Why is Obedience Important?

For a Christian, Christ is the most important person in our lives. Some branches of Christianity emphasize behavior, obedience to God's commandments, and submission to His will, but other branches deny that God's commandments are of any importance to us. For Latter-Day Saints, commandments are important. But why?

Is it because we think we need to do enough to get into heaven? No.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God," (Ephesians 2:8). "We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do," (2 Nephi 25:23). 

Is it because we're scared of an angry God? No. 

"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," (Romans 5:8). He died to save us while we were still sinning. That proves His love for us. 

So why is obedience so important? Why do we keep God's commandments?

Why do I keep God's commandments?

I keep God's commandments, because when Jesus said "All who believe will have eternal life," He didn't just mean believe that He existed and was God's son, or a prophet, or a teacher - though He was all of those things. 

Believing in Christ means believing what He said. 

It's believing He said we are loved infinitely, more than we could ever imagine. 

It's believing He said He is preparing a place for us. 

It's believing He said "repent." 

It's believing that repentance means "turning around," a change of heart. 

It's believing that atonement means "harmony," and that Christ's atonement gives us the ability to be in harmony with God. 

It's believing that He said "I love you."

It's believing that Jesus said "If ye love me, keep my commandments." 

It's believing that God gives commandments to us for our benefit. 

It's believing that He said "I love you."

It's believing that He said "Follow me." 

It's believing that His invitation asks us to love like Him and live like Him. 

It's believing that He said "Forsake all you have," and "He who loses his life for my sake will find it."

It's believing that He said "I love you."

It's believing that He came to save us from our sins, not just in our sins. 

It's believing that sin exists. 

It's believing evil exists. 

It's believing that God has given commandments (for without His commandments, there would be no good and no sin). 

It's believing that He said "I love you."

It's believing that we cannot live a perfect life on our own. 

It's believing that He can and did pay the price for our wrongs, so that we can have more chances to choose right. 

It's believing that He said "You are mine."

It's believing that He said "I love you."

It's believing that His commandments help us grow into better people. 

It's believing that He said we are of infinite worth and infinite potential. 

It's believing that He said "I love you."

This is the biblical, Old Testament Jehovah.
This is the biblical, New Testament Jesus of Nazareth.
This is the Book of Mormon Jesus Christ, "who shall come to redeem His people."
This is the Doctrine and Covenants Only Begotten Son, Lord of all.

This is my Savior, my Jesus Christ. This is who I follow. This is the mentor and hero after whom I am trying to model my life.

(All images from Media Library on lds.org)

Guidance from the Prophet Alma

"Teach them an everlasting hatred against sin and iniquity.

 Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.

 Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.

 O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.

 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up"

Alma 37:32-37

Prepare for General Conference!

This information was posted on lds.org concerning preparing for General Conference. This is a time when our Prophet and Apostles address the whole Church, providing guidance and inspiration for all members. Read their suggestions for preparing! (source)

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Date

September 26 and October 3–4, 2015

Location

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

The general women’s session for sisters ages eight and older will be Saturday, September 26, at 6:00 p.m. mountain daylight time (MDT).
The First Presidency, members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other General Authorities and general officers of the Church will deliver messages of inspiration and guidance in six sessions:All members of the Church are invited to participate in the 185th Semiannual General Conference of the Church.

The general priesthood session for priesthood holders will be Saturday, October 3, at 6:00 p.m. MDT.

The general sessions for individuals and families will be Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4, at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. MDT.

Prepare for Conference

Conference provides an opportunity to receive personal revelation as living prophets give counsel and direction. Asking questions can help youprepare for conference, increasing personal revelation while you watch.

Review what prophets taught at April’s conference regarding members’ common questions. Learning more about General Authorities and general officers can also help you prepare to receive their messages.

Invite Others

Those of other faiths are welcome to participate in general conference. Members are encouraged to invite others in person or using social media.

Live Viewing Options

All sessions will be streamed live on the home page of LDS.org. They are also available via the Church satellite system, radio, television, satellite, and other digital channels. See Viewing Times and Options for more details. For specific times, languages, and rebroadcast information, refer to the Church broadcast schedule. 

Participate and Share via Social Media

To participate in general conference conversations on Twitter, use #LDSconf, or retweet quotes, videos, and images posted at @LDSchurch. See and use the list of speakers’ recommended hashtags to help extend their messages.

Post-Conference Availability

General conference talks in text, audio, and video formats are provided in multiple channels for studying and sharing after conference.

• Learn when conference materials will be available.
• Find ways to get more out of conference.
• Find messages from past conferences.

A Brief Testimony

"Learn to express a brief, heartfelt testimony of our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the truths of the restored gospel."

First Presidency Letter, 14 Feb 2013

I know that the priesthood is real. I've seen it's power working. I know that the full gospel was restored through Joseph Smith. I know that Heavenly Father hears our sincere prayers. I know that the Savior stands ready to help us whenever we need Him (which is always). I know that He leads this Church, and that all of our leaders are called by Him. I'm thankful for our prophet and apostles. I know that listening to their counsel will help us prosper. I know that they love us, too. I know that Heavenly Father sends people to us - families, ward members and leaders, missionaries. I know that He is in the details of our lives. I know that He cares about us. I know that He wants us home, and that He will help us on our way home. He is so good. His ways are just. His Son shows us the Way. His Atonement makes all things possible.

In His name, Jesus Christ, amen.

You've got the Savior of the world helping you out; how can you fall?

Building a Celestial Family: Part 4

Invite the Holy Ghost

We owe our families the kind of relationship we can take into the presence of God. . . . We can determine to forgive quickly and fully. We can try to seek the happiness of others above our own. We can be kind in our speech. As we try to do all these things, we will invite the Holy Ghost into our families and into our lives.

Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency (source)

One thing that's really great about commandments and counsel is that they are always accompanied by blessings. In this case, President Eyring testified that as we try to forgive, seek the hapiness of our family members, and be kind, we invite the Holy Ghost. That's beautiful! I'd like to break this promise into two parts and examine it a little more.

First, I'd like to talk about the actual blessing: the Holy Ghost will come into our families. That's pretty great. Don't we all want the Holy Ghost in our families and homes? The peace it brings, the understanding, the love? Our homes are to be a sacred and safe place. They can't be that unless we have the Holy Ghost in them. We need the Holy Ghost in our lives and in our homes. The Lord promises, through President Eyring, that He will send the Holy Ghost as we follow this counsel. If we knew that the Holy Ghost would come as a result our our forgiveness, our sacrifice, and our kind words, how much more eager would we be to do these things? Can we forgive more? Can we sacrifice for our family members? Can we be more kind in our speech? (Hint: Yes.) So let's make that a goal, me and you. To be more kind and forgiving. Today.

The other part: "As we try to do these things." The Lord doesn't expect perfection. And that is a beautiful thing. He's not saying, once you're perfectly forgiving, perfectly sacrificing, perfectly kind, then I'll send the Holy Ghost. No. He says, "Just try, and I'll send my Spirit to help you. Just try." When we try, when we put forth any effort into this, He send the Holy Ghost and multiplies what we can do. And isn't that great! We need the Holy Ghost to be perfectly forgiving. We try, and He helps. We try seek the happiness of our family members above our own, and He helps. We try to be kind, and He helps. He sends that Holy Ghost as we try to do these things. And, oh, it is wonderful.


So, as I finally conclude this series, I challenge you to try take President Eyring's counsel to heart. Try to be a little more forgiving, try to seek the happiness of your family members, try to speak kind words. And I, next to President Eyring, testify that the Holy Ghost will come into your heart and your home.



This post is part of a series entitled "Building a Celestial Family." Missed the beginning? Find them here: Intro, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. 

The Lord Will Provide

"And God will generously provide all you need."

2 Corinthians 9:8, NLT

photo source lds.org

"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." (1 Nephi 3:7)

The Lord will provide a way. 

"And God said unto Noah . . . Make thee an ark of gopher wood . . . And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of . . . Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he." 

(Genesis 6:13-15, 22)

The Lord will provide a way. 

"[God] said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. . . . And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father . . . Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering . . . Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham . . . And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son." 

(Genesis 22:2-13)

The Lord will provide a way. 

"And the children of Israel said unto them . . . ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you." (Exodus 16:35)

The Lord will provide a way. 

"David said moreover, The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:37)

The Lord will provide a way. 

"Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages . . . But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. [Jesus] said, Bring them hither to me. And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full."

 (Matthew 14:14-20, see also Luke 9:12-17, Mark 8:1-9)

The Lord will provide a way. 

"Give us this day our daily bread." (Mathew 6:11)

The Lord will provide a way. 

"He doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness." (1 Nephi 17:3)

The Lord will provide a way. 

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8)

The Lord will provide a way. 

"And I said: Lord, whither shall I go . . . And it came to pass that the Lord told me whither I should go." (1 Nephi 17:9-10)

The Lord will provide a way. 

Thick darkness gathered around me . . . exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction . . . I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun . . ." (Joseph Smith History 1:15-16)

The Lord will provide a way. 

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"Behold, canst thou read this without rejoicing and lifting up thy heart for gladness?" (D&C 19:39)

The Lord will provide a way!

"Thou shalt declare glad tidings, yea, publish it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and among every people that thou shalt be permitted to see" (D&C 19:29) -- The Lord will provide a way!

Building a Celestial Family: Part 3

Be kind in our speech. 

We owe our families the kind of relationship we can take into the presence of God. . . . We can determine to forgive quickly and fully. We can try to seek the happiness of others above our own. We can be kind in our speech. As we try to do all these things, we will invite the Holy Ghost into our families and into our lives.

Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency (source)

I often tell my brother and sister "Use soft words." Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "Love is patient, love is kind" (1 Cor 13:4-9). The Lord taught us this again through another prophet in the Book of Mormon, Moroni. Words can be hurtful. Yelling, shouting, and insulting our family members does not build loving relationships and invite the spirit.

We should make a devoted effort to be kind when speaking to each other, especially when children are in our homes. Children learn what "love" means by the actions of those who tell them "I love you." Do we want to teach our children or brothers and sisters that "I love you" means yelling and shouting, insulting each other, and never acknowledging strengths?

This is something that I still am working to overcome. Almost every day, my patience runs short and I have to say, "I'm sorry for using hard words. Can you forgive me? Can you give me another chance?" We are not perfect. I am not perfect. We should strive to be kind in our speech. We should ask forgiveness, and keep trying. As President Eyring said, we invite the Holy Ghost into our families as we strive to be kind to our parents and siblings.



This post is part of a series entitled "Building a Celestial Family." Missed the beginning? Find it here: Intro, Part 1, and Part 2. Read the final post here: Part 4.