9 Verses and Receiving Greater Revelation

President Russell M. Nelson made the following statement in the April 2018 General Conference. In the April 2019 General Conference this same statement was quoted three times.

“[I]n coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost” (Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives”, General Conference, April 2018; see also the following from General Conference April 2019: Mathias Held, “Seeking Knowledge by the Spirit”; Takashi Wada, “Feasting upon the Words of Christ”; and Ronald A. Rasband, “Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection”).

If it is so crucial to our spiritual survival to know how to listen to, and recognize, the Holy Ghost how would one go about doing it? Answers can be found in the holy scriptures, in the words of our modern prophets and apostles, and through personal revelation.

Henry B. Eyring said the following, “The Prophet Joseph set an example for us of how to receive continual spiritual direction and comfort through the Holy Ghost" (Henry B. Eyring, "His Spirit to Be with You", General Conference, April 2018). President Eyring then explained the pattern. First, be humble before God. Second, pray with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Third, obey exactly. And fourth, "ask for inspiration, receive direction, and act on it" (ibid.).

Elder Richard G. Scott recounted a time when he was seeking for answers. He asked for help, received inspiration, expressed gratitude, and asked if there was any more. He received more. He repeated the cycle several times, and more was received each time. He then made this statement, "I believe that you can leave the most precious, personal direction of the Spirit unheard because you do not respond to, record, and apply the first promptings that come to you" (Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance", General Conference, April 2009).

A few examples from the scriptures show how applying the pattern to receive revelation can work. One example is recounted in the book of First Nephi. Nephi's father, Lehi, had just shared an amazing dream that he had, and Nephi wanted to know more about it. The pattern that Nephi followed may be familiar to some: desire, believe that the Lord can make it known unto you, and ponder (see 1 Nephi 11:1). This same pattern was followed by President Joseph F. Smith when he received the vision on the Savior's visit to the deceased spirits in the spirit world while his body was lying in the tomb. President Smith pondered, reflected, and desired to know. His vision is recorded as Doctrine & Covenants section 138 (see Doctrine & Covenants 138). Another example from this dispensation is the story of a young boy who desired to know which church to join. He read the scriptures, pondered on them, prayed in faith, believed the Lord would answer him, and was given a glorious vision of the Father and the Son appearing to him in a quiet grove in upstate New York (see Joseph Smith—History 1:10-17).

If we explore the first of those scriptural examples, Nephi desiring to know for himself, Nephi followed the pattern of desiring, believing, and pondering. He was caught away in the Spirit and was asked what he wanted. He replied, "to behold the things which my father saw" (1 Nephi 11:3). The Spirit then showed him the tree, and within 9 verses Nephi had applied the pattern of revelation and received what he had asked for. 

Nephi, after receiving what he had asked for didn't say "amen" and stand up ready to move forward with his day. Nephi was listening.

I feel that the next verse is a key that can take us into a higher state of spiritual learning. A state where we can, "increase [our] spiritual capacity to receive revelation....[and] do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly" (Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives”, General Conference, April 2018)

The Spirit asked Nephi, "What desirest though?" (1 Nephi 11:10). Because Nephi was listening, he was able to respond to these gentle whisperings. By taking the time to listen when the Spirit spoke to him, he was able to receive much, much more than he had asked for. In fact, the information he had received in the first 9 verses where expanded to 122 additional verses including many things that Nephi "saw [which] are not written" (1 Nephi 14:30). 

What if each of our prayers were answered to such an extent? They can be, if we take the time to listen.

Elder David  A. Bednar taught, 

"The overarching purpose of Heavenly Father’s plan is for His children to become more like Him. Accordingly, He provides us with essential opportunities to grow and progress. Our commitment to learn and live according to truth is increasingly important in a world that is 'in commotion' and is ever more confused and wicked. We cannot expect simply to attend Church meetings and participate in programs and thereby receive all of the spiritual edification and protection that will enable us 'to withstand in the evil day'...

"If all you or I know about Jesus Christ and His restored gospel is what other people teach or tell us, then the foundation of our testimony of Him and His glorious latter-day work is built upon sand. We cannot rely exclusively upon or borrow gospel light and knowledge from other people—even those whom we love and trust" (David A. Bednar, "Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing, General Conference, April 2019).

We must come to know for ourselves.

Parable of the Sower (Part 2: Spiritual State of the Soil)

“Spiritual” State of Soil

In the parable of the sower, that the Savior taught (see Matthew 13:3-9), we can look at the soil as all being equal in the beginning and evolving over time.

Alma teaches us that, “in the first place [we] were on the same standing with [our] brethren” (Alma 13:5). In the very beginning state of our pre-mortal existence, we all started out on equal footing. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all of us were born into mortality innocent before God, as Joseph Smith taught:

“Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; and God having redeemed man from the fall, men became again, in their infant state, innocent before God” (Doctrine & Covenants 93:38).

In the beginning all the soil—all of us—were on equal standing. The seed—the word of God—is available to all but there are some who, through their own decisions, have allowed the adversary to snatch the word away (see Matthew 13:19). To “snatch” means to “to take (something) quickly or eagerly” (link to definition). The adversary is ever on the lookout for opportunities to deceive the children of men. Peter admonishes us to, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). He may be subtle and crafty, or blatant and bold, but his intentions are the same – to deceive mankind.

The soil that has the seed snatched away are those who “[hear] the word of the kingdom, and [understand] it not” (Matthew 13:19). Like Laman and Lemuel, in the Book of Mormon, it could represent those who neglected to inquire of the Lord, or failed to keep the commandments, when they didn’t understand (see 1 Nephi 15:8-10). They failed to do what was required and never gave the seed a chance to sprout.

If we have sincere questions about the gospel we should continue to be obedient as we seek them out. In the Ensign magazine we are taught that, “A sincere questioner continues to be obedient while searching for answers….The doubter’s posture is generally to withhold obedience or limit it, pending resolution of the doubts” (link to article). As for obedience, we can always remember the Lord’s promise: “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.” (Doctrine & Covenants 82:10).

The stony soil represents those who receive the word with joy, but don’t make the effort to focus on their roots. They have not taken the work and effort to dig out the rocks and prepare the soil for planting so when temptation, trial, and tribulation come they have no root to hold them firm and steadfast (and there are a lot of stones in the way). The Apostle Paul’s counsel can apply to us today when he said, “continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel” (Colossians 1:23). We need to be obedient to the principles of the gospel so our feet can be firmly planted, deeply in the soil.

When I think of the stony soil I think of the experience I have had with fruit trees. After transplanting a fruit tree, it is very important to remove all of the buds for the first couple of years, so that the tree can focus more on establishing the roots than on producing fruit. If we attempt to produce “fruit” in our lives without establishing our roots, the tree will be less fruitful and the fruit will be smaller. This may be the type of soil that describes those who do things for show, or the praise of the world (see Matthew 6:2, 5, 16).

We need to take time to really establish our root system so that we can weather the storms of life. We need to prepare our soil by establishing the needed habits of daily scripture study, daily prayer, weekly Family Home Evening, and temple worship in order to sustain us during our trials. President Henry B. Eyring stated it so simply, “If the foundation of faith is not embedded in our hearts, the power to endure will crumble” (link to talk).

The soil that is covered with thorns describes one who hears the word, but seems to be distracted by “the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in” (Mark 4:19).

When thinking of “the cares of the world” we might include the philosophies of men. Elder Dallin H. Oaks speaks of, “the ‘captivity’ into which this ‘church [of the devil]’ seeks to bring the saints will not be so much physical confinement as the captivity of false ideas” (link to article).

The deceitfulness of riches is very prevalent. In this world if you have enough money you can buy pretty much anything you want - except for the important things, like family, love, faith, and an abiding testimony in the Savior. The other week in church one of the speakers stated it so plainly when he said, “some people are so poor all they have is money”. We must remember the words of the Savior, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). President Ezra Taft Benson taught,

“When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities” (link to talk).

One thing that has been taught over and over again is about the dangers of pornography (which I think applies to “the lusts” referred to in the parable). Elder Richard G. Scott so bluntly states,

“Satan has become a master at using the addictive power of pornography to limit individual capacity to be led by the Spirit. The onslaught of pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms has caused great grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages. It is one of the most damning influences on earth. Whether it be through the printed page, movies, television, obscene lyrics, vulgarities on the telephone, or flickering personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely damaging. This potent tool of Lucifer degrades the mind and the heart and the soul of any who use it. All who are caught in its seductive, tantalizing web and remain so will become addicted to its immoral, destructive influence. For many, that addiction cannot be overcome without help. The tragic pattern is so familiar. It begins with curiosity that is fueled by its stimulation and is justified by the false premise that when done privately, it does no harm to anyone else. For those lulled by this lie, the experimentation goes deeper, with more powerful stimulations, until the trap closes and a terribly immoral, addictive habit exercises its vicious control” (link to talk).

Those in thorny soil may have lost focus of their true priorities. They have made something else more important than following the Lord. They may rely on their riches, or their own understanding, rather than trusting in the Lord. Those in thorny soil may feel like they will be able to get around to the spiritually important things later, or they may feel hopelessly entangled. To become free they need to access the power of the Atonement; which can rescue them from the choking influence of the world. Elder Scott continued,

“If you are ensnarled in pornography [or any other vice, for that matter], make a total commitment to overcome it now. Find a quiet place; pray urgently for help and support. Be patient and obedient. Don’t give up” (link to talk).

Elder Ullises Soares also offered this comforting counsel: “Don’t be discouraged. If you are striving and working to repent, you are in the process of repenting” (link to article).

The good soil represents those who hear the word, understand it and endure (see Matthew 13:23, JST). They have cultivated an attitude of seeking for the things of God (see Doctrine & Covenants 25:10).

Ask any farmer—or anyone who has planted a garden—good soil takes time, effort, and consistency to prepare it for planting. But once you plant the seeds the work is far from done. It requires the daily efforts of watering, weeding, and just walking through it to see if there are any trouble spots.

Like Captain Moroni who fortified his weakest cities (see Alma 48:7-10) we need to recognize our weaknesses and fortify ourselves against times of weakness, opposition or temptation.

I wonder if, like the parable of the Ten Virgins (see Matthew 25:1-13), the soil can be likened to members of the Church. How are we doing in weeding and watering our soil to keep it in a good state?

All plants need water, soil, and sunlight in order to survive. I like to think that in this parable the soil represents the experiences that we will have in mortality—the outcome of the soil is determined by our use of agency to make choices. The sunlight can be likened to the Light of Christ when He said, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God…I am the light which shineth in darkness” (Doctrine & Covenants 6:21). This light is available to all. The water that is so essential to our survival can be likened to the living water that the Savior spoke of when He said, “whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14). All of these are necessary for our spiritual growth.

We must not neglect the importance of the daily care and weeding needed to maintain good soil. Weeding can be likened to repentance. If we do it daily, we can pick the weeds when they are small. If we “procrastinate the day of [our] repentance” (Alma 13:27) we may have much larger weeds that are much harder to pull out. All weeds can be pulled out but some will take more effort than others. We must remember that is it through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that we can repent. As we use our agency to follow the Savior we can be guided in our lives. Elder Ulisses Soares said,

“We were born with the seed of divinity in our spirits because we are God’s children. This seed needs to grow. It grows as we exercise our agency in righteousness, as we make correct decisions, and as we use the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost to guide us in the decisions we make during the course of our lives. This process takes time, and it is not possible to shape our lives from one day to another” (link to article).

When thinking of the parable of the sower we may ask ourselves why the sower allowed the soil to become thorny or rocky. Why didn’t he take care of it? The answer is simple. The Lord allows us to make our own decisions because of our agency. Our agency is worth so much that the Lord would not trade it for anything–not even His knowledge of the tragedies, pain, sorrow, fear, loneliness, and every other trial that His children would face. Not even for the sake of one-third of His spirit children.

Why?

He has been this way before. He knows what it takes to become exalted, because He once walked in mortal shoes. He knows that getting to where He is will be worth every heartache, every trial, or every challenge that we will ever face. Joseph Smith taught that,

“[God] was once a man like us; yea…God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same as Jesus Christ Himself did” (Joseph Smith, from the King Follett Address in History of the Church 6:305-6).

And Elder Bruce R. McConkie testified that,

“The Father is a glorified, perfected, resurrected, exalted man who worked out his salvation by obedience to the same laws he has given to us so that we may do the same” (Taken from "A New Witness For the Articles of Faith" by Bruce R. McConkie, pg 64).

The Lord isn’t sending us on a mission to do something because He doesn’t want to do it. He is asking us to follow in His footsteps, and do what He has done. As we follow Him we can become as He is.

The sower does care for his field. He has given instructions to each of us in how we may have a successful crop. As we are obedient to His instructions He is bound to keep His side of the bargain (see Doctrine & Covenants 82:10).

Those entangled in the thorns, or burned by the stones have not heeded the instructions of the sower. There may be times where we may wish to bask in the warm sun (until it scorches us) or enjoy the gentle caressing of the thorns (until they choke us), but if we disregard the instruction we have received we are only deceiving ourselves. The choice to change must come from within. We must take the first step, for the Lord will not stand in the way of our agency. I love the words in the following Hymn:

“Know this, that ev’ry soul is free

To choose his life and what he’ll be;

For this eternal truth is giv’n:

That God will force no man to heav’n.

“He’ll call, persuade, direct aright,

And bless with wisdom, love, and light,

In nameless ways be good and kind,

But never force the human mind 

(link to Hymn)

Once we come to ourselves (see Luke 15:17) and have “viewed [ourselves] in [our] own carnal state” (Mosiah 4:2) we will need to “[put] off the natural man” (Mosiah 3:19), bid Babylon farewell (link to Hymn) and turn to the Lord. He will help us to get rid of the thorns and stones so that we may have good ground. The process will not be easy, and may be painful and long, but if we trust in Him, we will be eternally blessed. Elder Richard G. Scott stated,

“Challenges help us become more like our Father in Heaven, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes it possible to endure those challenges. I testify that as we actively come unto Him, we can endure every temptation, every heartache, every challenge we face” (link to talk).

Sometimes it may feel incredibly difficult to commend ourselves fully unto the Lord (see Ether 6:4), but if we trust in Him we will be led to our own land of promise—a land more beautiful and fruitful than we can ever imagine.

Simply Deciding to Follow Jesus Christ

Making decisions is a part of life. Throughout life, and in the scriptures, we find many different people who face challenges and temptations—some that seem easy to overcome and others that are not so easy. It seems that determining in advance what your decision will be in any outcome makes the decision-making process, in the moment, simple—but, simple doesn’t always mean easy.

The word “simple” has a few definitions including: easily understood or done; presenting no difficulty; straightforward; uncomplicated; effortless and painless. The other definition, that I want to refer to, is: composed of a single element, pure, single, not elaborate or artificial (see definition).

In the Bible we read about Joseph—a man who had a lot of trials, and hence, a lot of decisions to make. His brothers hated him and sold him into slavery, he was bought by a man named Potiphar who eventually made Joseph a ruler in his house. At one point Joseph is approached by Potiphar’s wife.

“And it came to pass…that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.

“But he refused, and said…how…can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:7-9).

In his mind he had decided that he would put the Lord first, above all else. The decision to refuse his employer’s wife was already made, despite the fact that he was putting his own position at stake.

“And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her” (Genesis 39:10). Then, one day, when all the men of the house were gone, “she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out” (Genesis 39:12).

It reminds me of an old adage, “when the time for decision arrives, the time for preparation is past.” Joseph did not have to decide in the moment how he would respond but acted on the decision he had previously made.

Where do we each stand on decisions of chastity, or any other commandment for that matter? What covenants have we made? If we have never thought about how we would handle different situations, now is the time to stop and decide. Elaine S. Dalton shared the following example from her life,

“When I was a young woman, I learned that some decisions need to be made only once. I wrote my list of things I would always do and things I would never do in a small tablet. It included things like obeying the Word of Wisdom, praying daily, paying my tithing, and committing to never miss church. I made those decisions once, and then in the moment of decision, I knew exactly what to do because I had decided beforehand. When my high school friends said, ‘Just one drink won’t hurt,’ I laughed and said, ‘I decided when I was 12 not to do that’” (link to talk).

Have we decided whether or not we will fully, and completely, follow the Savior throughout our lives? Are we acting in accordance with those decisions?

In the New Testament Jesus calls His apostles, and I find it rather telling about them by how quickly they followed when He called.

“And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

“And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

“And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

“And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him” (Matthew 4:18-22).

These men had probably been learning of the coming of a Messiah throughout their lives. They had probably studied the scriptures to know how to recognize Him when He came. If they had taken the time to spiritually prepare themselves for His coming, and were waiting patiently for that day, then their decision to leave their nets isn’t quite as abrupt as it might originally seem.

When we have our lives focused on the Savior the decisions can be so simple. It is when our eyes stray, or we lose focus, or our lives become cumbered, that making decisions becomes more difficult. When in a situation that we are not prepared for we have many influences that may affect what we do in the moment: the expectations of others, our own inadequacies, our desire to fit in, or numerous other factors. But, if we have our “eye single to the glory of God” (Doctrine & Covenants 4:5) then the decision is clear.

I love Elder M. Russell Ballard’s counsel about keeping our eyes focused on the Lord, and on His chosen leaders. He was specifically speaking to mission presidents, but I have adjusted it a little because I feel that these same principles can be applied in our own lives and homes.

“'Keep [your] eyes…on the leaders of the Church.…We will not and…cannot lead [you] astray.

“And as you teach your [families] to focus their eyes on us, teach them to never follow those who think they know more about how to administer the affairs of the Church than…Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ do’ through the priesthood leaders who have the keys to preside.

“I have discovered in my ministry that those who have become lost [and] confused are typically those who have most often…forgotten that when the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve speak with a united voice, it is the voice of the Lord for that time. The Lord reminds us, ‘Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same’” (link totalk).

In looking for ways to keep our eyes focused on the Lord, another thing we can do is to take time to evaluate our lives. Where is it that we want to end up? We can then determine the path necessary to get there, and then make the decisions that will lead us where we want to be. If our end goal is to live with our Heavenly Father, then we can use the resources that He has given us to help us along the path such as, prayer, scripture study, temple attendance, and obedience to His commandments. 

Prayer

When we pray, we can come to know our Father in Heaven and His plan for us. We can approach Him with our hopes, and dreams, our fears and sorrows, our achievements and weaknesses. We can receive guidance in knowing how to get to where He knows we can be. 

We must first, however, decide that we will pray sincerely, and humbly, every morning and night no matter the hour or our circumstances. By doing so we can gain the spiritual strength needed to face the challenges of this life.

Scripture Study

If we want to get nearer to God, we need to decide now that we will read His holy writ, and apply it in our lives. As we study the scriptures we can try to emulate the values, virtues, and principles we read about. Elder Russell M. Nelson taught,

“Nephi said, ‘I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.’ He was advising us to weave the fiber of scriptural wisdom into the fabric of our own being” (Russell M. Nelson, The Power Within Us, p29).

Temple Attendance

When we attend the temple we make covenants with the Lord—covenants that can empower and protect us. Nephi saw our day, and the blessings that come to those who keep their covenants:

“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory” (1 Nephi 14:14).

Obedience

By deciding that we will always be obedient we can have the guidance of the Holy Ghost to strengthen, and remind, us during those times when it may be hard to do so. I have an example that might seem a little silly, but I feel that it illustrates the point.

A while back I determined that getting up early to exercise would work best with my circumstances and schedule. I set my alarm, and in the beginning it was challenging to get out of bed. As I lay there, thinking of how nice it would be to have just a few more minutes of sleep, I would get a gentle reminder—I had decided to exercise and to do so would need to get out of bed. Some days it was really hard and I would ignore the feeling and hit the snooze button. However, being determined to stick to my goal I got to the point where getting up became more of a habit, than a daily decision that I had to make.

So it is with the commandments. If we are just starting to be obedient we may get a lot of opposition—from within and without. As President Henry B. Eyring stated, “In the short run, there will be troubles and Satan will roar” (link to talk). But, as we listen to the promptings of the Spirit we can be helped to make our goals become habits. We just need to decide that we will act when we receive those spiritual reminders.

One thing that I need to remember now is to get to bed earlier, so that I can keep my goal of getting up early to exercise—otherwise I am technically only keeping half of my goal. So it is with the commandments. We need to decide that we will keep ALL the commandments, not just a selective few. Elder Russel M. Nelson taught,

“Teach of faith to keep all the commandments of God, knowing that they are given to bless His children and bring them joy. Warn them that they will encounter people who pick which commandments they will keep and ignore others that they choose to break. I call this the cafeteria approach to obedience. This practice of picking and choosing will not work. It will lead to misery. To prepare to meet God, one keeps all of His commandments. It takes faith to obey them, and keeping His commandments will strengthen that faith” (link to talk).

As we are obedient to the commandments the Lord has given to us we will be greatly blessed in all aspects of our lives. Elder Koichi Aoyagi reminded us, “when we rely on the Lord and keep His commandments, He helps us accomplish things we could not otherwise accomplish” (link to article).

We must have the faith to decide, and then continue in faith and patience as we endure to the end. However, despite whatever challenges we face we will not be left alone. President Ezra Taft Benson taught,

“We will all have disappointments and discouragements—that is part of life. But if we will have faith, our setbacks will be but a moment and success will come out of our seeming failures. Our Heavenly Father can accomplish miracles through each of us if we will but place our confidence and trust in Him” (link to manual).

While thinking of those who decide to follow the Lord, I was reminded of the scripture where Alma says,

“Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people… if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him” (Mosiah 18: 8, 10).

Entering into a covenant with the Lord is like coming into the fold of God. Along those lines I was impressed by an article that I read in the Ensign about sheepfolds.

“[A sheepfold is] a simple pen [or] walled enclosure…[made of] stones, usually with thorny brush often placed into the top of the walls….

“In Israel, wolves, hyenas, panthers, and jackals are among predators that would target sheep…

“A shepherd led his sheep to food and water during the day and back to the fold at night. The shepherd would count the sheep as they returned, searching for strays if any were missing. He would then lie in the doorway of the fold to protect them” (link to article).

A shepherd is one who would fight wild animals in an attempt to protect his flock, and if necessary he would die in the process. In a like manner, the Good Shepherd will lead us to living water, and will protect us as we stay in His fold. He gave His life for us that we may return to Him, if we will repent and be obedient. Whether or not we decide to stay in His fold is our decision.

Elder Dale G. Renlund taught,

“Obedience is our choice. The Savior made this clear. As stated in the Joseph Smith Translation of Luke 14:28, Jesus directed, ‘Wherefore, settle this in your hearts, that ye will do the things which I shall teach, and command you.’

"It is that simple. Settle it. Decide now to be exactly obedient. As we do so, our spiritual stability will be greatly enhanced. We will avoid squandering God-given resources and making unproductive and destructive detours in our lives” (link to talk).

It is only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that all mankind may be saved, and only by our obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel (see Articles of Faith 1:3). May we decide to use the resources—including prayer, scriptures, temples, and obedience—that have been provided for us by the Lord to gain “peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” (Doctrine & Covenants 59:23). Now is the time to decide.

The Power and Freedom of Obedience

How is it possible that laws, rules, and commandments, that seem so restrictive to some, can in reality be the pathway to freedom and power in this life? When we are obedient  to God’s laws without understanding why—some call it "blind obedience"—are we really just deceiving ourself? What is the purpose of obedience?

I want to start with a law that we are all very familiar with: gravity. If I were holding a ball and placed it in the air, would it hover? No. Gravity always pulls down, and the ball would fall. No matter how hard I try to place that ball in the air it will always fall. That is the nature of gravity.

Now, on the other hand, if I am a downhill skier and want to increase my speed I know that gravity can assist me. By knowing how the law of gravity works I can use it to enhance my run. Of course, like all things in life, practice is needed. The first time I try to ski down a slope my experience and unsteadiness may give way, gravity may take control, and I might end up rolling down the slope a lot faster than I had planned. But by getting up when I fall, figuring out where I went wrong, and trying again I can improve. If I continue down this path of learning and improving I can eventually—as some olympic athletes can attest—excel. Through the process of learning how to work with gravity, rather than against it, I can have it as my ally as I race down the mountainside.

Our Heavenly Father has given us laws that are just as unchanging as gravity. Any blessing that we receive from our Heavenly Father comes “by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (Doctrine & Covenants 130:21). Disobedience, on the other hand, leads to a lack of blessings. Elder L. Tom Perry taught,

“God reveals to His prophets that there are moral absolutes. Sin will always be sin. Disobedience to the Lord’s commandments will always deprive us of His blessings. The world changes constantly and dramatically, but God, His commandments, and promised blessings do not change. They are immutable and unchanging.…

“In a world where the moral compass of society is faltering, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ never wavers, nor should [we]. We must not pick and choose which commandments we think are important to keep but acknowledge all of God’s commandments. We must stand firm and steadfast, having perfect confidence in the Lord’s consistency and perfect trust in His promises” (link to talk).

Throughout the ages God’s laws have been passed down through prophets. By obtaining God’s word—through the scriptures and words of the prophets—we can find His laws, and the blessings that come with them.

In the Doctrine & Covenants, for example, we learn of the blessings that come from obeying the Word of Wisdom.

“And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

“And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

“And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

“And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them” (Doctrine & Covenants 89:18-21).

In Malachi we learn the blessings that come from obeying the law of paying an honest tithe.

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse…and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.

“And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 3:10-12).

Another is the Law of the Fast. In the Bible Dictionary we read, “Fasting, a voluntary abstinence from food, is a principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ for developing spiritual strength” (link to topic). But the blessings are even more numerous as Elder Robert L. Simpson taught.

“One of the most neglected and yet most needed laws for this troubled generation in a modern world of acceleration and distraction is the law of the fast.…

“The world needs self-discipline. You can find it in fasting and prayer. Our generation is sick for lack of self-control. Fasting and prayer help to instill this virtue.

“The world’s future depends upon an urgent return to family unity. Fasting and prayer will help to guarantee it. Each person has greater need for divine guidance. There is no better way. We all have need to overcome the powers of the adversary. His influence is incompatible with fasting and prayer” (link to article).

The Lord has other laws that He gives us, with blessings that may not be as visible. Our obedience to them, however, is still just as vital for our eternal progress. President Thomas S. Monson taught,

“Obedience is a hallmark of prophets; it has provided strength and knowledge to them throughout the ages. It is essential for us to realize that we, as well, are entitled to this source of strength and knowledge. It is readily available to each of us today as we obey God’s commandments” (link to talk).

When Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden the Lord gave commandments to help them.

“And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord.

“And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me” (Moses 5:5-6).

Adam did not fully understand why he was asked to offer sacrifices unto the Lord, but he trusted the Lord and chose to be obedient.

The Lord will never force us to be obedient. He tutors us through life with experiences to build faith, feel joy, learn from sorrow, and grow through challenges and trials. He grants us innumerable opportunities but leaves the choosing up to us. The choices we make now will have a direct correlation to where, and with whom, we will end up after this life. The Apostle Paul asked,

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16).

Why is it that obedience to God’s commandments seems to be so critical to our experience here in mortality? Can’t we learn things on our own, without being obedient to God’s laws?

The answer is, yes. We can learn things on our own, and many of us do. However, any time we choose to do things our own way, and on our own terms (rather than the Lord's), the way will be harder. As we try to do things solely on our own we will be left on our own. If we choose to be obedient to the commandments of the Lord we will be provided with much needed guidance and direction. President Monson taught,

“There are rules and laws to help ensure our physical safety. Likewise, the Lord has provided guidelines and commandments to help ensure our spiritual safety so that we might successfully navigate this often-treacherous mortal existence and return eventually to our Heavenly Father” (link to talk).

If we are obedient to God’s laws, commandments, and ordinances we will be blessed and protected with God’s power, we will also gain “light and truth” (see Doctrine & Covenants 93:39). This isn’t to say that life will be without trouble or sorrow—that is why we are here on earth—but it does mean that the troubles and sorrows that come “shall give [us] experience, and shall be for [our] good” (Doctrine & Covenants 122:7). Being obedient does not bring additional trials in our life, but not being obedient will bring additional obstacles to pass over, that are not required for our salvation. Obedience to God’s laws can provide us with freedom to pursue our eternal course, whereas disobedience can hamper our progress. Tad R. Callister expressed,

“Some might contend that freedom comes when there are no laws or restraints. They contend that freedom in its purest form is the right to do anything, anytime, anywhere, without consequence….Does it not seem ironic that such an [eat, drink, and be merry] philosophy is authored by the master slave himself? It was he who was cast out of heaven, who was deprived of a body, who will be bound a thousand years, and who will ultimately be banished to outer darkness. The freedom he promises is illusory; it is a mirage on the desert; it is the very condition that has always eluded his grasp.” (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p 257).

Nephi taught that it is by obedience to the commandments that we can avoid the captivity of the devil.

“And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;

“And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom” (2 Nephi 2:28-29, emphasis added).

Elder Richard G. Scott reemphasized the importance of obedience to the seemingly small things in life, and the protective power that they provide.

“When we are consistently praying morning and night, studying our scriptures daily, having weekly family home evening, and attending the temple regularly, we are actively responding to His invitation to ‘come unto Him.’ The more we develop these habits, the more anxious is Satan to harm us but the less is his ability to do so” (link to talk, emphasis added).

It is through our obedience to the laws of God that will keep us safe on the Lord’s side of the line. President George Albert Smith often repeated the words of his grandfather, George A. Smith, when he said,

“There is a line of demarcation well defined between the Lord’s territory and the devil’s territory. If you will stay on the Lord’s side of the line you will be under his influence and will have no desire to do wrong; but if you cross to the devil’s side of that line one inch you are in the tempter’s power and if he is successful, you will not be able to think or even reason properly because you will have lost the Spirit of the Lord” (link to article).

In the Doctrine & Covenants we learn that when Adam chose to yield—submit to—temptation by transgressing the commandment of God, that is when “he became subject to the will of the devil” (Doctrine & Covenants 29:40). The Savior never yielded to temptation, and was thus never within the devil’s grasp. He is our perfect Exemplar.

Contrary to what some may think, rather that being restrictive obedience to God’s laws gives us more freedom. We always have the freedom to make the initial choice, but we cannot change the consequence that goes with that choice. For example, if we choose a life of smoking we are not free to choose to cancel any negative effects it may have on our lungs. If we choose to be glutenous in our food habits, and lax in our exercising, we are relinquishing our freedom to have the energy that nutrition and active habits will afford us. Rather than being confining Tad R. Callister explained how commandments can help us.

“Commandments are no more restrictive to the spiritual man than street signs are to the motorist. Neither prohibits our progress; to the contrary, they enhance it by serving as guideposts or directional signs to help us find and reach our destination” (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p258).

President Monson also expressed,

“There is no need for you or for me, in this enlightened age when the fulness of the gospel has been restored, to sail uncharted seas or to travel unmarked roads in search of truth. A loving Heavenly Father has plotted our course and provided an unfailing guide—even obedience. A knowledge of truth and the answers to our greatest questions come to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God" (link to talk).

We are here on earth to learn. The Lord has given us many guideposts and signs to follow. Elder M. Russell Ballard spoke of the Lord’s servants being similar to “seasoned river guides [who have been] tutored by life’s experiences; have been trained and mentored by apostles and prophets and other officers of the Church; and, most important, have been tutored by the Lord Himself”. He also explained that “The words of the Lord are found in the scriptures and the teachings of the apostles and prophets. They provide us counsel and direction that, when followed, will act like a spiritual life jacket and will help us know how to hold on with both hands” (link to talk). 

Another guidepost that the Lord has provided us is the perfect example of His Son, Jesus Christ. As we study the life of the Savior we can learn more how to follow His example and become like Him. As we learn about His life we can understand more, in part, of His atoning sacrifice for us. Through the power of Atonement of Jesus Christ we can overcome our challenges, weaknesses, and any unfairness that this life throws in our direction. Through humbly approaching our Savior and Redeemer we can be tutored about the purpose of our individual struggles in life.

As we gain spiritual knowledge, in our efforts to emulate the Savior, we also need to gain secular knowledge as well. But, despite how much knowledge we gain in this life, it will do us no good without obedience to God. In the Garden of Eden, Lucifer tempted Adam and Eve to gain knowledge of good and evil through partaking the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, but in direct disobedience to God’s law. This, in and of itself, should help teach us about the critical importance of obedience to—doing, as opposed to merely knowing— our Heavenly Father’s plan. Bruce C. Hafen taught,

“All of us, like Adam and Eve, must leave God’s presence in the quest for knowledge and growth through personal experience. Our exploration will not cease until we return to his presence, prepared at last to grasp, to comprehend—to receive with full understanding of life’s meaning—the endowment of a Godlike nature. This sacred gift, the greatest of all the gifts of God, transcends infinitely the limits of man’s own power. Knowledge without obedience leads not to a final understanding of life’s meaning, but to ‘sound and fury, signifying nothing.’ On the other hand, knowledge constrained by obedience to God and then fulfilled by the grace of God leads to meaning, sanctification, and eternal joy” (Bruce C. Hafen, The Broken Heart: Applying the Atonement to Life’s Experiences, p33).

In life there are things—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual—that we will need to suffer through, and sometimes endure for long periods of time. That is part of life. The crucial teaching element that comes with suffering and enduring can be attained as we learn to humble ourselves enough to recognize the hand of the Lord in our lives; and to become more obedience in our trials, not less. I had a good friend once say, “The greatest mistake people make during their struggles in life is to turn away from obedience.” It is our obedience to God’s laws that allows His purposes to be fulfilled in our lives (see Zechariah 6:15).

The more we are obedient in this life the more power we will have in this life, and in the next. Tad R. Callister explained,

“Power comes by obedience. we gain power to play the piano as we obey the law of practicing. We gain mastery over a language as we learn and follow the rules of linguistics. We gain power over the elements as we obey the laws of God. That is why the Lord said to the obedient, ‘Then shall they be gods, because they have all power” (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p260).

The Lord also taught us the impact that obedience in this life has on our eternal future.

“Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot attain to this glory” (Doctrine & Covenants 132:20-21, emphasis added).

We have also been taught that, “if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come” (Doctrine & Covenants 130:19, emphasis added). Secular knowledge is necessary, but spiritual knowledge is critical to our progress here on earth. Tad R. Callister stated,

“While God is certainly a proponent of earthly knowledge, he also wants us to know that powers of a higher source flow from the acquisition of spiritual truths. It is this spiritual power that parted the Red Sea, that caused the sun to ‘stand still,’ rivers to change their course, and mountains to flee. This unseen force has calmed the angry sea, quelled the reckless storm, compelled the drought-stricken skies to disgorge their hidden pearls of dew, and, in short, controlled, directed, and governed every native element of the universe” (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p256).

The Lord is not trying to force us to obey His laws because He is God. He is teaching us the rules of the eternal laws so that we can learn to work with them. As we trust Him enough to obey those commandments and laws we can gain knowledge and the blessings will unfold—although blessings are not always visible in this life.

So, is it really “blind” obedience if we obey without fully understanding “why”? President Boyd K. Packer taught,

“Those who talk of blind obedience may appear to know many things, but they do not understand the doctrines of the gospel. There is an obedience that comes from a knowledge of the truth that transcends any external form of control. We are not obedient because we are blind, we are obedient because we can see.” (link to talk). 

We may not see the end from the beginning, but seeing with an eye of faith we know that the Lord does know the end from the beginning. We put our faith, our trust, and our obedience, in Him—or, at least we are working toward that end.