Roadkill

If you walk along Highway 100 in Fairview, Tennessee, as often as I do, you'll notice a lot of dead critters along the side of the road—squirrels, snakes, cats, rabbits, and even turtles. In failing to comprehend the dangers associated with crossing a busy highway, these animals become—in an instant—roadkill.

In failing to comprehend the dangers associated with crossing a busy highway, animals become roadkill.

We know better than to cross a busy highway before looking for traffic. But in another sense, I think we're much like these animals who—even with good intentions—end up dead.

For example, we've been warned against sin and its devestating consequences. We are told to stay far away from drugs, alcohol, immorality, pornography and other vices. Sometimes we ignore those warnings. Sometimes we want to cross the highway just to see what's on the other side.

But the highway is a dangerous place, and few emerge unscathed. Some are injured by less-devestating vices like pride and dishonesty. Others are slammed with addictions which prematurely end their lives.

Why do we cross the highway in the first place? Are repeated warnings from parents, friends, prophets and scripture not enough to keep us far away?

Perhaps we are like the squirrel or rabbit, and we assume we are agile enough to cross without getting hurt.

Perhaps we are like the snake or cat, and we believe we are sly or cunning enough to carefully dodge any injury.

Maybe we are like the turtle who assumes his shell is strong enough to resist the devestating blows of sin.

Regardless of what we tell ourselves, and regardless of what the world says about it, sin is still sin, and highways will always be dangerous. We are neither quick or cunning or strong enough to withstand the force of the vehicles which barrel down Satan's highway. Safety is found only in staying far away from the highway.

Why is it important to follow the counsel of President Thomas S. Monson, other church leaders, and our parents? How can we avoid ending up as 'Satan's Roadkill'? Comment below.