In the parable of the sower, the Savior taught about planting the gospel in the hearts of each individual:
"Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold." (Matt. 13:3-8.)The Savior went on to explain to His disciples the meaning of this parable, likening the seed to individuals who hear the word of God. Some fail to grasp the meaning, some fall away because of tribulations; still others fully embrace the gospel and bear fruit, bringing forth good works.
What the Master Sower expects from His followers are individuals with deep roots in the gospel, where we can remain firm in the earth, firm and unshakable in our testimonies and magnify our callings and fulfill our responsibilities one to another, especially to those less fortunate than we.
We cannot remain strong in the gospel and "branch out" to assist others if our roots cannot sustain us at all times. We face many challenges and are subjected to a myriad of voices that beckon us one way or another.
The prophet Isaiah, as recorded by Nephi, warned us about this time: "Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness. . . . Wo unto the wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight! . . . Who justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous. . . ." (2 Ne. 15:20-23.)
Amulek also testified in the Book of Mormon what happens to us if we harden our hearts against the word: "For our words will condemn us, yea all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God. . . ." Nevertheless Amulek reminds us, ". . . His judgments are just; that he is just in all his works, and that he is merciful unto the children of men, and that he has all power to save every man that believeth on his name and bringeth forth fruit meet for repentance." (Alma 12:14-15.)
When we are confronted with seeming insurmountable challenges, what is our attitude? Are we overwhelmed by the task ahead? What resources can we call upon to help us?
The single most important resource available to us in facing today's challenges is prayer. Praying individually and together as families builds and nurtures our spiritual roots. More can be accomplished for good by families kneeling together in supplication to the Lord than by any social or government program. Prayer helps us reach to the root of many problems, and it affords us an opportunity to weigh solutions, receive inspiration and act on it. Prayer also ensures we - as individuals and families - are in touch with the mind and will of our Father in heaven and His Son.
Second, we should refrain from all addictive behaviors and substances. Shun them for what they are: They separate us from the goodness of God. They attack our own roots and sap strength from our branches. They poison our fruit. They do us - and others - grievous harm. Most importantly, these substances and behaviors separate us from the Holy Ghost and His ability to comfort us and to warn us of other dangers.
Third, stay in the light of the gospel and do not venture into the darkness of apostasy. Just as plants thrive in sunshine, we too can produce "good fruit" if we stay close to the Church. In the parable of the sower, those seeds that found fertile ground thrived and brought forth fruit. So should we cultivate each other and drink at the headwaters of knowledge together. As we renew our individual covenants each week by partaking of the sacrament, we gain strength to do just that. There is safety in numbers. If we find ourselves absent too often from this experience, we should return to familiar ground quickly.
President Spencer W. Kimball noted in general conference on Sept. 30, 1978: "There are far too few who are willing to pay the price, in discipline and hard work, to cultivate hardy roots. . . . Let us each cultivate deep roots so that we may secure the desired fruits of our . . . labors."