No Other Way

"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man commeth unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). This sounds so exclusive but what does it really mean? I'm not saying that this is the all inclusive answer but this is what I feel this means. I have found myself many times wondering, "OK, so I'm in a tough situation, what do I do?". Sometimes I just want to know more or just know what it is that I need to do to be happy and help others be happy. My life experience, short as it may be, has allowed me to see the truth to Jesus', statement, "I am the way, the truth, and the life". To gain more insight I want to site a scripture from the Book of Mormon. This scripture is in 3 Nephi 27:21 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do;". He came down and showed us a perfect example; He showed us the way to true happiness. This is amazing to me! He tells us, this is the way ("I am the way"), it's like having the answers to a test-- that would be nice especially now during finals:). But why so exclusive? It makes sense to me that there is no other way but it may not be so clear to others. I'm not sure I can explain myself clearly but I will do my best. The plan is simple, not ambiguous, nor confusing; there's not many ways but just one and we are told what it is. Every single person to live on this earth will know; it is a God given promise to us. Each one of us will have the opportunity to accept Christ and His true gospel; no one can choose for us, we must make that decision for ourselves. What about our exemplary friends who live great lives but do not believe in Christ? Each and every single one of us will be given the opportunity to accept this plan, created since before the earth came to be. In us is the ability to discern truth; within our hearts we know when something is right or when something is wrong. Our Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to return to Him and thus it is clearly given to us "no man commeth unto the Father but by me". We must follow Him, do the things that we have seen Him do, keep the commandments which He has given us and if we so do He tells us "blessed are ye, for ye shall be lifted up at the last day" 3 Nephi 27:22). As we follow Him in this life we will see the "fruits" of our actions. We will find peace in our lives, guidance, and a clearer understanding of life and who we are. I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and I am happy for this season in which we celebrate His birth.