The Way Pt. 2

 As everyone must find their own way through life, this post is going to be a very personal description of what I believe to be the way for myself. That being said, what I am going to describe is what I sincerely believe to be the way for everyone, as it is aligned with God's Plan of Salvation.

In pt. 1 of this blog post I mentioned the innate human yearnings for happiness, fulfillment, peace, and love. I can think of no way to ultimately fulfill these yearnings apart from God. As C.S. Lewis wrote, "Human history is the long, terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy."

The Way I am describing is first and foremost centered on Christ and His Gospel. As Christ has said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). Christ has declared that He is the way, and that there is no other way, nor name given whereby man can be saved. Many of the early Christians referred to themselves as "The Way" likely in reference to this declaration.

Now let's dive deeper and ask ourselves, what might it look like to follow "The Way" embodied in Christ?

 First, Christ is an example that we are meant to emulate. As fallen mortals we will never be perfect as He was, but perfection is not what is asked of us. We are to strive for righteousness, for good moral character, and for the development of charity -- or Christlike love. 

This Christlike love leads us to a deep and heartfelt concern for our fellow human beings. We learn to live for the other, to "mourn with those that mourn [and to] comfort those that stand in need of comfort" (Mosiah 18:9). We find that more important than the pursuit of wealth, fame, or power is the need to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, and to visit the sick and afflicted.

I often find myself so concerned with my own internal struggles, that it can be difficult for me to be mindful of those around me, or to care about others even as much as I care about myself. However, in special moments I am reminded of the need to live not for myself, but for the other. It may be an old man struggling to walk, a beggar on a street corner, or a child with a disability. I then ask myself:

How can I look on the state of the downtrodden and not feel compelled to do something for them?

This is the Christian way, and it is the charge given to all those who confess the name of Christ. The Way, then requires an emphasis on relationships. Our relationship to God and Christ, to family and friends, to acquaintances, strangers, and even enemies. We are indeed our brother's keeper; we do not live only for ourselves.

The greatest joys I have experienced come in relationships, the most valuable and precious things of all.

As we traverse through our mortal journey we are not left alone. Even if we may feel forsaken by those around us, or weighed down by physical or emotional challenges, we have been provided a Savior. Essential to the Plan of Salvation is our complete reliance on Christ for our salvation and exaltation. Only in and through Him can we become anything more than what we currently are. He is the Way. He will bring us the joy, peace, love, and fulfillment that we so desperately seek.