My Thoughts: Stay in the Boat by Elder Ballard

The first thing Elder Ballard tells us in his talk is to “Stay in the Boat…”

When trials come into my life, or the strong rapids of my life come at me,  I am  tempted to abandon ship.  I don’t feel worthy to pray. I feel as though Heavenly Father has deserted me.  I feel as though there is no reason to attend church because I will be better if I didn’t go and be a burden to my family and those around me.  This is abandoning the boat. 

In Elder Ballard's talk he quotes President Brigham Young who referred to the Church as the 'Old Ship Zion'.  Quoting President Young, Elder Ballard said:

"We are in the midst of the ocean.  A storm comes on, and, as sailors say, she labors very hard.  'I am not going to stay here', says one; 'I don't believe this is the 'Ship Zion'.  "But we are in the midst of the ocean.'  'I don't care, I am not going to stay here.'  Off goes the coat, and he jumps overboard.  Will he not be drowned?  Yes.  So with those who leave this Church. . . "

There have been times in my life I am tempted to leave the boat even when things were calm and life was going fairly well.  

When life is going well and our blessings are bountiful we can become distracted and too casual with our actions.  I find that I’ve had this happen from time to time.  I let a prayer slip. I let anxiety and depression take over and slack off on Church attendance.  This is leaving the boat.  

Elder Ballard tells us how to stay on the boat.  He says:  "Here is how.  We need to experience a continuing conversion by increasing our faith in Jesus Christ and our faithfulness to His gospel throughout our lives - not just once but regularly."

Basically, we need to keep doing the very basic primary things that will continue to strengthen our testimony – daily prayer, scripture study, church and (as able) temple attendance, ect.

The 2nd rule Elder Ballard councils us to do:  Always wear a life jacket!

The 3rd rule Elder Ballard councils us to do:  Hold on with BOTH HANDS!!!

"The words of the Lord are found in the scriptures and the teachings of the apostles and prophets.  They provide us counsel and direction that, when followed, will act like a spiritual life jacket and will help us know how to hold on with both hands. . . In searching the scriptures and the words of past and current apostles and prophets, we should focus on studying, living, and loving the doctrine of Christ."

Elder Ballard says that prayer, fasting, and avoiding distractions will help to keep us safe as well as help us to hold on with both hands.  

"In addition to developing the habit of personal scripture reading, we need to . . . give ourselves 'to much prayer, and fasting (Alma 17:3)'.   It seems that these things which are not easily measured are of great importance.  Stay focused on these simple things, and avoid becoming distracted."

Elder Ballard tells us we need to keep our focus on fundamental principles and not on the appendages.  

"Satan tempts us to become distracted from the simple and clear message of the restored gospel.  Those so distracted often give up partaking of the sacrament because they have become focused, even preoccupied, with less important practices or teachings. . . The important questions focus on what matters most - Heavenly Father's plan and the Savior's Atonement.  Our search should lead us to become kind, gentle, loving, forgiving, patient, and dedicated disciples."

"Others may focus on the questions and doubts they experience.  Of course, having questions and experiencing doubts are not incongruent with dedicated discipleship. . . Members are always free to ask such questions and earnestly seek greater understanding."

Along with the analogy of the rules, Elder Ballard also makes an analogy of experienced river guides. 

The river guide has a job and that is to keep you safe, protect you from harm, and to guide and lead you through the river.  The river guide is someone who has been trained and who has had experience rafting through the rapids. 

"The experienced river guides today can be likened to the Church's apostles and prophets and inspired local priesthood and auxiliary leaders.  They help us arrive safely to our final destination"

Our Prophet, Apostles, Bishops, Stake Presidents….they will keep us safe if we follow and obey the them as our guides.  They are acutely aware of the rigid rocks and treacherous rapids in life.  They are there for each of us to help guide and steer us away from the danger if we listen and obey the directions they give us.