness/strictness of the way, warning us that we must stay within the bounds that the Lord has set or suffer the consequences.
Such language is meant to inspire humility, obedience and determination to endure to the end and get the most we possibly can out of the experience. However, just as common a reaction to the vastness of the requirements is feeling overwhelmed and even depressed—definitely not feelings that are heavenly inspired. What doesn't help much is the frequent experience of gospel instruction that emphasizes the dogmatism of the strait and narrow instead of the delights of discipleship. Such instruction is generally not intended to be such, but walking the fine line between conformity and charity is not an easy task.
I believe that much of the difficulty in bridging the gap between frustration and joy in walking the strait and narrow lies in how that path is viewed. That is what I meant in that the path is both the same path for everyone, and yet the path is simultaneously different. It's all a matter of perspective. I've put together 2 illustrations that depict what I think the main difference of perspective regarding the strait and narrow looks like, in the hopes of shedding new light on the path.
As far as I can remember during my formative years , the way in which the strait and narrow path was described was something like the diagram on the right. The little separations in the line represent a sort of step-by-step process of obedience and ordinances. Personal transgressions create tangents in the line, and repentance brings you back to where the tangent took place; and in some cases further back on the path than where you left (depending upon the transgression). The path is marked by prophetic counsel and sacred scripture (the word of God/iron rod). The end goal is celestial glory and perfection. The atonement makes getting back on and staying on the path possible, while personal efforts (agency) are what determine the outcome. There are many more details that could be used to describe the nuances of the path, but I believe that this description is generally accurate and something we can all identify with.
So, what's the problem with this depiction? Doctrinally this is correct as it relates to the basics of what we must do to inherit celestial glory. But, though correct, I do not believe it to be complete. The first issue that stands out with this diagram is that the path of progression appears to be linear and predictable. The fact that there are prescribed milestones in the path is sure, but is there only one right sequence in which me must reach these milestones? No.
What I mean is that each of us have specific strengths and weaknesses that factor into how and when we reach specific levels (if you will) of spirituality and conversion. We must meet certain requirements to be baptized, receive other ordinances and make specific covenants, but we are not required to all be on the same level of understanding, humility, kindness, patience, testimony, etc to be considered sufficiently worthy to receive them. As long as we meet the base requirements and are judged as worthy to receive by the Lord's anointed servants, then we are permitted onward.
The key in my stating this is to show that a linear path is not as complete in showing the way as something more true to the nature of God. As we read, His course is "one eternal round," and His purposes are eternal. Though the end result of living according to the gospel law is celestial rest, that is not the ultimate goal. Our Savior, perfect Exemplar and Master is the central point of the gospel. Through Him we will be made whole (perfect), and it is His image that we must strive to have reflected in our countenances. If Jesus Christ is the true center of our striving to follow the strait and narrow path, then the path takes a different view altogether.
The words strait and narrow are interchangeably defined in the dictionary. Tight, constricted, rigid and confined are all used multiple times to better define these two terms. Taken out of context, it is easy to see how these can be discouraging to would-be followers. Yet, though meant to weed out those unwilling to bend their will to God's, it is not meant to discourage or alienate the willing disciple. Looking further at the definitions of strait and narrow in context with the ultimate goal of becoming like our Savior, the words focused, true, singular and targeted emerge as viable similes. Let me paint a picture using the spiral diagram shown.
Each of us begin walking the strait and narrow path quite some distance away from our target of becoming like Jesus, but the longer we walk in faith the closer we get to the target. Put differently, Christ is not just a destination – He is the focus. He is the center, the culmination, the zenith of the gospel plan, both in doctrine and example. It is His image we strive to have in our countenances. We cannot become such a being without truly knowing the Master inside and out. As you look at the spiral you can see that, though still very much narrow, it circles around and around the focal point, bringing the follower ever closer to the center from every possible angle. True disciples of the Master will not only strive to know His doctrine, but they will seek to incorporate every last aspect of His life into theirs.
The possible comparisons and doctrinal parallels with this spiral view of the path are nearly endless. The one point that I believe is the strongest qualifier of such a visual is that of how the differences in the path provide such differing views of the end goal – and those who journey with us. A linear path typically does not afford as detailed a view of the goal as does a circular path around the goal. A linear path also does not provide as much interaction with the sphere of influence of both the goal and those striving along the same as does a circular path.
In other words, with Christ being the center and the ultimate goal, each of us will begin to take on the traits and abilities of the Savior the longer we remain in the strait and narrow path. Those characteristics are enhanced by the light of Christ and made even brighter by the Holy Ghost. Our own striving to live like Christ expands His light and influence, providing beacons of light and hope to others, no matter their position on the path.
Becoming like Christ in the strait and narrow also has the effect of enlarging our hearts and capacity for kindness and love. A natural by-product of the path should be a reaching outward to others because of the joy we feel in the process of becoming. As I have stated in previous posts, the entire focus of the Church, the family and the gospel plan is to seal the family of God together in eternal bonds. These bonds are not meant to just be priesthood bonds, but bonds of love, joy and deep cherishing of the relationships we have formed.
Walking the linear path does not afford such influence and emphasizes more the individual efforts needed for salvation rather than expanding those into the becoming like the Savior and one with all around us. The spiral path requires, as does the true purpose of the gospel, that we share our lives, our hopes, our dreams, our insecurities and our fears with those closest to us. In this sharing of our lives we find the greatest joy and love, because doing so is also our greatest act of selflessness. On the flip side, if we withhold our true selves from those around us, no matter how flawed and goofy we are, that is the greatest act of selfishness we can commit in this life. Eventually, all things shall be made known upon the roof tops, and the secrets of our lives will be shouted out for all to see and hear. How much better will it be if those closest to us already know about these things and can love and support us through even the most difficult and vulnerable of personal tragedies!
I wish to close this post with a thought about the life of Christ and how He did exactly that with His life that I just mentioned. Children have a natural aversion to strangers and seek shelter in the protection of their parents. The light and countenance of the Savior was such that children—and adults—flocked to Him. Some came seeking miracles, others came with questions. But the children came because of the love and joy that radiated from Jesus' countenance. He shared His table with disciples AND with sinners. He shared not only His teachings but His entire being with all who sought Him. His very presence inspired peace, love, joy and unity. The greatest miracle Jesus performed outside of the atonement was the miracle of His example. He is the Master. He is the focus. It is His will that ours is to bend to meet. That is why I believe that the strait and narrow is bent around He who is the center of all things.
