Clinging or holding fast to the rod of iron?

I used to think that "clinging to the rod of iron" was a really good thing - "clinging" is a strong term so it must be a good to do.  But I have now come to think of it differently - now I see a mental image of someone hanging on in desperation from a high ledge - fingers about to slip off because of the weight and the pull of gravity.  Their hands may be clinging but their feet are either about to fall off or are hanging off now and then.  Not a very secure position.  Their heart and their eyes are focused elsewhere and while they know where they should be and are making an effort, they just can't make the full commitment to get completely and whole heartedly and safely on the path. Therefore when they partake of the fruit and try to repent and try to live according to the Savior's way - they are ashamed, embarrassed - the opinions of the world - it's fashions and ways are, in the end, just too important to them.

While those who continually hold fast to the rod of iron and who humbly fall down and partake of the fruit, who recognize the value of the tree and its fruit or in other words - those who humbly and gratefully partake of the Savior's Love - His atonement - are unfazed by the scorn of the people of  the world.  They heed them not.  They are steady, constant, faithful, committed, devoted.