Leaving the Cave

Everyone has a cave. A place or thing that keeps them from becoming all that they can be. This world provides a plethora of things that keep a person in their cave. The cave, however, prohibits them from becoming what Heavenly Father wants them to be. In a cave, the surroundings are dark and though it may be comfortable, it also provides no help for the future. Yet, through correct choices (following Jesus Christ and the scriptures) it is possible to take the journey away from the cave and partake of a fruit that is most desirable to make one happy " (1Nephi 8:10). That process is known as a change of heart. It is a hard thing to do, but it is possible. Samuel, in Helaman 15:7, teaches how unbelievers transformed into devout Christians. He said, "faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart." Faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost provide the way to change our hearts and feel true Peace, Love, and Joy.
In the mission field we, as missionaries, have an amazing opportunity to see peoples lives literally transform for the better as they develop faith, repent, are baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost. We see how friends migrate from their cave to the pathway of eternal life.  What's neat is that they don't need to rely on blind faith to move away from the cave. The path is already lit. There is evidence not seen. God has provided us with prophets, scriptures and this world to lead us back home into his presence. The ultimate achievement of life will be returning to live with God. In the end, if we do what we are supposed to, it will all be worth it. The fruit will be much greater than the trials went through from leaving the comfortable cave.