How close to the edge? — 1988
While serving as Teachers’ Quorum advisor in June of 1988, I had an interesting and sobering conversation with one of our Teachers. I was encouraging him to come to our Varsity Scout activities on Wednesdays, and he informed me that he had come to an agreement with his parents — if he attended Sacrament and Priesthood meetings, he then did not have to attend Seminary or weeknight church activities. I felt bad that his devotion to the church and the priesthood was so shallow. This is similar to saying to the Lord, “I will live certain commandments but not others.” The scripture about hot, cold, and lukewarm came to mind. He then asked me how long and freaky his hair could be and still be allowed to prepare the sacrament. I told him I was unaware of any official policy but I was sure the Lord would like his priesthood holders neat, clean, and well-groomed. He told me he wanted to have a long ponytail behind his right ear and black and blond streaking everywhere else on his head. Again, he wanted to see how close to the edge of the cliff he could come without falling off. How vitally important it is to stay on the narrow road, never deviating, holding the iron rod firmly with both hands.
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