It is often said that difficult or extraordinary experiences build character.
I disagree.
Extraordinary experiences do not build character.
They reveal the character we've built through ordinary experiences.
Quiet, dignified right living may not be glamorous or outwardly interesting. But it is in these simple moments that we build the character needed to successfully navigate the extreme, the unusual—the test.
The simple things we do to build character are not usually loud attention-grabbing spectacles suitable for storytelling.
These are often quiet, private moments.
What kinds of ordinary experiences do we need to have?
Pray to God—alone and with your family. Read the holy scriptures. Serve people in need. In moments of temptation, choose the right. Respond to others with kindness and openness. Work on learning something new, every day.
These and other kinds of efforts will build you into the tough, resilient warrior the future demands. You'll be ready when you're called up for action.
-----
A building's foundation may not look very attractive. This does not mean it is not important. Quietly sitting, tucked away beneath ground level, it provides a stable structure to capably carry enormous burdens of building above.
I delight in scriptural symbols representing the Son of God as a stone. Jesus truly is as a strong, solid stone.
Encountering Him causes each of us to make a clear choice. The result of this decision will have a profound effect on us, perhaps even as the determinant of His influence in our life.
Despite His matchless power to create a simple, sturdy foundation for our lives, if, after we are made to be acquainted with Him in some real way, we choose to dismiss, disregard, or disobey Him, He can become a terrible stumbling block, an onerous obstacle to our happiness.
If we take up the challenge of fighting against Him and/or His servants, He will obligingly offer the opportunity to smack our heads against His unyielding strength. Should we choose this, the resulting spiritual injury is not His doing.
Though it hurts, the pain is only ours to blame. He is not the cause of the misery we may easily mistake for divine malice.
Regardless to how we may fall, He stands supreme. He is still the same Stone, no matter how we choose to engage ourselves with Him.
Stepping stone, or stumbling block. Intercessor, or interferer. Fictitious figment, or firm foundation.
The choice is ours.
As soon as we choose to repent, we can always switch our position from that like being crushed under a terrible burden of stone above, to being firmly established on the top, where we can find sure foundation upon which we cement sublime security.
Jesus is ever calling. Let Him build you as you build upon Him.
See also:
“Upon This Rock” by Bruce R. McConkie
The Seven Christs, by Bruce R. McConkie
“What Think Ye of Christ?” “Whom Say Ye That I Am?” by Robert D. Hales
Jacob 4
Helaman 5
Ephesians 1-4
Doctrine and Covenants 50: 44
Topical Guide: