When I heard Sister Becky Craven’s talk, “Careful versus Casual,” at conference, I immediately thought of the Stripling Warriors from the Book of Mormon and Pres. Nelson’s Youth Battalion of today.

Do we remember that the Sons of Helaman “Obey[ed] and observ[ed] to perform every word of command with exactness” (Alma 57:21)? That doesn’t happen without determination, intentional drive, and purpose. In fact, it must be done carefully.

How does one “carefully” live the gospel? We have been told that the path of salvation is strait and narrow. In other words, it is really, really narrow. We have to walk along the path carefully, or we might simply walk past the line onto forbidden paths. The line is there to help us know when we’ve crossed it into dangerous territory. Some people see this as a standard that must never be crossed.

So many people try to complicate the gospel with questions and dare I say, challenging statements. These are people who may be walking the line, or beyond it, because they are resisting that worthy characteristic of “exactness.” Those who flaunt their doubt tend to pull others off that line.

The simpleness of the gospel lies in our willingness to obey the commandments fully, completely, and with a whole heart. Only in losing ourselves to God will we find who we really can become. (Isn’t there a scripture about that?)

People will challenge those faithful and careful followers, but what is it to us? If we choose the better part, then mind your own business. Interestingly, “mind your own business” is the Mormon Creed. This came about when the Saints finally settled out west where they could no longer be bothered and pushed around. They simply wanted others to leave them alone and let them live their religion in peace.

But sadly, sometimes we are our own worst enemy. People inside the church become vocally critical and do their best to shame members who are struggling to keep their choice. Again, what is it to us who keep at committing ourselves, and work at following God and no one else?

There are people all around trying to knock us off our path and sometimes when we gape too long at something far in the distance, we might lose our balance. And even sometimes, in a weak moment, bitterness may rise like bile in our throats.

Sister Craven’s talk is a good reminder for those who have made their choice to stay the course. May I repeat her final statement of encouragement?

“Can happiness be bought with $15? No, it can’t. Deep and lasting happiness comes by intentionally and carefully living the gospel of Jesus Christ.”