Bear Scare Repentance

Scout camp became a little tense this year when, on the second night, a member of the staff came sprinting into camp. Through panting breaths he explained that a bear had been seen in camp, and that we were in some danger. He explained things the scout camp was going to do to protect us, and gave us a list of things we needed to do immediately. Our list included removing food and other smellables from our tent - just as we had been told many times. 

Many of the scouts were wide eyed and scared. "We're going to die!" one scout shouted as he paced around the group. Then they started diligently going through their tents and bags, removing all their food and other smellables, and storing them in our scout trailer. Rules and guidelines that previously had been suggestions by some old guys to make camp more miserable suddenly became essential to survival. Scouts that had been following the guideline since arriving at camp felt much more safe than those that had disregarded the counsel and had to remove food from their tent. 

Commandments are like that. For many people they start out being silly rules made up by old people. But at some point, usually after some type of bear scare, They change from theoretical to practical. They become essential to peace and safety. 

The Lord has said,  “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30). He has taught us how to prepare for life and future bear scares. "I have warned you, and forewarn you" (D&C 39:4). The scriptures are full of both warnings of the danger, and actions to take to overcome the danger. 

As I look forward to the lives of these young scouts, I hope the gospel, the commandments, and the Atonement of Christ will continue to become real to them. Sooner or later all of us will meet the Savior. For some, the experience will be full of peace and love. Others will want "the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne." (Rev. 6:15) That day will be a bear scare for real.