There is a desire on the part of many to understand the deeper mysteries. They spend their time reviewing obscure references, scouring ancient texts in an effort to learn more about the great mysteries that surround us. Who is God? What is man's relationship with Him? What is the condition of our existence after we die? Did our souls exist before we appeared here on this sphere, or did we live before we came here? Why is life so fraught with dangers, both physical and spiritual? Can we even know the answers to these questions? Is there a source of truth that we may look to? How can we know the validity of any of these things - not being deceived by those who would do so?
In reality, the gospel of Jesus Christ is simple: because of the fall of man, physical and spiritual death entered the world. Through the atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be made free of those effects if we exercise faith, repent, partake of the essential ordinance of baptism, and receive the Holy Ghost. Those who pursue this course and continue faithful in keeping His commandments will receive eternal life.
Simple, yes. Easy, no.
We have seen repeatedly that there are many who begin on this path and for whatever reason find themselves pulled off the path. Nephi, expounding on Lehi's vision of the tree of life, mentioned that there were some who were lost in the mists of darkness (temptations) wandering in strange paths. Then there were those who were trying to get to that great and spacious building (the pride of the world). There were even some who had come to the tree and had partaken of the fruit who were ashamed of what they had done because of the taunting and scorn that was directed at those who had thus partaken.
I am reminded of Naaman. Elisha the prophet instructed Naaman to bathe in the Jordan River seven times to be cleansed of his leprosy. Naaman was upset because the way was too easy and initially refused to do it. His servant said - Look, if Elisha had asked you to do some difficult thing you would have done it gladly. Just because something's easy does not make it less effective. Naaman did as he was instructed and found himself clean.
It also reminds me of the brass serpent and the Liahona. These were small and simple things the Lord used to demonstrate His power in the saving of His children. All they had to do was look.
It seems to me that we often confuse the simplicity of the gospel for a lack of inherent and soul-saving complexity. There is no need for that complexity - the gospel should be easy to understand and follow, if difficult in practical application! How much more readily should we perform a task because it is easy, rather than seeking for the more difficult! Seriously, life is hard enough.
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