The Straight and Narrow Path

We all know that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. With that knowledge in mind, we should not be surprised if according to the teachings of the Saviour, “…strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life, and few there be that findeth it.” Matt. 7 v. 14. According to the prophet Nephi, “…the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him…”2 Ne 9 v. 41.

Nephi also quoted the words of Lehi, his father, who said: ”Prepare ye the way of the Lord. and make his paths straight; 1 Ne 10 v.8 and various other prophets who taught and testified of Christ also spoke of the strait way to eternal life. The prophet Alma when speaking of the Liahona which Lehi had received said that: “…it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to the compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land.” Alma 37 v. 44

Later, in the times of the Nephite peoples, Helaman, the son of Alma also taught : “…that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked.” Hel. 3 v. 29

Other prophets including Isaiah preached to “make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God” and John the Baptist also taught to “make his paths straight.” Ironically, when Saul was blinded on the road to Damascus, Ananias was told by the Lord to visit him and restore his sight while he resided at the street which is called Straight. I can think of no other reason why it would have seemed appropriate for the street name to be mentioned if there had not been some significant connection with the ways of the Lord.

In common terminology we refer to someone who has served time in prison and is in the process of being reformed, that he is “going straight”. And even those who adopt an alternative homosexual lifestyle refer to those who are not of their inclination as being “straight” as opposed to being “gay.” In hospitals and in prisons violent persons who will not allow themselves otherwise to be subdued may be obliged to wear a straitjacket, which restrains their movements and restricts their freedom.

But if the word straight has significance for us according to the teachings of the Saviour and of his prophets, today the word straight is more often used as a derogatory term for those who choose to live in accordance with values with which they do not wish to associate. Perhaps for this reason so many turn away from “the strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood;” as testified by both Lehi and Nephi, for we read that after they had tasted the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.” 1 Ne 8 v 20, 28

In the scriptures there are two words which are used in phrases in connection with the word narrow but which in fact have separate meanings. The word “Strait,” which is spelled S T R A I T, means narrow, tight fitting or restrictive, and the word “Straight,” which is spelled S T R A I G H T means direct, or in a direct course.

Most of us, when we buy clothes ensure that they fit us well enough so that we will feel comfortable wearing them. If our weight and figure change we may, however, find it necessary to make repairs or adjustments to our clothing garments so that they are either enlarged or reduced according to our weight and size. By so doing we ensure that we have well fitting clothing which suits our purposes and needs.

Similarly we often find that certain aspects of our daily life need adjustments so that we can feel happier, more secure and more comfortable with our desired way of life.

The Lord, however, does not make adjustments to the way of life that he teaches us is necessary for us to obtain eternal life and happiness. We cannot enter into HIS way and into HIS straight and narrow path and start to make adjustments to suit OUR desires and feelings. While road repairs may be necessary in this world with repeated necessity, his way needs no such adjustments, repairs or alterations. Rather, he expects US to adjust our lives so as to fit into the strait and narrow path that he has led us into. His path has strict and unalterable parameters.

Any exceptions or deviations to his laws which would unfairly favour one individual would mean that he had become a “respecter of persons”. The scriptures, however, tell us that God is “no respecter of persons” and that “all are alike unto him.” This undeviating principle ensures that there is no corruption in the Kingdom of God. Whether a man is a Prophet, Apostle, Stake President, Bishop or just a regular rank and file member of the church, he is subject to the same laws and same judgments. His participation of life within the confines of the straight and narrow path is the same as that of any ordinary member and as a result we are all equal – we all enjoy the same freedoms and privileges of membership in the Kingdom of God and we are all bound by the same duties and responsibilities of obedience to the laws of God.

The Lord has allowed for the capacity of the weakest of those who are or who can be called Saints – or followers of Christ and the same obligations for membership in his kingdom are for rich and poor alike, for the well educated and the simple. The laws of God are the same for all regardless of nationality, race, age or colour.

It is true that the strait and narrow path inevitably means that we must make adjustments to some of our habits and occupations. Keeping the Sabbath day is one such commandment. While the world largely accepts all kinds of activities and work on the Sabbath day, we, the members of the church must accept the restrictions that the Lord has made to activities on this holy day. Likewise, whereas non-members of the church may have no calms about consuming alcohol, of whatever variety it may be, the word of wisdom, which is of such great value and such a great blessing to us individually, has been given by way of commandment to the church and it is incumbent upon us to obey it in both the word of the law as well as in the spirit of the law and totally refrain from any such beverage or foodstuff, tobacco, drug or intoxicant which is contrary to this law.

In terms also of morality non-members of the church may accept practices which are far from those taught us by the Lord. As members of the church we are required to live lives in which we observe strict moral practices and strict virtue also. This refers not only to sexual abstinence outside of marriage but to a code of appropriate conduct including our standard of dress, not only in public places but also at home.

These and many other aspects of the Gospel set us apart from those who have not made covenants with the Lord and who are not therefore members of his church and kingdom.

This life is described by the Book of Mormon prophets as a preparatory as well as a probationary life. In the justice system maintained by civic governments a person who is on probation is one who has offended the laws of society. He must submit him or herself to the watchful eyes of the local authorities to ensure that he does not re-offend and break the laws again. In the Kingdom of God we are under covenant obligation to maintain the laws of the Lord and where we offend them even in the smallest degree we are required to change our behaviours, to refrain from speaking or behaving in any way that places us on the other side of the straight and narrow path. The Lord has said that he cannot accept sin in the least degree but he also understands that we cannot all become perfect at once and that keeping his commandments may be far easier for some and far more challenging for others.

Our need for constant reflection and observance of our thoughts, desires and feelings, of our actions, those which are recreative as well as those in our employment, actions of service and the motivations which govern our daily lives, all need regular and sincere recommitment to the principles of the Gospel, so that little by little we can improve the measure of our faithfulness, respect and obedience to God and to his laws.

God is merciful and he loves us. His patience extends almost to infinity but there is a time limit within which we each need to learn obedience to the principles and truths of his Gospel.

While the rigors of living a confined and very self regulated life may be challenging, frustrating and at times filled with personal inadequacy the Lord in his wisdom has given us responsibility for each others welfare. We are to teach the principles of his Gospel regardless of the fact that we are ourselves imperfect. Learning by doing is the only way that we will gain sufficient experience to appreciate the need to remain within the boundaries of the straight and narrow path and to learn of his wisdom and love for us.

At the same time, we can see opportunities to serve others, to support them in their trials and tribulations and in their sorrows and to learn to love those who like us have weaknesses and who from time to time exhibit failings that we may have also had to meet and overcome or perhaps still be struggling with. We can comfort and encourage one another.

While working our way through the straight and narrow path towards a celestial goal there may be pressures, hurt feelings, anger, frustrations, criticisms, judgments and even at times hypocrisy among us, but the Lord commands us to put aside our differences, forgive our faults and be compassionate to the weak and he also warns us: “”Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7 v. 1-2. He pleads with us to forgive the sins of our neighbours and he commands us plainly: …let every man esteem his brother (or sister) as himself.” D&C 38 v. 25

The straight and narrow path that leads to Celestial glory is not one that is easy and uncumbered but at times it is one that is strewn with the debris of failings and foolishness, neglect, lost opportunities and missed blessings. It is nevertheless, the Lords way. It is his path and he has shown us the way. While we may in this life have to make a lot of sacrifices to enter into the straight and narrow path and stay within its confines we are given promises of eternal glory and eternal progress and happiness for so doing. During our time spent struggling to adapt to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, during our constant repentance and continual service, during our study of his words and teachings, we learn from him directly and he reveals himself to us
by the power of the Holy Ghost so that we gain light and joy, hope and increase of knowledge, faith and desire. What seems to be impossible becomes not only possible but also brings us great happiness. I so testify