STAY IN THE CHUTE

 

I want to reflect on a special experience I had while serving in my last area...

It was a early, foggy day in the foothills of the Bighorns. The sound and smell of cows was palpable in the air. I was excited as a wave of nostalgia rushed over me. Branding Angus was nothing new. I have fond memories as a kid "helping" my grandfather on the family ranch back home, but this time was very different. The excitement faded quickly. This time I was hours away from those comforting corrals in Sanpete. I was on my own. But I was able to see a principle that was set before me that plays out everyday...

The path that these cows take are not far different from our own:

They are sent down the "strait and narrow" to a final destination

For the Black Angus calves, they are not given a choice. They will reach their destination, whether they want to or not. The end is met with burns and pain. Ears are filled with the sound of screams and clashing metal. It is certainly no picnic. Although most calves hesitate down the chute, there are always a few that are very cooperative. They have a perfect knowledge of what awaits them, and they take it like a champ. The end isn't pretty, but they choose to follow.

There is likewise a spiritual "straight and narrow" that we must take.

"and then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate;" (2 Nephi 31:18)

The end of this divine demarcation does not end in strangers wielding prods and irons, but the Savior with open arms. Instead of pain and suffering, joy and laughter is to be had. Fear and doubt are replaced by confidence and identity. This is the only direction towards Deity.

But yet, we hesitate!

We know what is at the end, but we give pause. Eternal life with our Father in Heaven is our possible reward, but yet, we reject it.

Many simply never enter in the way due to secondary questions. "These also resist the truth...they shall proceed no further" (2 Timothy 3: 8-9) They witness the gate, and willfully go another way.

Sadly, so many jump out or escape once they are in. If only they realized that one simply cannot turn around without causing immense damage, either to themselves or others.

Those promising calves who in past glided down the chute, loose their confidence and direction in an instance, stopping in the way; even blocking the long line behind them, due to artificial fear. Likewise it is a heavy and bleak moment when we periodically realize we are rebelling ourselves, often unconsciously. Very few inwardly ask "who am I stopping?"

And so, this parable plays out everyday, with everyone. Many willfully choose not to enter in the way. We often forget to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

We all have to make a daily effort to walk down the celestial chute. We can choose to willingly be branded by the identifiable name of Christ, or be lost in the endless foothills of desolation. You are either all in, or all out when it comes to the covenant path!

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" - Philippians 3:14