No, the opposite is true: God has given us commandments because He loves us. The disparity in laws around the world demonstrates that people are unclear about what truly are universal standards. We read in the Book of Mormon about young people like yourselves who were motivated by this truth. Notice first of all that obedience to the will of God is based on imitating the obedience of Jesus to the will of God the Father. (Write the following principle on the board as students discover it: If we seek to do what the Lord commands, He will prepare a way for us to accomplish it.). That same glorious promise is in force today: “Verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments … ; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. Invite students to consider a time when keeping a particular commandment of God seemed difficult or when fulfilling a Church calling or assignment seemed challenging. It’s really quite simple: the more we do what God tells us to … Remember those wonderful people who set righteous examples for you to follow and who have reached out in love to lift you. … Our love of the Savior is the key to Savior-like obedience” (“If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments,” 36–37). Obeying God in small matters is an essential step in receiving God’s greatest blessings. Jesus: 1. Heavenly Father sets His laws in place according to His perfect love and His absolute devotion to the redemption and exaltation of His children. Question: "Why is obedience to God important?" __________________________ “Can such a gift have a price? Our obedience to God’s commandments is one way that we demonstrate our gratitude for His marvelous blessings. In Jesus Christ, we find the perfect model of obedience. That’s the way to sanctify yourself by keeping the commandments of God” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee [2000], 30). The power of the priesthood along with a perfect understanding of the laws of nature allowed Jesus Christ, under the direction of His Father, to create this masterpiece on which we live and breathe. But make no mistake; Satan’s desire to take that agency from us has not diminished since he made the choice to disobey God in the premortal existence. It is the ability to do exactly as God says, and when He says to do it because we trust him implicitly and love him wholeheartedly. . … Put that aright and then you start on the next one that is most difficult for you to keep. It is with this backdrop that God shares the multitude of blessings they will receive if they obey. The Lord wanted to use Peters boat as a floating platform from which to address the multitude, so He asked the future apostle to push the vessel out a little way from shore (v. 3)not in itself a particularly remarkable request. As we sing in the familiar Primary song, I pray you will—. Yes, there were those who idolized him. Obedience brings great rewards. Continuing to keep the commandments of God, they continued to be blessed even in their difficulties. obedience by . communications@byuh.edu Obedience is better than … Keeping the “first and great commandment” to “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind”15 provides the greatest motivation for choosing to be obedient. His role in God’s eternal plan creates ‘opposition in all things’ (2 Nephi 2:11) and tests our agency. As you look back at your time in this sacred place, remember the blessings that have come to you because of your obedience to gospel principles. Remind students that the Lord asks for our obedience so that He can provide us with rich blessings in our efforts to become like Him. Though obedience may not always result in temporal prosperity, what blessings can we expect as a result of obedience to the Lord? Obey me, and I will be your God. In this there is safety; in this there is peace. The laws of man are designed to create order and peace in the community. “For after much tribulation come the blessings. Obedience to the commandments makes it possible for God to provide the help we need as we seek to accomplish difficult tasks. Lorenzo Snow Administration Building Room 200 ), What words and phrases describe Laman and Lemuel’s response? Our obedience to God’s commandments is one way that we demonstrate our gratitude for His marvelous blessings. It could not be clearer that obedience blessings us while disobedience brings curses or negative consequences. As his disciples, we … He is for us. This characteristic of obedience will continue to be essential as you go forth to serve in the world and will allow you further opportunities to learn and share your talents as well as experience innumerable blessings. God wants us to succeed. The Lord provides help to those who are obedient. Again, those laws are universal, and being obedient to them leads to progress and happiness. Obedience Brings the Blessing . And how was Heavenly Father’s love demonstrated for them? Robert D. Hales, “If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 35–38. Could Helaman’s description of them be said of each of you? Marcelo Gleiser, “Laws of Man and Laws of Nature,” National Public Radio, June 26, 2013, npr.org. Everyone of us have weaknesses but when you put God into the equation it always adds up to more! After students share what they discovered, explain that Nephi later described some ways in which the Lord helps those who keep His commandments. “And they were all young men [and let’s include you, young women], and they were … true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. We are taught in the Doctrine and Covenants that “there is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundation of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—, “And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.”7, Obedience to the laws of God brings blessings and power. May we each make those daily choices that lead to safety and peace. What happens when obedience brings pain? The laws of physics, chemistry, biology, geology, and astronomy, which many of you have studied and through which the earth was created, are still in force; they are universal. In preparation to be with you here today, I explored some information about Hawaii. Regardless of how long someone can avoid consequences in this life, the time will come when we will all stand before our Eternal Judge and receive our reward according to the laws of mercy and justice. Luke 5:1-11. Failure to understand this first principle and failure to implement it is to forfeit God's BEST in your life. Your obedience to God's plan opens his provision for your life. Obedience brings people together. Second key in regards to obedience is found in the life of . Psalm 103:17-18 tell us “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” One day a large crowd pressed around Jesus while He preached (Luke 5:1-11). (Students should identify the following principle: As we come unto Christ and keep the commandments, we will become more like Him and our Father in Heaven, and we will be saved.). I. (Note: This activity will encourage students to practice the important scripture study skill of comparing and contrasting. Display the following statement by Elder Robert D. Hales, and ask a student to read it aloud: “Spiritually mature obedience is ‘the Savior’s obedience.’ It is motivated by true love for Heavenly Father and His Son. Thomas S. Monson, “Obedience Brings Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 89–92. Point out that the resurrected Jesus Christ taught the Nephites about the purposes of obeying the commandments. Answer: Obedience to God proves our love for Him (1 John 5:2-3), demonstrates our faithfulness to Him (1 John 2:3-6), glorifies Him in the world (1 Peter 2:12), and opens avenues of blessing for us (John 13:17). My young friends, however motivating these promises of the future are, times will come in your life when you will be tempted to choose the lesser path. (Help students identify the following principle: When we recognize our eternal debt to God, we desire to serve Him and keep His commandments.). There are only twelve verses in Deuteronomy that outline the blessings that come from obedience (28:3-14), but there are sixty-five verses where curses are the result of disobedience (27:15-26; 28:16-68). We go out of our way to protect ourselves from pain and suffering. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.”11. What can we learn from the Savior’s example about the importance of obedience? in the city and blessed in the country. Display the following statement by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and invite a student to read it aloud: “How can we ever repay the debt we owe to the Savior? Can we ever make compensation for such a gift?” (“Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 43). You have learned much in your time here and can choose to continue to  learn in your career, in your families, in your Church service, and in your community. Jesus Calls Us to Obey. Truly some of God’s finest creations are found here! When the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses were on their way out of Egypt where they were enslaved for 430 years, God promised to bless them for as long as they were obedient to Him and lawfully followed all His commands. ... Disobedience brings separation. Introduction: The truth that obedience to God brings blessing, is the first principle in understanding what it means to be a child of God. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Bible Verses about Obedience is better than Sacrifice, with Meaning. A perceptive woman wrote, “If we think we can casually saunter up the strait and narrow path13 and make it to the Tree of Life, we are deceiving ourselves. Our Obedience always benefits others. I HIGHLY recommend studying out the Feasts of the Lord, Sabbath, clean eating, etc… All, according to God’s everlasting and unchanging Word, are marks of righteousness and bring blessings. Ask students to read 1 Nephi 3:4–7 and identify a principle that they learn from Nephi’s example that can increase their own capacity to be obedient. Looking at photos of the rugged volcanic mountains, the lush green valleys covered with rich farmland, rushing waterfalls cascading between blankets of ferns and colorful flowers, and beautiful expanses of sand stretched out in front of never-ending waves of the blue and green and gray ocean, I marveled at the beauties of nature clustered on this small gathering of islands. Many of you have sacrificed much to receive your education. If I choose to step off a cliff, I will certainly fall. You will have the opportunity to  lead others by your example of obedience to God’s laws. Though we can never repay our debt to God, what do these verses suggest we can do to show our gratitude for all that He has done for us? Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their hearts. Obedience to the commandments makes it possible for God to provide the help we need as we seek to accomplish difficult tasks. To help students understand this principle, write the following references on the board and give students time to search them, looking for how Nephi responded when seeking to accomplish the difficult things he was commanded to do: 1 Nephi 3:15–16; 4:1–2; 7:12. Page 1 of 4 - Obedience brings blessings - posted in Deeper Life: This is actually a personal testimony - I promise to keep it short Scripture states that obedience brings blessings and disobedience brings curses. Shalom! . Blessings FOR obedience are about God’s response to those who faithfully follow his commands. And this is one of my all-time favorite scriptural promises: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”12 Such blessings come only through obedience to His commandments. Heb 5:8 though He was a Son, yet He . Why do you think these qualities are important for each of us to have in our relationship with the Lord? you will be blessed. For instance, when we do our part through repentance and obedience, the Atonement of Jesus Christ guarantees our salvation.8, The opposite is also true: “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.”9. We learn in the book of Moses how these natural beauties were made.1 On each successive day during the creation period, God added one more element to the earth that would support His crowning creations of man and woman. What statement in these verses summarizes what the Lord promised Nephi? Give students a moment to ponder whether they are more like Laman and Lemuel or like Nephi when they are asked by the Lord or the leaders of His Church to do something difficult. b. Ps 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my As evidenced through the succeeding millennia, obedience to natural law continues to create order, peace, and progress in the natural world. He is weak in status, not famous, does not have the power nor enough wealth but is strong in faith. Invite students to take turns reading 2 Nephi 31:6–10, 15–16 aloud while class members look for what we can learn from the Savior’s example about the importance of obedience and the blessings that come from obedience. How did He provide means to help them? What blessings given by the Lord to Lehi’s family are similar to blessings we need today? (To help answer this question, consider reading Mosiah 2:41. The Savior is a perfect example of obedience. So much so that we need laws to keep order. This passage in Ruth illuminates the relationship between our actions and the providence of God. Give students a moment to discuss possible answers to the last question asked by Elder Wirthlin. He wants everyone to “be miserable like unto himself.”5 Elder L. Tom Perry explained: “None of us should ever underestimate how driven Satan is to succeed. Ask students to silently read 3 Nephi 12:19–20, 48 to discover these purposes. First, matter was organized, then dry land was separated from the waters, and lights were set in place for the day as well as the night. And they come in a multitude of ways—small or large, now or later—but they do come, and those who have “eyes to see” and “ears to hear” will recognize and rejoice in the Lord’s hand in their lives. “Yea, they were men [and women] of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him.”16, Despite being outnumbered by their enemies, these young men were victorious. The Word of God also says, “‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Complying with the just laws of humanity leads to greater peace of mind and increases order in the community. Ask the class to follow along and identify the Lord’s promise to Nephi. The Lord’s simple requests often serve as stepping-stones to life’s most wonderful blessings.-Simon Peter illustrates what can happen when we say yes to God. Scripture tells us not to be surprised when trials come (1 Peter 4:12). In this dispensation, the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that He requires “the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.” 4. As you go forth from this remarkable campus, I hope you will continue to fulfill the mission of BYU–Hawaii: to LEARN and LEAD and BUILD. Closed: Devotionals and Holidays, BYU-Hawaii Commencement (April 21, 2018) - Jean B. Bingham. If we believe we can keep one foot on the path while dangling the other foot in the river of filthy water, think again.”14. 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obedience to god brings blessings

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