Emulate Jesus Christ -- Post 14: "Which Way Do I Go! Which Way Do I Go!"

by Judy Rix...

When I was a teenager, I bought my first car—an old classic Karman Ghia. Despite its well - worn appearance with every inch dented, a missing side window, and a non - functional reverse gear, it was an incredible deal at just $200. I was thrilled to have my very own car!

I had always been eager to explore the dirt roads in the mountains near Salt Lake City, Utah. As I set out on my first solo adventure, I considered bringing along a map. (No GPS in those days.) But then I unwisely decided to just go where the road took me. Surely there would be roadsigns along the way.

With only two days of practice driving a clutch and stick shift, I stupidly attempted navigating the unfamiliar mountainside. After all, I knew everything and was totally invincible! Thankfully, there was some gas in the tank although I hadn't thought to check.

Driving down the highway, I noticed a dirt road off to my right. "Ah! What lies beyond," I wondered with excitement as I exited the highway, ready to explore the unknown. Of course, being unfamiliar with shifting gears -- or even the basics of driving a car, -- I killed the engine several times. But no big deal. Me and my car were on an adventure!

After driving for 15 minutes, I reached a fork in the road and spotted an old, weather - beaten sign that stated, "Road Closed Ahead." I wasn't sure which fork was closed or if the sign referred to a closure from ten years ago.

"Which way do I go? Which way do I go?" In my determination to take the road less traveled, I veered to the right up a very narrow pothole - filled road on a steep mountainside.

My confidence began to wane when I encountered another weather - beaten sign that said, "Road closed. Landslide ahead." But undaunted, I disregarded the warning. I pressed on in my adventure for another five minutes only to find that about 20 feet of the road had indeed been swept down the steep mountain in an earlier landslide. "Hmmm. No room to turn around. I guess I'll have to back down the road." That's when I remembered that I had no reverse gear.

I was in a real pickle! Can't go forward. Can't go backward. This really IS an adventure, a life - threatening one. So I took decisive action. I floored the gas and sped across the fallen road as fast as I could, determined to get past the slide and reach the other side where the road continued. I had speed and good traction almost all the way until my rear wheels started slipping down the steep slope.

Somehow -- and only with the help of God -- I managed to make it past the danger and back onto the dirt path ahead.

Shaken, I continued on the road not knowing where I was or where I was headed. Eventually I spotted a sign pointing the way to various unfamiliar towns. I just chose the path where the sun wasn't blinding me. Remarkably, it led me straight back home.

Well I did have an adventure! But as I look back through the eyes of wisdom, I am baffled at the foolish risks I took. I was totally unprepared and could have easily lost my life.

Where Are You on Your Road of Life?

I compare this story to the road of life that we all travel. Countless confusing and enticing guideposts supposedly lead us to happiness. Which ones should we follow?

Heavenly Father has mapped out a perfect plan for us to return safely back to Him after our mortal adventure. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ. In His love for us, He ensures we do not wander aimlessly through trial and error to return to Him. He has set the example and provided the iron rod -- the word of God -- as we navigate life's challenging road filled with mists of darkness.

He has made it possible for us to repent if we go the wrong way. All that is required from us is our faithful obedience and endurance.

Although Satan will try to entice you with distractions, stay the course! There is only one way back. The scriptures, living prophets, and loving parents will serve as guideposts to help you navigate the "strait and narrow path."

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Go to the Source -- What Do the Scriptures and Respected Teachers Say?

"...He cannot walk in crooked paths; neither doth He vary from that which He hath said; neither hath He a shadow of turning from the right to the left, or from that which is right to that which is wrong..." (Alma 7:20)

"...come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that His paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him..." (Nephi 9:41).

"Repent ye, and prepare the way of the Lord, and walk in His paths which are straight; for behold, the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and the Son of God cometh upon the face of the earth." (Alma 7:9)

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