Climbing the Rock of Heaven

When Elder Richard G. Scott spoke of the Atonement and living a peaceful life in October 2006, he began with an analogy to rock climbing.

There are those who attempt to scale a difficult rock cliff by a method called “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. It is done despite the probability that in time they will fall and be seriously injured or lose their life. They are like many who face the challenges and 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,"  Elder Scott continues. It involves a pair of climbers, one following a series of anchors, the other, the belayer, firmly rooted in a secure place. As the first ascends, the belayer takes up the slack. When the first climber finds a secure place, he anchors himself there and becomes the belayer so he can help the other climber follow after him.

Elder Scott related this method of rock climbing to facing life's challenges with the aid of the Savior. Jesus said, "I am … the Rock of Heaven … ; whoso cometh in at the gate and climbeth up by me shall never fall." (Moses 7:53) Christ is our belayer. The anchors that we are to follow are the commandments of God. The rope connecting us to the anchors and to the Belayer represents our obedience to those commandments. When we fall from the rock face, the Belayer catches us by holding fast to the rope, and we can resume the climb through the process of repentance.

This method of rock climbing ensures safety in what would otherwise seem like a very dangerous activity. Many people have a natural fear of heights, which stems from the risk of falling. When the risk of falling is negated, the fear can begin to subside.

Some people view this life as a difficult and dangerous challenge. It is difficult to keep the commandments and it is daunting to face life's challenges. The risk and consequences of even the slightest slip-up seem monumental, and they would be if we didn't rely on the Lord.

Because of our Heavenly Father giving us His Son and His commandments, the danger of falling is largely abated. We may slip up and lose our grip from time to time, but as long as we try to stay connected to the Lord, He won't let us fall too far.

The climb will still be difficult, and the Lord won't just pull us up to the top. He lets us climb the rock face on our own power so we can gain experience and strength and so we can have a full sense of accomplishment when we reach the top. Thankfully, the Lord is patient with us and will let us climb the mountain at our own pace.

Though life is difficult and frightening, we can have an assurance of safety by staying connected with the Lord through prayer, scripture study, and regular repentance. He will guide us along the right path and will help us return to it if we start to fall away. With His help, we can eventually reach the top of the mountain, and when we do, the accomplishment will be incredible.

True, 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. That takes effort. While there is no guarantee of overnight results, there is the assurance that, in the Lord’s time, solutions will come, peace will prevail, and happiness will be yours.