A lot of people seem to think that it is much easier to not live the commandments of God, than it is to live them. In the immediate moment, I definitely agree. It is always easier to "go with the flow", at least it is until you hit the rapids, or plunge down the waterfall. But, let's face it, who doesn't have rapids and even waterfalls in their life? Who would travel down a dangerous river completely ignoring the guidance of the seasoned guide?
When there are guides, maps, life preservers, helmets, paddles, supplies, and large rafts and crews to help you make it safely through the rapids, only a fool would grab an old rowboat and head out alone into the seemingly gentle river. Though their trip may be "easy" for a while as they effortlessly float down the river, when they hit the dangerous "whitewater", they will not make it through without not only a crushed boat, but a crushed life.
There are some, though, who lacking faith in themselves, in others, and in God, take that rowboat. Trying to ignore the increasing turbulence of the waters, they immerse themselves in mind numbing TV and movies. They distract their attention with blasting music, wild parties, pornography, food binging, shopping sprees, celebrity following, and people bashing. They myopically focus just on their job, their errands, or their momentary pleasures. When the roar from the rapids can no longer be dismissed, they cling to alcohol or other drugs to silence their fears of their impending doom.
These people saw God's commandments merely as big "NO NO's" meant to spoil their "fun". As a parent, I had to give "commandments" to my children, such as, "thou shalt not play in the street". At the time, they thought I was being mean and was keeping them from having "fun". Now that they are grown, they realize that I was just trying to help them have a much longer and more "fun" life.
As a infinitely loving and wise being, Heavenly Father wants to give us all the help He can to enable us to safely make it down the "river of life". He has given us our crew of family, friends, and caring leaders. We find advice on how to handle the tough spots in His revealed word in the scriptures and through His Prophets. He provides a safe raft for us -- His Church. But more than this, He will always be near as our guide. We can pray to him at any time and receive strength and direction. He will even rescue us if we fall out of the boat and carry us with Him until we are able to proceed on our own again.
So, are God's commandments hard to live? They do require determination, commitment, effort, focusing on the "big picture", a willingness to change, faith in yourself and in God, and hope that you can make it. This isn't easy, at the moment, but having been over many "rapids" in my life, I know it is the only way to make it safely and happily down the "river of life".
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