Burdens

Last weekend was the 179th General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was in attendance via television broadcasts, which I enjoyed immensely. There was a practice in old Testament times regarding the Sabbath. After 7 Sabbaths there would be a double Sabbath. I have always felt that General Conference was like that.

But the Gospel is a real burden. There is so much about being actively engaged in the Church that is a burden. We are expected to read our scriptures, study good books, pay 10% of our income as tithing, attend our meetings for 3 hours a week plus fulfill other callings for 5 to 8 hours a week, plus volunteer and help in the community, plus attend the temple regularly, weekly if possible, we are also expected to be the world's best parents and teach our children, knit scarves for the elderly rake leaves for the widows abstain from all the worldly pleasures of coffee, tea, tobacco, alcohol and a basketful of other things. The burdens wear me down. They are so taxing at times. It's easier to follow Satan with him you don't have to do anything.

But one of the talk at conference helped me understand something. I dont' think Elder L. Whitney Clayton actually stated it, but he sure intended this idea with his talk. When we take up the yoke of the gospel It is a burden, but the burden is light in comparison with the burdens of sin and regret. Compared to trying to shoulder our lives challenges alone the burden of the gospel is indeed light.

Matthew 11:30