Obedience

OBEDIENCE: November 25, 2006

We have all been obedient at times in our lives. We have also all been disobedient at times in our lives. Obedience to principles that we know and/or believe to be true is a necessary part of anyones spiritual health. Obedience can make or break relationships, sport games, and even our own lives.

The importance of obedience in sports and even relationships is often more obvious than in general life. Whole outcomes are decided in just hours and minutes instead of life times. Misconduct on a football feild may cost you valuable yardage, or a foul shot in basketball. And cheating on a spouse may quickly disolve a possible beautiful relationship. Obedience in general life isn't usually as obvious since outcomes often take lifetimes. There are areas of our lives where we can "cheat" and nobody but ourselves will know. Our lives could be related closer to a game of golf which we play by ourselves. We can cheat and move the ball around the tree, or kick it out of the sand. Nobody is watching and we are keeping our own score.

The question is do even these areas effect us? When we cheat, steal, or lie and nobody but us knows does it effect us? and maybe more importantly does our disobedience effect others?

(I think the answer is obvious when we look at obedience and disobedience as a matter, substance, or energy. When we attract light into our lives we are full of it and therefore radiate light. When we attract evil with just the smallest lies and cheats, we too attract it and it does affect us and as those around us. ____this whole paragraph needs help)

POINT #1 There is a power in obedience!

Every prophet, apostle and perhaps every good person to have lived has had to go through some sort of obedience. From Adam (I know not save the Lord commanded) to Nephi (I will go and do) and Joseph Smith (when the Lord commands. do it!) One of my favorite examples of obedience is the story of Abraham being asked to sacrafice Iassc. I like the story because it's a quick example that this commandment to sacrifice hi son was for Abraham to learn a huge blessing about Abraham. The rest of Abraham's life he had this great power within knowing that when the Lord commands I DO IT.... EVERY SINGLE TIME! 

Just a quick example. But the more you read about any prophet you will see that they were in turn and when the Lord commanded... THEY DID every time not knowing before hand what was to happen. 

On another Level you have to look at Christ himself. He being "perfect" and the only perfect one to ever live. The only having the power to overcome death. Would he still have had that power if he had sinned just once? There is a power in obedience. from the small things to the large. Be obedient and ye shall be blessed and you will see a glimpse of this power in your own life. 

What is the reward for obedience? All blessings come through our obedience

(D&C 130:20–21) "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated"

A couple important points:

1) The principle of obedience is something that was established even before the foundations of the world. In construction, the stage before digging and pouring the foundations would be planning and approvals.

2) All blessings from God come through the principle of obedience to the law upon which it was predicated. This line can be tricky to interpret.  Often times it leads us to believe that all people that are honest, good, helpful, loving people are all more successful, smarter, and better looking then those that cheat, lie and steal. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. There are many rich cheaters, many beautiful liers, and many smart robbers. The important point to remember and understand is that these people are not exceptions to the rule! The promise that we will be blessed through our obedience remains true so do not let these people and situations distract you. You must be able to see that things would have worked out better for all these people had they not lied, cheated, or stolen. They would be happier, more fun to be around and full of love and joy in their lives. 

The other truth is that it's not always a blessing to be rich, smart and good looking. Our definitions of blessings and success may be different. Sometimes the blessings of obedience come in ways we don't anticapate. It's the final outcome that's important. In the grand scheme of things altitude means nothing, but rather direction. It's what way are you facing today not how high you were yesturday that's important.

(Have I been sufficiently obedient? I look at the scriptures and read of the Anti-Nephit's  and how they would rather put down their swords and worship the Lord instead of take another's life. The Lamanites where killing their entire families... and yet they had made a covenant with the Lord they would not kill again. ___rework)

The gifts of obedience often bless the lives of those around us. I have found that obedience often radiates in the lives of those around us. When we are obedient, honest and good, they know, recongize and appreciate it.

There is a bit of magic within the Atonement. It's through the Atonement that I have learned to put up with myself and even learn to love myself. Life has also taught me that when I love myself I am capable to truly love others. Obedience = love ourselves = which helps us love others.  

Things will always be better for us and our loved ones when we are obedient.

What are we to be obedient to?

(Abraham 3:24–25) "We will make an earth whereon these may dwell; and we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them"

I am convinced that there is a misconception about the principle of obedience. We often believe that the words obedience and perfection go together. Although it is true for someone to be perfect he must be obedient I have found that one can obedient and not perfect but rather worthy. obedience is a stepping stone for perfection. Obedience for you and me should go hand in hand with the principle of repentance.

Commandments- There are laws in the game of life set by God himself. We call them the 10 commandments."If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32) Keep in mind that our goal is to be better than we came.

The higher level of this would be to live a life so in tune with the spirit that hear small promptings (or perhaps commandments) for you to follow. When you hear this still small voice... in the phase of Spencer W Kimball "do it"... 

Pray to know God's will for you, his gospel, teachings, and ordinances. Receive your answer and be true to it. Then later look over your life and evaulate the fruits of your labors. Have you helped and blessed others?