The Descent: Embracing God's Work in a World of Proclivities

The ease with which we speak of 'grace' and 'mercy' can sometimes obscure the arduous, even uncomfortable, nature of discipleship. We readily accept the invitation to partake of the waters of baptism, to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and to strive for exaltation. But do we truly grasp the gravity of the work required? It's tempting to imagine God as offering a convenient lifeline, a readily available escape from the consequences of our choices. Yet, as Mikhail Peterson so eloquently puts it, our experience is often one of actively swimming down, drawn by the currents of our own desires.

This isn't a condemnation, but a stark assessment. Recognizing the depth of our proclivities—the ‘lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life’ (1 John 2:16)—is the first step toward genuine humility and reliance on the Lord. Our hearts, left to their own devices, will inevitably choose paths contrary to God’s will. Isaiah prophesied of this condition: 'My people have forgotten me, that they should each shew themselves with silver and gold, and they have learned to do evil, and have not known to do good, saith the Lord' (Isaiah 5:3).

The Restoration isn't about providing a shortcut to heaven; it's about revealing the process by which we are transformed. Through the ordinances of the temple, the covenants we make, and the constant striving to align our will with God's, we undergo a profound change. This isn't a passive reception of divine favor, but an active participation in a work that is, ultimately, God’s. As the Savior taught, 'Verily I say unto you, no man can lay a foundation except it be laid upon a rock' (Matthew 7:24). That rock is not merely a doctrinal understanding, but a living, breathing relationship with a resurrected Lord.

Consider the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The father didn't simply hand the son a life preserver and say, 'Here, you're safe now.' The son had to descend into the depths of his own misery, to recognize his need, and to return, humbled and repentant. The father’s embrace was a reward for that arduous journey, not a rescue from it.

The Brethren have consistently emphasized the importance of personal accountability and diligent striving. General Conference addresses are replete with exhortations to strengthen our testimonies, to keep the commandments, and to serve others. These aren’t mere suggestions; they are directives rooted in the very nature of the gospel. The pursuit of righteousness is a battle, and we are commanded to 'put on the armour of God' (Ephesians 6:11). That armour is not merely a symbol; it is a spiritual defense against the forces that would pull us down.

Furthermore, the priesthood responsibility we hold isn’t a license for ease, but a charge to actively participate in the Lord’s work. It requires us to confront our own weaknesses, to offer counsel and support to others, and to diligently seek inspiration through prayer and scripture study. The Spirit is the guide, but it requires our earnest seeking to be heard.

Mikhail Peterson’s observation about the empowering of the Spirit to even *hear* the knocking of the Savior is particularly insightful. The world clamors for our attention, offering distractions and temptations that dull our spiritual senses. It demands we reach for the 'life preserver' of fleeting pleasure and worldly validation. But true discipleship requires us to resist these enticements and actively seek the deeper truths that lie beneath the surface.

The challenge before us, then, is not to find a path of least resistance, but to embrace the descent. To recognize that true growth comes through confronting our weaknesses, repenting of our sins, and striving to become more like the Savior. It is a work of God, and while it may be arduous, it is also profoundly rewarding.

Let us consider what depths we are willing to plumb, and what covenants we are willing to uphold, in our pursuit of eternal life.