Once there was a young man who had loving parents
and the comforts and blessings of a good life. However, he grew discontented
and desired to leave home. To his father’s sorrow he took his inheritance, cut
ties with his family and traveled to a distant country. He lived foolishly and,
over time, wasted his money. Penniless, he found work feeding pigs. When he was
so hungry and alone that he could no longer bear it, the young man decided to
return home. He decided to apologize to his father and hoped he would be
welcomed back.
As many of us know, the prodigal son was
welcomed back by his forgiving father.
Many of us are like the prodigal son,
confusedly meandering through life as we choose shady paths and make unwise
decisions. Some of our choices provide for us valuable life experiences. But
often, our foolish choices only bring sorrow and regret to ourselves and our
families.
Stanley Ellis, a religious leader, says,
“We see so many in the world today living in confusion or, worse, wandering in
forbidden paths and suffering unnecessarily the consequences of poor choices
...”
Fortunately, there is a clear and simple
path to follow as we make our way through life. Jesus Christ has shown us the
correct way to live. He has provided for us clear commandments and doctrines.
His teachings aren’t meant to hinder or restrict us, but rather to help us live
well and be happy.
Jesus
is “the way, the truth, and the life.”
How do Jesus’s teachings show us the
right way to live our lives?
Jesus
taught us to love and serve one another
From his teachings in the Bible we learn
to honor our parents and love our children. We learn to cling to our spouses.
Helping people in need and visiting and assisting the sick and elderly are
other things Jesus taught. In turn, we can teach our children to develop
empathy for others. We can also teach them to honor their parents and respect
and serve other people.
Jesus
taught chastity before marriage and fidelity during marriage
“The Lord has His way, or the way,
to love. Those of the world say that what really matters is that two people
love each other ... He teaches us more: that there is an authorized way and
time to express that love,” says Ellis. Reserving sex for marriage and staying
true to our spouses prevents the heartache and complications associated with
sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, diminished trust and
broken families.
Jesus
taught us how to raise children
During his life on earth Jesus was very
compassionate with children. He defended them and, by his example, taught us to
be patient and loving toward children. Parents have the obligation to teach
their children right and wrong. Ellis reminds us that, “what happens inside the
home is far more important than what our children encounter outside.”
Jesus
taught us to pray
Jesus’s disciples often witnessed him
praying. We are taught to pray so that we can draw nearer to God. Whether we
want to give thanks, need help with a certain situation or just comfort after a
bad day, we can turn to God in prayer. “Our Heavenly Father knows us, loves us,
and wants to help. He knows best how to help. We are not spiritual orphans!”
says Ellis.
He
taught self-control
Jesus commanded us to refrain from lying
and stealing. He taught that we shouldn’t be idle and that we should be engaged
in good works. Christ also warned against coveting material things and other
people’s spouses. When we’re obedient to his commandments and we temper our
appetites and passions, we grow spiritually. We feel peace in doing what is
right.
As we consider the example of Jesus
Christ, there are dozens more teachings we could add to this list. None of us
go through life without committing errors and falling into shady paths. But
like the prodigal son, Jesus welcomes us back when we falter. We can repent and
be forgiven for our mistakes. As we follow his example and try to live his way,
we remember Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean
not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall
direct thy paths.”
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