Being mindful of the straight and narrow way and doing everything possible to stay within the lines in the midst of life's storms and temptations will lead to the fruits of the gospel, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said Sunday morning.
Life is like traveling on a mountain road, continued Elder Wirthlin of the Council of the Twelve. "If we stay within the lines that God has marked, He will protect us and we can arrive safely at our destination."Some people choose to follow the teachings of the Lord and of His living prophet only when convenient, but reject them when sacrifice or deeper commitment is required. Some fail to follow only because His divine teachings do not agree with their own preconceived notions.
"We get sidetracked by submitting to temptations that divert us past the bounds of safety," Elder Wirthlin explained. "Satan knows our weaknesses. He puts attractive snares on our paths at just those moments when we are most vulnerable."
Sin often results from activities that begin innocently or that are perfectly legitimate in moderation, but in excess they can cause a person to veer from the straight and narrow path "to our destruction," he said.
He cited examples of this, including spending excessive time with sporting events to the point of neglecting things that are more important.
"Another activity that can detract us from the proper way is watching television excessively or viewing improper movies. Our precious time must not be diverted to the sideline attractions of vulgar language, immoral conduct, pornography and violence."
Elder Wirthlin explained another temptation "to detour us is placing improper emphasis on the obtaining of material possessions."
He said that good physical and spiritual health can help a person stay on the straight and narrow way, but "we need to nourish ourselves spiritually even more than physically."
"Pride and vanity, the opposites of humility, can destroy our spiritual health as surely as a debilitating disease can destroy our physical health.
"I plead with you also to be certain that you do not cross over the lines of safety into the paths of immorality. The broken hearts and broken families that come to my attention likewise demonstrate that immorality is, indeed, a very serious problem in the world and even among some Church members."
The Lord instructed His children to keep on the straight and narrow way by learning the word of God, by studying the scriptures, and applying His word by praying daily and serving their fellowmen.
"Those who remain faithful will receive God's greatest blessing, eternal life, and the privilege of living with our Heavenly Father and His beloved Son in the celestial kingdom."
