The lesson I taught to my 10 year old Primary class this week was based on a popular scripture in the Book of Mormon, Heleman 5: 12. It basically talks about building your life on "the rock of the Redeemer ... a sure foundation". The easiest way to illustrate this was to talk about building a house and ask them why they wouldn't build it on sand versus rock. I also had one of the kids recite the story of the "three little pigs", and we talked about why building a house with straw or sticks isn't acceptable. The answers to all of this inquiries were obvious.
But even though none of us would be foolish enough to want a house build on sand, many of us are content to build our lives on things similar to sand. If we'd be willing to spend the extra cash or put in the extra time for the house we build (or have built) be based on a "sure foundation" to withstand all types of weather, why is it that we sometimes don't do the same for our lives. Because it's too hard? Because it takes too much time? Maybe, but I don't think it's that simple. The problem is that the sands of life are fun and excitement, things that offer instant gratification and that are extremely distracting.
Trust me when I tell you ... this is all part of the adversary's plan. He makes the sands of life so enjoyable and so easy to get, doesn't he? It's fun now; but what's gonna happen when life gets hard? What happens when tragedy hits; will you have a knowledge of God's love and plan, or will the pain be too much? What happens when you lose your job; do you have a savings or did you spend it all on "fun stuff"? What happens when you are faced with a temptation; will you have to spiritual fortitude to resist, or will you say "it's just one time"? Are you going to be strong enough to hand it, or are you just gonna blame God or someone else for your problems?
I testify that regular scripture study, daily prayer, continued education, continued worship, strong dedication to your family, and (most important) following Christ's example are the things make up the rock that we should build our lives.