Ritual Prodigalism

Reading:   3 Nephi 12

I often here the expression, "My cross to bear" in reference to some burden one has to carry.  I've never really dwelt on it much - took it in stride sort of speak; but is it accurate to use the expression in such a way or does it dimminish the real meaning?  There are many scriptural references to "carrying your cross daily" and I think it is important not to belittle what is meant...

3 NEPHI 12:30

30    For it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell. 

So what is meant?  Keep in mind that in this particular case it is Jesus telling the people to take up their cross, so, what experience did He have...what is it He would mean in relation to His experience?  The Romans used crucifixion as the ultimate means of punishment, those sentenced to die by the cross had to carry their cross to the place where they would ultimately die upon that same cross.  While carrying the cross, those sentenced, would be ridiculed and taunted by people on the streets - sometimes physically abused.  This was extremely cruel and done in order to deter others from committing such crimes. One was not sentenced to carry a cross but to die, carrying the cross was simply a peripheral part of the sentence.

So, what is meant?  I can assure you it isn't the slight of carrying some burden as used in modern expression. We are being asked to forsake evil, deny ourselves of the things that tempt us, and follow Jesus.  By so doing, by taking up that proverbial cross, we also submit ourselves to the ridicule of others along the path - we may lose friends, family, even close loved ones because we choose to follow Jesus.  We may be verbally abused for our choice and possibly even physically assaulted but must be willing to accept such things - even unto death!  Is that better than the Savior's promised alternative, "...that ye should be cast into hell."

I like to speak as much as possible from my own thoughts but sometimes find it enlightening, interesting even, to add a quote in order to better make a point.  Neal A. Maxwell is one of my favorite Apostles and thinkers.  His ability to explain was always fascinating and educational; this quote is from a conference talk he gave on a Saturday afternoon session in October 1988...

Why do some think adultery and similar sins are permissible as long as anything else they do is commendable? The Lord's focus is not on the one thing we do which is good, but, instead, on the one or more things we still lack in order to have eternal life. (See Mark 10:21; 2 Pet. 1:9.) To compose a symphony, to win a battle, or to save a company-each can be a commendable and worthy entry in the book of life, but these do not fully compensate for breaking the seventh commandment. In the arithmetic of heaven, several commendables do not cancel out one inexcusable! The clear command from Jesus is to deny ourselves immorality and "to take up [the] cross daily," not to indulge ourselves and to take up the cross occasionally! (Luke 9:23; see also 3 Ne. 12:30.) The Old Testament advises, "He that ruleth" himself is better "than he that taketh a city." (Prov. 16:32.)

Why do some of our youth risk engaging in ritual prodigalism, intending to spend a season rebelling and acting out in Babylon and succumbing to that devilishly democratic "everybody does it"? Crowds cannot make right what God has declared to be wrong. Though planning to return later, many such stragglers find that alcohol, drugs, and pornography will not let go easily. Babylon does not give exit permits gladly. It is an ironic implementation of that ancient boast, "One soul shall not be lost." (Moses 4:1.)

The philosophy of ritual prodigalism is "eat, drink, and be merry, ... [and] God will beat us with a few stripes." This is a cynical and shallow view of God, of self, and of life. God never can justify us "in committing a little sin." (2 Ne. 28:8.) He is the God of the universe, not some night-court judge with whom we can haggle and plea bargain!

There are so many things that can be said about these few paragraphs but in regards to the scripture of the day I want to repeat just three:

1. Several commendables do not cancel out one inexcusable!
2. Babylon does not give exit permits gladly.
3. [Jesus] is the God of the universe, not some night-court judge with whom we can haggle and plea bargain!

Point made, right?

~Kipling