The Way Is Easy

I love the advice Alma gives to his son Helaman before he dies. First he compares the words of Christ to the Liahona explaining that the words of Christ “will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss” just like the Liahona pointed Nephi and his family to the promised land. Then he tells Helaman that if we will follow the words of Christ they will “carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise” (Alma 37:45). I like the contrast between the eternal bliss and this vale of sorrow.

But the thing I like best is what Alma says next. He warns Helaman not to be deceived by the “easiness of the way!” One of the adversary’s greatest lies is convincing us that living the gospel of Jesus Christ is difficult. But the gospel of Jesus Christ is meant to simplify life not complicate it! As Alma explains “The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever” (Alma 37:46). All we need to do is look to the commandments and follow them. they are very clearly mapped out. We don’t need to worry about the past. We don’t need to fret about the future. All we need to do is do the right thing right now. The way is simple. It is simply a choice!