OBEDIENCE
"Obedience is the first law of heaven, the cornerstone upon which all righteousness and progression rest."(Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine. P.539)"We cannot keep all the commandments without first knowing them, and we cannot expect to know all or more than we now know unless we comply with or keep those we have already received." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 256)
Questions and Answers
- Why is obedience the first law of heaven?
- How does obedience make us free?
- Think of examples of obedience from the Savior's life.Why does God give us commandments?
- Why is it important to obey willingly rather than unwillingly?
- What specific blessings have you received from being obedient?
- Record in your journal experiences when the Lord has prepared a way for you to obey him?
- What are you specifically doing to increase the Lord's trust in you?
- To show your love for him?
Topical Guide
Commandments of God
Commitment
Diligence, Diligent, Diligently
Disobedience, Disobey
Do, Did, Done
Endure
Obedience, Obedient, Obey
Steadfastness, Steadfast
Walking with God
Scriptures
1 Nephi 3:1-8
Mosiah 2:22
Alma 5:39-41
D&C 59:21; 82:10; 105:5-7
Genesis 22:1-13
Deuteronomy 8
Matthew 7:21-29
Abraham 4:25
Articles of Faith 1:3, 12
Bible Dictionary
Commandments, The Ten
Fear
Other Sources
A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, chapter 21
Gospel Principles, chapter 35
The Articles of Faith, chapter 23
Truth Restored, chapter 13
When I was in college I lived with my grandparents. I remember one day asking my grandpa if he knew what all of the commandments were. I knew the big 10 from the law of Moses. And I had a desire to be a practicing disciple of Christ who really lived the commandments. I was surprised to hear him say that he did not know what they all were. He had been a bishop, had served a mission, had raised five kids...I was shocked. Unsatisfied I determined to keep looking for an answer to my question. I think it may have been when I was on my mission that I came across the scripture in the Bible that says the two great commandments are to 1) Love God and 2) Love Your Neighbor; that all of the laws and prophets hang from those two greats (Matthew 22:37-40). I reviewed the 10 commandments, and sure enough, all ten had to do with loving God or loving my fellow man.
ReplyDeleteWhat a relief! Now I had a simple guideline for my life. Never do anything that would dishonor my relationship with God or with any human being around me. I've tried to always remember this...especially when I'm in the heat of a difficult situation and would love to hate them. Instead, I really try hard--and pray a lot--to have the strength to love as Christ would (Moroni 7). And I have to say that as a result, things turn out much, much better in the end when I do. Obeying the commandments are essential; mission critical for me in my life.