Edward B. Rowe · Of the Seventy
1When I listened to President Freeman talk about good days and bad days, I had the thought come to me, “Ed, you’re about to find out which of the two this is.”
2This sacred Easter morning, I’d like to share an experience that helped me understand how much we need Jesus Christ to guide us in our lives. I pray that the Holy Ghost will bear witness to you of the resurrected Christ and that our desire to follow Him will grow.
3Several years ago, as a young lawyer, I was involved in resolving a border dispute between countries that had been at war. The work required me to travel on foot through remote areas that were part of the recent war zone. Thousands of land mines had been laid during the war. Expert deminers were there, working to deactivate the mines; however, to my surprise, not all locations of the mines were known. Consequently, on occasion people would accidentally step on them and be injured or killed.
4To help me complete my work, I’d been provided a special guide named Winta. Winta was well known in the area. He was from a border town that had been attacked. He escaped and then volunteered to stay in the region throughout the war to observe the activities of the opposing army. He knew the terrain and what occurred during the war.
5Because it was possible that some places I would travel had undetected mines, I was given the following instructions: Carefully follow your guide. Winta knows this border area from personal experience. Walk in his footsteps a few paces behind him. Where he goes, you go. Where he steps, you step. I was literally to follow in Winta’s footsteps.
6For several days I followed Winta through many areas in the border region. At first I felt uncertain and apprehensive, hiking at times in abandoned trenches, destroyed villages, and other areas where the armies had been. The more we walked together and I remained safe, the more my confidence grew. Thanks to Winta, I completed my work without harm and safely returned home. As I followed in his footsteps, walking with my guide, I developed great trust and gratitude for him.
7Brothers and sisters, as much as I needed Winta to be my guide then, I’ve learned, more importantly, that I need Jesus Christ to be my guide through life’s journey amid its spiritual land mines. All of us do.
8Christ’s invitation is constant and consistent: “Come, follow me.” “Walk with me.” “Return unto me.” His invitation is to all—whoever we are, wherever we are. For “he inviteth … all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him.” Jesus Christ denieth none! No one need walk alone!
9“The Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning” invites us—we who “labour and are heavy laden” with our weaknesses and imperfections—to walk with Him as our guide.
10Jesus Christ was completely obedient to the Father and declared: “I have set an example for you.” “That which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do.” As we strive to follow His perfect example, He will strengthen us and protect us from Satan’s spiritual land mines.
11While the Savior’s Atonement is infinite, His invitation is individual. He invites you and me to accept Him as our personal guide. He suffered not just for humanity—He suffered for each of us individually. As President Russell M. Nelson taught, “Jesus Christ took upon Himself your sins, your pains, your heartaches, and your infirmities.” In short, He knows you personally and thus how to guide you based on your distinct strengths, weaknesses, and circumstances.
12Though our paths in life are unique, each is to be within the covenant path. For that is Christ’s path. We enter that path and connect ourselves to Jesus Christ as our guide through exercising faith in Him, repenting, and making sacred promises, or covenants, with Him.
13We follow in His footsteps within the covenant path by being in holy places, like the temple, and by having sacred experiences through partaking of the sacrament, praying, studying the scriptures, and ministering to others. The more time we spend with our guide in this way—and strive to follow His example—the more we will develop a deep bond and special relationship with Him and our Heavenly Father.
14We will feel the Savior’s love, be blessed with His strength, and have greater trust in Him. Even our very natures will change to become more like Him. We will feel more joy. And our love and gratitude for Him will grow.
15While the Savior is our perfect guide, we are imperfect followers. Indeed, “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Our loving Heavenly Father knew this would be so. He therefore provided a Savior for us; and because Christ answered the ends of the law through His Atonement, the Father gave Him all power to heal us completely when we walk imperfectly.
16I know this to be true. When injured by spiritual land mines, I have experienced Christ’s redeeming and healing power by exercising faith in Him and repenting with real intent. I have been spiritually healed by Jesus Christ. I promise you can be too!
17Please accept His invitation: “Will [you] not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you? … [My] arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive.”
18Jesus Christ is thus not only a perfect and personal guide—He is also the resurrected Redeemer and Master Healer! No matter how injured you are or how imperfect and inadequate you feel at following Him, He loves you. His merciful hand is extended to you even now. Please take it!
19This Easter morning, may we all accept Christ’s invitation to be our guide and walk with Him. And when we struggle or stray, let us return unto Him that He may heal us—that He may heal you. As President Dallin H. Oaks declared, “Jesus Christ is the way!” He lives! He is our Savior and Redeemer, the resurrected Christ, whom I love. Of Him I bear witness in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.