A certain nation, among the smallest in the world, was entirely enclosed by a larger nation. The two had a friendly relationship, with the government of the larger having helped the native ethnic group of the smaller to establish their own country and to develop some autonomy.

Inside the smaller nation lived a particular man who pursued a profession as a social worker. He obtained a license from the government and practiced for several years. However, among his own people, opportunities to build His clientele seemed limited. He decided to move to the larger country to improve his prospects.

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Upon her marriage, Sandra received a glistening silver pitcher. It came from her mother with a card indicating that the pitcher was on permanent loan to Sandra, and she could return it at any time when it suited her, such as perhaps when she had accumulated enough of her own things that the pitcher no longer fit with her décor. Her only condition was that Sandra take care of it and return it in the same condition.

Sandra prized the gift above all the others. She had admired it as she grew up. For the first several years of her marriage, it stood visibly in the front room with the newlyweds’ few other quality items that they wanted guests to see. She filled it sometimes with decorative synthetic flowers and other times with crafts she made herself. She kept it polished and always handled it with care.

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A certain man called Bernhardt was sentenced to twenty years in prison for crimes against others and the state. Defiant at first, he cursed the prosecution for tarnishing his character, the jury for believing them, his defense attorney for failing to prove innocence, and the judge for taking away his freedom.

The same day he entered prison, another man was confined to the same cell. He introduced himself simply as Joshua. Otherwise, he seemed unusually closemouthed about his background, his family, and even what he had done to earn incarceration.

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The following parable is by David Armstrong. Note: “Covenant path” is a term used in the restored Church of Jesus Christ to describe progress through a life marked by promises made with God via ordinances and adhering to these promises.

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Membership in Christ’s true church provides us the opportunity to operate from an eternal perspective. Membership alone, however, does not guarantee a proper perspective on life. We not only must choose membership, but we must also choose discipleship. 

Disciples are not immune to mortal problems. Their path is no easier than anyone else’s. Pain is just as real and intense, problems just as perplexing, disappointments just as heartbreaking. Their path is strewn with as many stones and hedged with sharp thorns as any others’ experience. 

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Henriette, the business analyst in a mid-sized company, was working on some process diagrams when her manager, Jakob, came to her desk. “We”—he was usually speaking on behalf of the executives when he started out with that word—”need you to get started on this year’s industry and market research. Revenue is lower than expected, and the execs are concerned. Project and budget proposals are due at the end of next month, earlier than usual, so we need to get a jump on that.” Henriette assured him she would have the information back to him within two weeks.

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