Object Lesson on Eternal Perspective

Draw a large X on the board. Talk about all the things that we are told not to do in the church. Things that others might call restrictions from having fun. Examples: no drinking, no premarital sex, no dating until 16, no swearing, no immodest clothes, etc. This all seems hard to follow and like we are being told what not to do all of the time. A lot of people believe we aren't enjoying life or experimenting, or know what life is really all about. The part they are not seeing is that by doing those things they are only restricting themselves. Although it may feel at times like we have this big X on us of things not to do- as we continually make righteous choices the X opens up and gives us more opportunities for happiness than those that thought they were experiencing happiness. A choice not to have premarital sex during our teenage years means experiencing the joy of the temple and being sealed to your spouse and children for eternity. All the small choices that are made that feel like restrictions will eventually become blessings and bring much more joy than the instantaneous moments of happiness from making unrighteous choices.