Many of us Latter-Day Saints have what is now considered a traditional upbringing. We were taught to pray, read the scriptures, and attend Church regularly as part of our childhood upbringing. This is a good thing that we should continue to practice, but the story of the man with palsy found in Mark 2:4 shows us that sometimes there is a different path to reaching the Savior.
“And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.”
1. Explain the context of this scripture and what it means
This bedridden man did not have the ability to reach the Savior, so his friends had to think outside of the box in order to help him. They knew they could not bring the Savior through the crowd and so they dismantled the roof in order to bring him closer. This story is a beautiful example of both the power of having friends to help us on our spiritual journeys, as well as the unconventional paths we may need to take in order to reach the Savior.
2. Discuss how unconventional paths to reach the Savior can be beneficial
The Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches the ideal and best way that we can live our lives in order to reach the Savior, but living in this mortal and fallen world we know that many times through no fault of our own, we may find ourselves in a position where the conventional paths are not available to us. There is no need to despair because the atonement of Jesus Christ will always be available to us, and unconventional paths may be just the way for us to reach Him.
There are countless Youths in our church who are the only active members of their families who do not have traditional family home evenings or parents who read scriptures with them. There are Single Parents who have to find creative ways to teach their children the gospel or Young Married Couples who may struggle in a new city and find themselves alone. In all of these cases, unconventional paths through scripture study, prayer, and service are the way for them to access the power of the atonement.
As we make our efforts to use these unconventional paths, we should also keep in mind that the Lord is always ready and willing to help us as we put forth the effort. In all of the less-traveled paths to discipleship one thing is always present, diligence
3. Talk about the importance of diligence
Discipleship is not something that comes easy and it requires dedicated effort from us. We must be diligent in our efforts to reach the Savior no matter what path we take–whether it is a traditional or an unconventional one. By being diligent, we can show our sincere desire to receive the Lord’s help in our lives and make meaningful progress toward reaching Him. The savior tells us
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:13-14
It is much easier to stray into the broad way that leads to destruction than the strait gate that leads unto life. But if we are diligent in our pursuit of discipleship, we will find the way that leads us closer and closer to the Savior.
4. Talk about how a group of friends is essential in reaching the divine
One of the most important things in any journey to the Savior is having a group of friends who can support us along the way. Friends can help give us perspective, guidance, and comfort when things get difficult and we need some extra help. The group in Mark 2:4 remind us that although it may be hard for us to reach our goals alone, with the right people beside us, we can accomplish much more than we ever thought possible.
No matter what path we take to discipleship, having a group of friends around us will make all the difference in our journey. They can help carry us when our own strength fails and they can encourage us with their example of faithfulness in reaching the Savior. In the Book of Mormon it says, “And the Church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls” (Mormon 6:5).
The Church is a great place for us to find friends who can help us in our pursuit of discipleship, by associating with one another and edifying each other, we can become more unified in our journey to the Savior. By having a strong group of friends around us, we can reach our divine goals much faster than if we were alone.
Conversely, if we rely solely on our own strength, it is much more likely that we will falter and not be able to reach the Savior. Having a group of friends is an essential part of discipleship and can make all the difference in reaching the divine.
This means that we also have a responsibility as members of the Lord’s church to reach out to others and help them in their own journey as we have been helped. After all, we are taught, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Luke 22:32). We can each be the friend that someone needs in order to reach their divine potential. Sometimes that means we learn about hobbies, cultures, and perspectives that differ from our own, but we can all make an effort to better understand and love those around us so that together we may reach the Savior. When we genuinely love those that we associate with, our invitations to draw closer to the Savior come in normal and natural ways, they are not forced or contrived, they do not offend, and they will be guided by the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
5. Summarize why it’s important to be dedicated when seeking spiritual guidance no matter our path
It is important to be dedicated when seeking spiritual guidance no matter what path we take because it shows our sincere desire to receive the Lord’s help in our lives and make meaningful progress toward reaching Him. Those who are diligent in their pursuit of discipleship will find the right path that leads them closer to the Savior. Having a strong group of friends to support us in this journey is also essential and can help us reach our divine goals much faster and reliably than if we go alone. Furthermore, it is our responsibility as members of the Lord’s church to reach out to others and help them along their own journey. When we love those around us with genuine charity, the invitations to draw closer to the Savior come naturally and are guided by the Holy Ghost. Ultimately, it is our commitment to following the Savior that will help us reach Him, no matter what path we take.
6. Close with a Scripture related to faith and trust in God’s plan
“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” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Through faith and dedication to following God’s plan, we can rely on Him to guide us along our path to reaching the Savior. We can trust that He will lead us to true and lasting happiness as long as we remain faithful. May we all have faith in the Lord so that our paths may be directed toward Him. Amen.
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