The Simple Things

Just the other day I was making a box out of wood and wanted the lid to have a slot in it. We don’t have a jigsaw, so I tried the next best thing - a drill. I drilled holes all along the center, and then tried to use a chisel and hammer to connect the holes. In the process I split the wood (making it so I would have to go back to the hardware store to purchase another piece and try again). I had no idea what I was going to do the next time. I decided to say a prayer. I asked that if it were at all possible that I could find a jigsaw to make the slot. 

It took a few days before I made it back to the hardware store. While there I showed the gentleman the split wood, told him I didn’t have a jigsaw and asked if he knew of any other way to make a slot in the wood. He thought for a minute and then said he would ask the guys in the back if they had a jigsaw and if they could do it. They did! To them it might have seemed like a small—even silly—thing, but to me it was an answer to my prayer.

Many years ago I had a very clear impression that I needed to join my roommate and spend a summer with her as a sales representative in a different state, selling door-to-door. It was something that I felt very strongly that I should do, and when everything fell into place in a very short amount of time I felt confident that I was where the Lord wanted me to be.

I realized very quickly that I am not a sales-person. I absolutely hate trying to convince people to buy something they may or may not care about. There was a team of about 9 of us, including our manager, who worked together. On average, each person on my team (and in the company, for that matter) made about 14 sales each week—except me. By the 5th week of the summer I had finally achieved 14 sales. My manager pulled me aside one day and said  that this job didn’t seem to be the right fit for me. Because of the way everything had fallen into place at the beginning of the summer I knew that I was where I was supposed to be and I told him I wasn’t leaving. He gave me one more week.

I had been praying to be successful in selling and to find people to sell to—but to no avail. My prayers seemed unanswered. After talking with my manager that day I decided that I needed to try something different. For the next week I determined not to ask the Lord for a single thing, but to only express gratitude. What an amazing experience! When I turned everything over to the Lord, and simply expressed gratitude, He was able to work miracles. In that week alone I had 31 sales.

Thinking of simple things I am reminded of the story of Naaman. Naaman was the captain of the host of Syria. He was a good man, honorable, and a man of valor. He was also a leper. (see 2 Kings 5:1). He went to the prophet Elisha to be healed of his leprosy, and when Elisha sent his servant out—telling Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be healed—Naaman left in anger.

“But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

“Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage” (2 Kings 5:11-12).

Naaman’s servant had great faith in the prophet of God. He recognized that Elisha was a prophet and that Naaman could in fact be healed if he would just listen and obey. He said: “My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?” (2 Kings 5:13). Naaman, humbled by his servant’s remarks, went to the River Jordan and washed seven times, “and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean” (2 Kings 5:14).

How often do we look for big thing to do to show our great faith, or our love of the Lord. The Lord doesn’t ask us to move mountains, but He does ask us to do simple things that require patience, sacrifice and faith on our part. That is how we grow.

In the parable of the ten virgins we read of five virgins who are wise and “took oil in their vessels with their lamps” while the foolish virgins “took their lamps, and took no oil with them” (see Matthew 25:3-4). The oil in their lamps represent simple things—simple acts of obedience that cannot be shared. President Spencer W. Kimball explains why,

“Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures—each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste thoughts and actions … —these, too, contribute importantly to the oil with which we can at midnight refuel our exhausted lamps” (Spencer W. Kimball, Faith Precedes the Miracle, p256).

The Lord won't ask us to “run faster than [we have] strength” (Mosiah 4:27), nor will He ask us to do more than we are able to—with His help. He doesn't ask us to build a huge roaring bonfire, but asks that we do what we can and “Let [our] light so shine before men, that they may…glorify [our] Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Through our faith, and actions, ourselves and others can be blessed.

Nephi was instructed to build a ship to carry his family across the great ocean to the promised land. Nephi was not a shipbuilder, but he knew that the Lord would help him. When Nephi asked the Lord he did so with the intent to act. He didn’t ask the Lord to tell him what to do, but instead asked for help with something specific—a good lesson for each of us. 

“And I said: Lord, whither shall I go that I may find ore to molten, that I may make tools to construct the ship after the manner which thou hast shown unto me?” (1 Nephi 17:9). 

With the instruction he received he then went to work. He did what he could do, and turned to the Lord frequently for more guidance. Guidance which he abundantly received.

“And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship.

“Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men.

“And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.

“And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, according to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they [his brothers] did humble themselves again before the Lord” (1 Nephi 18:1-4, emphasis added).

Nephi approached the Lord frequently to learn step-by-step how to accomplish the task at hand. Nephi moved forward—consistently—a little bit at a time. He showed the Lord his faith through the simple act of asking, and acting on the answers he received. His example of enduring, despite hardship, was key to his brothers humbling themselves before the Lord.

In the New Testament we read of some people who came to Jesus.

“And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2, emphasis added).

I find it interesting that their act of service, of compassion, of helping the man with palsy, was seen by the Savior as an expression of their faith. There may have been many people who professed to have faith, and really believed that the man could be healed, but failed to act. So it is with us—we show our faith, through our actions. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26).

I have found that there are times when I am trying to be faithful, but feel discouraged, overwhelmed, or that my prayers are not being answered. If have discovered that if I instead pray to know how the Lord would have me help someone else it seems to open the channels to heaven. My burdens are then lifted as I act on the impressions I receive. 

Recently I had an impression to send a simple email to a friend that I haven’t talked to for a while. She responded back with “the Lord works in mysterious ways” and said my email was exactly what she needed to hear at that time in her life. Something so simple, yet profound, gives me a greater glimpse into the workings of the Lord. President Spencer W. Kimball taught,

“God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, p82).

Often times it is our hands that are needed in doing the work of the Lord. He could do everything by Himself, but that would remove the purpose of our existence—we will never learn how to be like Him by just watching.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf told the following,

“A story is told that during the bombing of a city in World War II, a large statue of Jesus Christ was severely damaged. When the townspeople found the statue among the rubble, they mourned because it had been a beloved symbol of their faith and of God’s presence in their lives.

“Experts were able to repair most of the statue, but its hands had been damaged so severely that they could not be restored. Some suggested that they hire a sculptor to make new hands, but others wanted to leave it as it was—a permanent reminder of the tragedy of war. Ultimately, the statue remained without hands. However, the people of the city added on the base of the statue of Jesus Christ a sign with these words: ‘You are my hands’….

“As we emulate His perfect example, our hands can become His hands; our eyes, His eyes; our heart, His heart” (link to talk).

When the Savior called His disciple His words were simple, “follow me” (Matthew 4:19). As they followed Him they were brought to greater light and understanding. The same is true with us.

“We must the onward path pursue

"As wider fields expand to view,

"And follow him unceasingly,

"Whate'er our lot or sphere may be” 

(Link to Hymn: Come Follow Me)

No matter what this life offers us, we are here to live it day by day until the Lord calls us home. The Lord has outlined the path for us to follow. A simple path. Step by step we move slowly forward with His help. He will lead us, guide us, and bless us. We just need to be willing to act. As we do so we will find that He is right there waiting with open arms to bless us. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught,

“Our Father in Heaven is an eternal being whose experience, wisdom, and intelligence are infinitely greater than ours. Not only that, but He is also eternally loving, compassionate, and focused on one blessed goal: to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life.

”In other words, He not only knows what is best for you; He also anxiously wants you to choose what is best for you….

“Part of our challenge is, I think, that we imagine that God has all of His blessings locked in a huge cloud up in heaven, refusing to give them to us unless we comply with some strict, paternalistic requirements He has set up. But the commandments aren’t like that at all. In reality, Heavenly Father is constantly raining blessings upon us. It is our fear, doubt, and sin that, like an umbrella, block these blessings from reaching us.

“His commandments are the loving instructions and the divine help for us to close the umbrella so we can receive the shower of heavenly blessings.

“We need to accept that the commandments of God aren’t just a long list of good ideas.… They are divine counsel, based on eternal truths, given to bring ‘peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come’” (link to talk).

As we focus on the simple things in life—prayer, faith, gratitude, service—we will find joy. As we take a moment to look for the hand of the Lord in our life we will find that we are completely surrounded by showers of blessings. As we use these blessings to serve, and bless the lives of others we can find greater joy and happiness than we could have achieved on our own.

Willing Obedience

When Jesus Christ lived on the earth He was perfect: perfect in His actions, perfect in His love, perfect in His teachings, perfect in His willingness to serve His Father. 

He was willing to be baptized to show obedience, 

“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

“But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

“And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness” (Matthew 3:13-15).

He was willing to submit to all the will of His Father, even when it was seemingly unbearable. 

“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39).

I think He must have had an attitude of obedience, rather than convenience; an attitude of keeping His covenants, no matter what the cost. He must have decided that He would obey, and didn’t even entertain thoughts of whether He wanted to do something or not.

He was perfectly willing, and perfectly powerful. I have been wondering if the two are connected. What power is there in our willingness? Willingness to drop everything and follow Him (Matthew 4:20, 22), to take His name upon us (Doctrine & Covenants 20:77), to submit to His will (Mosiah 3:19), to stand as His witness (Mosiah 18:9), to flee temptation (Genesis 39:12), to give up our sins (Alma 22:18), to repent (3 Nephi 30:2), to be baptized to show our commitment to Him (Mosiah 18:10), to do as we have been commanded (1 Nephi 5:20), to take the Holy Spirit as our guide (Doctrine & Covenants 45:57), and to be willing to  sacrifice in order to keep our covenants (Doctrine & Covenants 97:8)?

It is interesting to see the results of the above examples and the promises associated with them—promises that give us power to overcome our weaknesses. We know that the spirit is willing and the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41), but we each have the ability to choose for ourselves whether we will serve God or mammon (Luke 16:13). James E. Talmage taught,

“[We] were endowed with the powers of agency or choice while yet but spirits; and the divine plan provided that [we] be free-born in the flesh, heirs to the inalienable birthright of liberty to choose and to act for [our]selves in mortality. It is undeniably essential to the eternal progression of God’s children that they be subjected to the influences of both good and evil, that they will be tried and tested and proved withal, ‘to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.’ Free agency is an indispensable element of such a test.

“The Eternal Father well understood the diverse natures and varied capacities of His spirit-offspring…that in the school of life some of His children would succeed and others would fail; some would be faithful, others false; some would choose good, others the evil….He saw that His commandments would be disobeyed and His law violated; and that men, shut out from His presence and left to themselves, would sink rather than rise, would retrogress rather than advance, and would be lost to the heavens” (James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p16).

The spirit indeed is willing, and the flesh is weak. We will be tempted, tried, and tested individually, and one of the great challenges of this life is to learn to use our agency to overcome the temptations and desires of the flesh.

We know that without the Atonement of Jesus Christ our soul would be lost forever. Lehi taught that,“all mankind were in a lost and in a fallen state, and ever would be save they should rely on this Redeemer” (1 Nephi 10:6). Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ we have been “bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20). He has paid our debt to Justice, and we now owe our debt to Him. He it is that will make the rules. He it is that will set the terms. It is our decision whether we are willing to abide by His rules, or follow our own way.

When Jesus was walking by the sea of Galilee,

“[He] 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” (Matthew 4:18-19).

He was asking them to leave their livelihood, their way of life, everything they knew, and follow a higher road. This was a great turning point in their lives. The question is, were they prepared for the call? When the Lord needed them, were they ready to act?

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke of the need that each of us has to be prepared in these last days for when the Lord calls us.

“In the most difficult and discouraging days of World War II, Winston Churchill said to the people of England: ‘To every man there comes … that special moment when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a special thing unique to him and fitted to his talent. What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared or unqualified for the work which would be his finest hour.’

“In an even more serious kind of spiritual warfare…the day may come—indeed, I am certain will come—when in an unexpected circumstance or a time of critical need, lightning will strike, so to speak, and the future will be in your hands. Be ready when that day comes” (link to talk).

Are we prepared to turn our lives over to the Lord? Are we prepared to “immediately”  (see Matthew 4:22) leave whatever worldly nets are entangling us in order to follow the Lord?  If not, what is standing in our way?

In thinking about my own willingness to be perfectly obedient to the Lord’s will I have realized that I have a little bit of willing, but also unwilling, tendencies within me.

Unwillingness to abide by the laws the Lord has set reminds me of Lucifer, and the pre-mortal council in heaven. Our Father in Heaven presented a plan whereby all men could come to earth, receive a body, and progress eternally. However, because of our agency, there would be a risk that some of us would not return. If we followed God’s laws and relied on the Atonement of Jesus Christ we could be saved.

Lucifer was unwilling to follow our Heavenly Father’s plan. He wanted to create a plan of his own choosing; doing things in his own way, and receive the glory. I look at my life and wonder if there are things I am doing in my own way, without counseling with the Lord. Am I willing to set aside my own priorities and projects to do the will of the Lord? Am I willing to humble myself and obey, even when it is hard or inconvenient? Elder Richard G. Scott gave an example of setting our priorities. His example is specific to scripture study, but can be applied to many, many other things including (but certainly not limited to): temple attendance, honesty, personal prayer, family home evening, integrity, missionary work, etc.

“[S]tudy the word of God in the scriptures and the words of the living prophets….Don’t yield to Satan’s lie that you don’t have time to study the scriptures. Choose to take time to study them. Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God. If so, do it!” (link to talk).

There are other times when I am willing to do something—my heart is in the right place—but I am waiting to be asked, or waiting for someone else to take the first step, so that I can follow. I don’t think this is what the Lord had in mind when He speaks of a willing heart and willing mind.

It is good to be willing, but even better to act. We have been placed on this earth to see if we will choose to do as we have been commanded (see Abraham 3:25). Thus, a critical step to willingness, in my opinion, is the willingness to act in obedience when no one is asking us to do it. Sometimes we are left to our own judgement to see if we will do what we know we are supposed to do.

An example of this can be found in the New Testament. We read that Jesus went into the wilderness and was tempted of the devil. I find the wording in the inspired version to be very telling of how things sometimes are in our own life.

“And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, and had communed with God, he was afterwards an hungered, and was left to be tempted of the devil” (Matthew 4:2 JST, emphasis added).

Just as the Savior was left to Himself to be tried and tested we are sometimes left on our own to see how we will respond, and how we will use our agency. We can find home in remembering that if we follow the plan the Lord has outlined we will not be tempted above that which we are able to handle; and a way will be provided for us to escape enough to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13). This doesn’t mean we won’t have hard times, or that the really hard stuff will go away. I think this means that the Lord will test us to our limits, and if we’re at a breaking point (or even before our breaking point) we can turn to Him to find relief. It is through the Atonement of His Son that we can strength to endure the hard times.

Jesus did the will of Whom He was sent. He, “subjected the flesh to the will of the Father” (Mosiah 15:2). To subject something means “to bring under domination, control, or influence” (link to definition). It was through His perfect obedience that He was able to gain control over His flesh—or worldly appetites and desires.

The Lord wants a willing heart and mind. President Boyd K. Packer taught that “Your body really is the instrument of your mind and the foundation of your character” (link to talk). We are here on this earth to learn to control our physical body in order to do the works of the Father, and we are able to do it by learning to control our mind.

When the Savior visited the Nephites, after his crucifixion, they had been observing the Law of Moses. He gave them a higher law to observe. Rather than merely doing (or not doing) certain things, they were asked to control their thoughts. Some examples include: 

“Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time…that thou shalt not kill…

“But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of his judgment….

“Behold, it is written by them of old time, that thou shalt not commit adultery;

“But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman, to lust after her, hath committed adultery already in his heart….

“And behold, it is written, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth;

“But I say unto you, that…whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also” (3 Nephi 12:21-22, 27-28, 38-39).

What the Lord asks of us is hard, because it is in opposition to the will of the flesh. But, it is the path we are required to follow if we want to become like He is. It is hard to overcome our physical nature, but with the help of our Savior it is possible. “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel” (Articles of Faith 1:3). It is our willing obedience to His commandments and the covenants we make that will make all the difference.

The greatest commandment is to love God (see Mark 12:30). Are we willing to “lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better” (Doctrine & Covenants 25:10)? Are we willing to seek to know His will, and to do it? James E. Talmage taught that the Savior’s “humility and willingness [is what] rendered Him acceptable to the Father” (James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p20). We can likewise be acceptable to the Father through our humility and willing obedience. 

The Lord has a plan for us, and as we are willing to obey Him we will be guided along our individual path. Alma taught,

“For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land” (Alma 37:44).

Rosemary M. Wixom taught,

“That is the key, and it is really quite simple: ‘I will follow God’s plan for me.’ And we do it by holding fast to His word, with His love, and through our prayers to Him while simply living life.

“Brigham Young said, ‘Live so that the spirit of our religion [lives] within us.’ We are a making-and-keeping-covenants people, and nothing better shapes us than the sacred covenants we make to the Lord. We live these covenants when we follow His plan, and we come to know who we really are….

“Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said: ‘We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. Although we might settle for less, Heavenly Father won’t, for He sees us as the glorious beings we are capable of becoming’” (link to talk).

As we live obediently to the laws, ordinance, and covenants we have made we can have the Holy Spirit by our side, we can be led through the storms and trials of life, and become who the Lord knows we can become. 

We must be the one to take the first step, and then continue moving forward of our own free will and choice. Then if we choose to continue on the path, the spirit can lead us and guide us to eternal glory with our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ. But, if we were unwilling, “[we] shall return again to [our] own place, to enjoy that which [we] are willing to receive, because [we] were not willing to enjoy that which [we] might have received” (Doctrine & Covenants 88:32) through our obedience.

Oh the glories that await! All that we can imagine—and more—is possible, if we are willing to act in obedience to the plan of our great God. Such was (and is) the life of our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ; an example we can surely follow.

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.

Living With The End in Mind

Something that has been on my mind lately is the need to set goals. I have tried to set goals in the past, and some have been easy while other have been very lofty (I didn't really take into account the time or effort required). Needless to say, I never attained those lofty goals. 

In this last General Conference Elder Carlos A. Godoy was speaking of how his life had been going very well, when he had a friend come for a visit. That talk has stuck with me, and has been the driving influence behind this post. He said,

“At the conclusion of his visit, he made a comment and asked a question that unsettled my convictions. He said, ‘Carlos, everything seems to be going well for you, your family, your career, and your service in the Church, but—‘ and then came the question, ‘if you continue to live as you are living, will the blessings promised in your patriarchal blessing be fulfilled?’

“I had never thought about my patriarchal blessing in this way. I read it from time to time but never with the intent of looking toward the blessings promised in the future and evaluating how I was living in the present” (link to talk).

As I’ve been studying the topic of goal-setting I am learning that setting goals, in general, is a good idea--I can't find any information to the contrary. It seems that the pursuit of goals helps unleash a power from within that propels us to become who we know inside that we can become. I think that it is through the process of setting and achieving our goals that helps to refine us and find fulfillment in our lives. 

Included among the many benefits of setting (and achieving) goals, is joy. Elder Dallin H. Oaks said,

“[One] source of happiness and mortal joy is the accomplishment of worthy goals, simple things like physical exercise or more complex goals like the completion of an arduous task.

“Other goals have eternal significance. Their completion produces joy in this life and the promise of eternal joy in the world to come” (link to talk).

It seems that the cure for gloom or despair can be overcome through accomplishing goals, as President Ezra Taft Benson taught.

“Every accountable child of God needs to set goals, short- and long-range goals. A man who is pressing forward to accomplish worthy goals can soon put despondency under his feet, and once a goal is accomplished, others can be set up” (link to talk).

The Lord, Himself, spoke of goals a long time ago when He spoke to Moses. He showed Moses His many creations, but then said that His crowning work was to help us, His children, become like Him.

“And the Lord God spake unto Moses, saying: The heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man; but they are numbered unto me, for they are mine.

“And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my words.

“For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:37-39).

Before the marvelous physical creation of man on earth our Father in Heaven created everything spiritually (see Moses 3:5). He had His end goal in sight, thought it through, planned it all out, and after much preparation and deliberation executed His plan perfectly.

The Lord has a goal—a purpose—for everything He does. His desire is to help us, in every way possible, to become like Him. He has given us guidelines and direction through the voice of His servants: those from the past whose word we find in scripture, and those from the present whose words we can hear. We have been commanded to pray to our Father and to “counsel with the Lord in all [our] doings” (Alma 37:37). He knows how to get us where we need to be, and we can come to know that path for ourselves by conversing with Him in humble prayer.

The purpose or our creation is to return to live with our Heavenly Father in eternal splendor and glory. This is a life-long goal, and have all other goals would be but steps to reach it.  

“The celestial kingdom is the highest of the three kingdoms of glory. Those in this kingdom will dwell forever in the presence of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. This should be your goal: to inherit celestial glory and to help others receive that great blessing as well. Such a goal is not achieved in one attempt; it is the result of a lifetime of righteousness and constancy of purpose” (link to topic, emphasis added).

As we examine our own life we should take into account our shortcomings and weaknesses and set goals to improve them. If we approach the Lord, in humility, He will help us make our “weak things become strong” (Ether 12:27). If we try to do everything on our own we will struggle more than we would with His help. We will also not receive the blessings and help the Lord has prepared to bestow on us that come from giving heed to His counsel. Tad R. Callister wrote,

“The power to convert a weakness to a strength is possible through the grace of Christ, but the Lord has imposed two prerequisites, humility and faith. If these requirements are satisfied, the grace of Christ becomes like a bookstore rocket that powers and lifts us above our weaknesses” (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p228).

A key ingredient in setting goals is our gift of agency—the ability to act for ourselves. We are here on earth to “work out [our] own salvation…before God” (Alma 34:37); something to keep in mind when setting goals. Elder Marvin J. Ashton taught,

“In setting our own goals we need to examine our own needs and abilities. The direction in which we are moving is more important than where we are at the moment. Goal setting should cause us to stretch as we make our way….

“When our progress seems to be at a standstill, it is well for us to ask who is at fault. Is it I? Am I sufficiently committed to righteous goals? Do I have the courage, fortitude, and wisdom to apply self-examination[?]…

“Realize that God will judge you by the way you make use of all your possibilities.” (link to talk).

As we counsel with the Lord, we will be directed to be obedient to His already established plan. When we use our agency to be obedient to His plan, we can become truly free. I love Tad R. Callister’s explanation of true freedom—attained in full measure only by gods themselves; a state we may obtain through faithful obedience to the end.

“The lives of gods are driven internally, rather than externally. Their freedom springs from their power to act according to their will without restraint from an outside source. There is no external force that controls their destiny, no spiritual or physical limitation that restricts their desired expression….Gods act, rather than being acted upon…Gods do not live oblivious of laws, but through obedience have mastered the laws so that they might use them to accomplish their purposes.

“Freedom is achieved through a step-by-step process of obedient compliance to God’s will” (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p251).

By setting goals to be obedient to God’s laws, or commandments, and to the covenants we make with Him we can grow to be more and more like Him. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ our nature can be changed, and it is also through obedience that we will find the peace and joy that we seek. Joseph Smith taught,

“Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God” (History of the Church, 5:134–35).

As we focus on our eternal goals the temporal storms and winds of life may not seem quite as terrifying or overwhelming. It is when we take our eyes off of those eternal goals that the waves rage, as when Peter walked on water. 

The disciples were in their ship and were “in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary” (Matthew 14:24). Jesus came walking toward them on the water,

“And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

“But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

“And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

“And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

“And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matthew 14:26-31).

Peter had Jesus as his focus and walked on water. It was when Peter took his eyes off of the Savior and saw the wind boisterous that the fear set in, and he began to sink. A lesson to us to keep our eyes firmly fixed on our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

When it comes to setting goals we can ask Him for guidance and direction. We can also look at the priorities He has already given to us through the scriptures, words of the prophets, and in our individual patriarchal blessings, as quoted by Elder Godoy earlier.

Goal-setting isn’t meant to be overwhelming, tedious, or painful, but it should stretch us a little. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin offered some humorous advice about setting attainable goals; which will continue to change throughout our lives, as we continue to change.

“In my younger days, I loved to run. Although it may be hard for you to believe it, I did. And I did win a few races. I’m not so fast anymore. In fact, I’m not sure how well I would do in a race if the only contestants were the members of the Quorum of the Twelve.

“My ability to run is not so swift now. While I am looking forward to that future time when, with a resurrected body, I can once again sprint over a field and feel the wind blowing through my hair, I do not dwell on the fact that I cannot do it now.

“That would be unwise. Instead, I take the steps that I can take. Even with the limitations of age, I can still take one step at a time. To do what I can is all my Heavenly Father now requires of me. And it is all He requires of you, regardless of your disabilities, limitations, or insecurities….

“The only thing you need to worry about is striving to be the best you can be. And how do you do that? You keep your eye on the goals that matter most in life, and you move towards them step by step” (link to talk).

When I started researching “worthy goals” I found a number of links to talks, quotes,  articles, and more. It seems to be a common understanding that setting worthy goals will help give us direction in life. I found several quotes where setting goals was likened to the rudder on a ship. A rudder, per wikipedia, “is a primary control surface used to steer” (link to reference). President Thomas S. Monson told a story about the ship, Bismarck, and the amazing power that comes from having a rudder (or loss, with the lack thereof).

“On February 14, 1939, Americans were celebrating Valentine’s Day. Postmen delivered sealed envelopes, and small children placed at the doorsteps of special friends folded papers containing brightly colored pictures. Each contained a greeting—a message of love. After all, Valentine’s Day is a day of love.

“Far from America’s shores, in Hamburg, Germany, a public holiday also was being celebrated. However, a more somber mood prevailed. Amid fervent speeches, cheering throngs, and the playing of the national anthem, the new battleship Bismarck rumbled down into the River Elbe. This, the most powerful vessel afloat, carried not a message of love; rather, the Bismarck bristled with weapons of war.

“The mighty colossus was a breathtaking spectacle of armor and machinery. Construction required more than fifty-seven thousand blueprints for the 406-millimeter, triple turret, radar-controlled guns. The vessel featured twenty-eight thousand miles of electrical circuits, and thirty-five thousand tons of armor-plate provided maximum safety. Majestic in appearance, gigantic in size, awesome in firepower, the Bismarck was considered unsinkable.

“The Bismarck’s day of destiny dawned more than two years later, when on May 24, 1941, the two most powerful warships in the British navy, the Prince of Wales and the Hood, engaged in battle the Bismarck and the German cruiser Prinz Eugen. Within four minutes, the Bismarck had sent to the depths of the Atlantic the Hood and all but 3 men of a crew of 1,419. The other British battleship, the Prince of Wales, had suffered heavy damage and turned away.

“Three days later, the Bismarck was engaged again, by four British warships. In all, the British concentrated the strength of eight battleships, two aircraft carriers, eleven cruisers, and twenty-one destroyers in an effort to seek and sink the mighty Bismarck.

“Shell after shell inflicted but superficial damage. Was the Bismarck unsinkable after all? Then a torpedo scored a lucky hit which jammed the Bismarck’s rudder. Repair efforts proved fruitless. With guns primed, the crews at ready, the Bismarck could only steer a slow and stately circle. Just beyond reach was the powerful German air force. The safety of home port was ever so close. Neither could provide the needed haven, for the Bismarck had lost the ability to steer a charted course. No rudder; no help; no port. The end drew near. British guns blazed as the German crew scuttled and sank the once proud vessel. The hungry waves of the Atlantic first lapped at the sides, then swallowed the pride of the German navy. The Bismarck was no more.

“Like the Bismarck, each of us is a miracle of engineering. Our creation, however, was not limited by human genius. Man can devise the most complex machines, but he cannot give them life or bestow upon them the powers of reason and judgment. Why? Because these are divine gifts, bestowed solely at God’s discretion. Our creator has provided us with a circulatory system to keep all channels constantly clean and serviceable, a digestive system to preserve strength and vigor, and a nervous system to keep all parts in constant communication and coordination. God gave man life, and with it, the power to think, to reason, to decide, and to love.

Like the vital rudder of a ship, we have been provided a way to determine the direction we travel. The lighthouse of the Lord beckons to all as we sail the seas of life. Our home port is the celestial kingdom of God. Our purpose is to steer an undeviating course in that direction. A man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder—never likely to reach home port. To us comes the signal: Chart your course, set your sail, position your rudder, and proceed” (link to talk).

May we strive to set worthwhile, attainable, goals that stretch and improve us. May we also do all within our power to keep our eternal goals in sight so that the leaving of this life will prove to be a joyous experience as we move onward and upward to the eternal spheres that await us.