Which Is the Heavier Load?

By Zoltán Soltra

Now that the Hungarian editions of the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price have been translated and bound into one volume, the members in Hungary have three volumes of scripture to study—and to carry. These three volumes—the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price—can sometimes seem quite heavy.

But while their kilograms increase the weight of my briefcase, the teachings these books contain—when I apply them in my life—are not burdensome at all. In fact, they make the burdens I carry lighter. As the Savior promised, “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:30).

On the other hand, many objects that are quite light physically have the capacity of greatly increasing my spiritual burdens. For example, small amounts of coffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco, or addictive drugs would not weigh down my briefcase much. But if I were to consume them, the weight of the consequences to my body and soul would be overwhelming.

At baptism we accept the Savior’s invitation to “come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matt. 11:28–29). On a daily basis, we choose which load to carry—the light load of the scriptures and the word of God or the heavy burden of sin and the influences of the world.

Illustrated by David W. Meikle