Elder Carlson started off with a story about two fishermen in the bush and their taking a short cut in flying out – and their crash. His talk is about obedience to the Lord’s commandments.
Occasionally we believe that there must be an easier way, a shortcut or modification of the Lord’s commandments that will accommodate our individual circumstances. Thoughts such as these fail to acknowledge that strict obedience to God’s laws brings His blessings and failure to abide by His laws leads to foreseeable consequences.
Harold B. Lee said, “The safety of the Church lies in the members keeping the commandments . . . As they keep commandments, blessings will come.
When we choose to disobey a commandment, it is usually because (1) we have convinced ourselves that the commandment does not apply to us; (2) we do not believe that it is important; or (3) we are certain that it is too difficult to obey.
Elder Carlson then talks about each of the three reasons he mentioned that people disobey commandments
This Commandment Doesn’t Apply to Me
Our partial or selective compliance with God’s laws will fail to bring the full blessings of obedience.
This Commandment Is Not Important
Obedience to the Lord’s commands, in spite of how trivial or unimportant we believe them to be, will surely bring His promised blessings.
This Commandment Is Just Too Hard
At times we may rationalize that the Lord will understand our disobedience because our special circumstances make adherence to His laws difficult, embarrassing, or even painful. However, faithful obedience, regardless of the apparent size of the task, will bring the Lord’s guidance, assistance, and peace.
Elder Carlson reminds us of two great promises the Lord makes in the scriptures to those who are obedient.
The Lord’s response when we obey His commandments is sure. He has promised us, “If you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life. (D&C 14:7)
Additionally He has counseled us, “I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.” (D&C 76:5)
Elder Carlson also reminds us of the power of faithful obedience. I am taking his quote and putting it in bullet form to emphasize the blessings we will receive.
· Obedience to the Lord’s commandments provides us confidence in our chosen path,
· qualifies us for His guidance and direction as we pursue our efforts,
and offers us the potential to become like our Savior, Jesus Christ,
· and to return to our Father’s presence.
3 bad excuses for not following commandments:
ReplyDelete1. This commandment doesn't apply to me.
2. This commandment is not important
3. This commandment is just too hard
"Obedience to the Lord's commandments provides us confidence in our chosen path, qualifies us for His guidance and direction as we pursue our efforts, and offers us the potential to become like our Savior, Jesus CHrist, and return to our Father's presence." No matter how unpopular we will seem, we must stay true to our standards & the commandments.