Don’t Slip!
With winter approaching, we start thinking about and preparing for the dangers that inevitably come with cold weather. We make sure we have good tires on the car, grippy soles on our shoes, stock up on the ice melt, and get out the shovel or snowblower.
A few years ago, my wife, while attempting to take the garbage to the road, slipped on some ice and broke her ankle badly. That accident has negatively affected her every day since then. The seemingly simple task she had done many times before became life-changing because of a bit of ice on the driveway.
This little story is a metaphor for a set of principles I would like to discuss today. I started thinking about this after reading a few verses in Hebrews. Chapter 2, verses 1-3 (partial) reads, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation;…”.
Paul talks about slipping away from the gospel, Christ, and God using the words slip, steadfast, and neglect; two negatives and one positive. These words apply to nearly every aspect of life and simple daily actions. I want to use these ideas in other essential areas of our lives as a reminder and a call to vigilance.
Virtually everything we do is based on principles and laws. We have natural laws like gravity, thermodynamics, motion, electromagnetism, and so on that must be considered consciously or unconsciously. A baby learning to walk demonstrates conscious effort that turns to unconscious action once mastered. But when we get old and feeble, walking again requires even greater attention because the consequences of falling can be fatal.
Other aspects of life are based on different laws or principles that cannot be violated without catastrophic results. Our relationships and social interactions are based on empathy, active listening, respect, open communication, trust, boundaries, conflict resolution, cooperation and collaboration, emotional intelligence, reciprocity, flexibility, and patience. Dealing with such an extensive list of principles is complex and cannot be applied unconsciously.
Then, there are the principles of moral and ethical behaviors. The list includes respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, honesty and truthfulness, fidelity, empathy and compassion, tolerance and respect for diversity, integrity, accountability, caring and altruism, and reciprocity. Again, it takes conscious effort to act and speak in ways that do not violate these laws or principles. We should break any of them only in extreme situations, emergencies, or other rare contextual considerations.
When considering the teachings and example of Jesus Christ as the standard, the principles of human behavior, natural law, human relations, and morality and ethics can be understood in a Christian context:
- Principles of Human Behavior: Jesus Christ’s teachings emphasized love, compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness. Christians are encouraged to model their behavior after his example, treating others with kindness and following his command to “love your neighbor as yourself.”
- Natural Law: Christians often view natural law as reflecting the divine order established by God. Christ’s teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, offer ethical guidance, and adhering to these teachings is seen as aligning with God’s will for how humanity should live.
- Human Relations: Jesus Christ’s interactions with people in the Gospels provide a model for human relations. He exemplified humility, empathy, and the importance of valuing each individual, regardless of their social status or background. His teachings on forgiveness and reconciliation also play a significant role in how Christians approach human relations.
- Morality and Ethics: The ethical principles taught by Jesus, as well as the Ten Commandments from the Old Testament, form the moral foundation for many Christians. His teachings on honesty, purity of heart, and not harming others are central to Christian ethics.
Paul’s warnings to not slip from the teachings of Christ, neglect the salvation he offers, and remain steadfast are vital to successful living. The all-encompassing teachings and example of the Savior are the pinnacle of human behavior and provide a sure foundation for every aspect of our lives. The complexity of trying to consciously master and adapt to living in the natural world, maintaining meaningful relationships, and thriving in society is overwhelming.
However, life gets a lot more straightforward when we follow the light that is inside each of us: the light of Christ. We must deny what the Book of Mormon describes as “the natural man”. All the complexity can be boiled down to two great commandments: love God and your neighbor. These two commandments are based on three principles: faith, hope, and charity, which is the pure love of Christ.
Maintaining a meaningful relationship with God involves a deep and personal journey. It begins with regular prayer and meditation, allowing us to seek God’s guidance and find inner peace. Reading and studying religious texts and teachings can provide insight and wisdom to shape our faith. In our daily lives, we can live by Christ’s example, striving to love our neighbors, practice forgiveness, and cultivate compassion. Maintaining this sacred connection requires a steadfast commitment to faith, hope, and charity, embracing the light of Christ within us. In times of doubt, we must remember that our relationship with God, much like navigating through life’s complexities, can benefit from careful dedication and unwavering commitment.
Slipping in our relationships, both with our loved ones and with God, can have profound and lasting consequences. Just as a momentary lapse on an icy driveway led to a life-changing accident, a breakdown in communication or a weakening of our spiritual connection can disrupt the harmony and well-being we cherish. Neglecting our relationships can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and a sense of distance from those we hold dear. Similarly, neglecting our relationship with God can result in feelings of spiritual emptiness and a loss of the guidance and comfort that faith provides. To avoid these dangers, we must remain vigilant, maintaining open lines of communication with our loved ones and regularly seeking the presence of the divine to strengthen our spiritual bond.
In the journey of life, where the complexities of the world often threaten to overwhelm us, we find solace and guidance in timeless principles. As we prepare for the challenges of winter, both the physical and metaphorical, we discover that maintaining our relationships and nurturing our connection with God require conscious effort. Just as we equip ourselves with sturdy shoes and a warm coat, we must fortify our hearts with love, compassion, and faith.
The profound lessons we learn from the gospel of Jesus Christ serve as a roadmap, showing us the way to navigate the intricate web of human interactions. Inspired by the words of the Book of Hebrews, which implore us to “give earnest heed” to the teachings and to avoid letting them slip, we realize that neglecting these vital principles can lead to consequences just as grave as slipping on an icy driveway. By embracing principles like forgiveness, empathy, and charity, we simplify the complexities of our social and personal relationships, making our actions second nature.
In the midst of life’s intricate dance, it’s heartening to realize that, with faith and conscious effort, we can cultivate an environment of love and understanding. So, let us keep the light of Christ shining brightly within us and, like a baby learning to walk, take those conscious steps towards a life where kindness and compassion are second nature. In the end, it’s this commitment that brings us the warmth and serenity to face any “winter” that may come our way.