A More Excellent Way

By Larry Doyle Crenshaw

MeditationsInLight.Blogspot.com 

There is something inviting, even enticing when we come, for the first time, to a well-worn path in a forest, or mountain glade.  It whispers to us of the adventures of others who have travelled there before leaving traces of their passing along the way. As we traverse the trail, we too become one of the path-makers and adventurers.

Sometimes, like Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken,” we come to a fork in the path and must decide which one to take.  It is at this point that the purpose of our trek and our destination becomes even more important.  Without a purpose, and without a destination, either path will likely be an adventure.  However, if we are looking for a path to lead us homeward, then taking the correct path becomes vital – for not all pathways lead home.  And, as Mr. Frost tells us, that will make all the difference.

We have come to this place we call Earth and before us are many and divergent paths.  Some roads lead to personal growth, progress and happiness, and eventually to our heavenly home.  Other roads lead to misery and despair.  Fortunately, we are not left without roadmaps, directions, and travel guides about alternative paths.

Indeed, Our Father in Heaven who arranged our adventure here has given us rather explicit instructions regarding our earthly travels – sort of a Divine Compass that shows the true path back into His presence.  In addition, He sent His son to show us how and where to journey – Jesus, thus became “the way, the truth, and the light.”  Notwithstanding, Our Father gave us the power to choose our paths.  Knowing that we might choose errant pathways and get lost, He, through His son, provided a way back, or a bridge to a better trail called the Atonement.  This divinely inspired roadmap has been called, “A More Excellent Way,” and so…. it is.

A More Excellent Way

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
New Testament   1 Corinthians 12:31

Wherefore, by faith was the law of Moses given. But in the gift of his Son hath God prepared a more excellent way; and it is by faith that it hath been fulfilled.

 Book of Mormon   Ether 12:11

There are many paths through life

But Christ prepared a more excellent way

A journey of faith that overcomes the strife

An enlightened way to keep darkness at bay

Christ is the way, the truth, and the light

As we find our way in this darkened realm

Where we see by faith and not by sight

Sure in the knowledge God is at the helm

The path of faith holds us safe and secure

With our works that glorify God and Christ

In whose light we travel, thrive and endure

Against Lucifer’s lures that tempt and entice

Faith is a thing hoped for but obscure

Wherefore we dispute not, when we see not

But stay steady on the path - solid and sure

As faith endures and miracles are wrought

For in the gospel of God’s Son

Is found a more excellent way

By which in Him we may be one

 When His counsels we obey

May the way of excellence be found

With eventual perfection our goal

For heavenward we are bound

Where God’s glory we will behold

                                                                                                                   

Larry Doyle Crenshaw