The Straight and Narrow Path After Entering the Gate

     I've long been fascinated with the concept of having one's calling and election made sure. It seemed to me to be a great way to get a little mental rest, knowing that I've "made it". As the matter of fact, I remember praying for the Lord to set me on a journey toward my calling and election at one point in my life. It must have been a righteous desire because it worked! Everything around me seemed to fall apart very quickly, and all at once. 

    It soon occurred to me that if I were to prove that I would serve the Lord "at all hazards" I would have to go through an awful lot of hazards. That seemed to be the opposite of mental rest. Lesson learned. Still, the longing haunts me. But as much as I desire to get to that point someday, I'm content to take a line upon line approach for now. Slow and steady wins the race, right? 

    Fortunately, the Lord seems to be very anxious to tell us exactly how to do it since we can find lists and examples all throughout the scriptures and other gospel resources. In 2 Peter 1:5-7, we are given a formula for becoming what Peter called the partakers of the divine nature. Peter explains that by obtaining this gift we "shall never fall" (2 Peter 1:10).

    Something I have found fascinating is that the list provided by Peter reflects the Beatitudes given by Christ himself on the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5) and in the Americas (3 Nephi 12). This gives me assurance that there is a specific path and order to follow to become as Christ is and receive the promise of eternal life. 

    The first attribute that Peter teaches that we need to give "all diligence" to is faith (2 Peter 1:5). Christ's first beatitude is "Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me..." (3 Nephi 12:3). When all else fails and we are at our lowest points in life, Satan will tempt us to give in, give up, or get angry. It is a tremendous act of faith to, instead, kneel in prayer when there is not a single whisper of hope left in you.

    Peter then teaches that to that faith we need to add virtue (2 Peter 1:5). The Latin origin of virtue is virtus meaning valor or moral perfection. Since we know that we can only be made perfect through the atonement of Christ which requires us to repent and be washed clean, it makes sense that Christ also mentioned this process as his second step. "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (3 Nephi 12: 4). Through repentance, our sins are forgiven and we are simultaneously comforted and become more virtuous. This part is discussed through two different lenses, but the process is the same.

    Similar comparisons can be made for knowledge (2 Peter 1:5) and hungering and thirsting after righteousness (3 Nephi 12:6); temperance (2 Peter 1:6) and meekness (3 Nephi 12:5); brotherly kindness (2 Peter 1: 7) and mercy (3 Nephi 12:7); and on down the list. 

    Another similar list can be found in the church's 12 step program. When the 12 steps are studied carefully, they reveal themselves as the same process through yet another lens. From humbly recognizing your need for God (poor in spirit), right down to embodying and sharing the message of peace and hope in Christ to others (peacemaker).

   Many of God's prophets started out in opposition to Christ and were still able to receive this divine promise. Alma the Younger and Paul were notable examples. Others had ambiguous beginnings like Enos. This gives me hope that even I, as imperfect as I am, can reach this level someday. 

    Of course, there were others who were exemplary from the beginning like Nephi and the brother of Jared. The point is that the mysteries of how to receive this gift have been openly revealed for those who seek it. This is important because the last days (our days) will be marked by saints so righteous that they cannot be influenced by Satan (1 Nephi 22:26). From all appearances, the Lord, through Peter, is teaching us how this needs to be done because there will come a day when we will need that level of protection (2 Peter 1:4, 10).