"Throughout the ages, men and women have sought for knowledge and understanding concerning this mortal existence and their place and purpose in it, as well as for the way to peace and happiness. Such a search is undertaken by each of us.
This knowledge and understanding are available to all mankind. They are contained in truths which are eternal. In Doctrine and Covenants section 1, verse 39, we read, “Behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever.” What better way to begin that with a quote from our prophet? We probably spend our whole life, trying to be obedient to the commandments with differing degrees of success. We begin, as a child, learning to obey our parents, hoping not to "get into trouble."The staying out of trouble theme follows us around as we grow, hopefully changing as we mature.
Sister Griffin said that by being obedient to the Lord, our Heavenly Father, we gain knowledge, truth and answers. Doesn't that sound like an easy path toward exaltation? She used the analogy of bowling in that when we align our lives within the scope of the commandments, our "bowling ball" of life goes straight down the alley with any interference. If we go a bit astray, we end up in the "alley gutter" and have to try again. I thought of those Disney bumper cars surrounded with rubber to protect but not stop our forward movement. We learn as we go and that is the purpose of our journey, learning obedience. What should we obey? Where do we find the correct knowledge that will bring answers?
"In a revelation given through the Prophet Joseph Smith at Kirtland, Ohio, in May of 1833, the Lord declared:
“Truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come. …
“The Spirit of truth is of God. …
“And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments.
“He that keepeth [God’s] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.”2
What a glorious promise! “He that keepeth [God’s] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things." Like needing a map to find the way, the Lord provides us clear directions.
As when we were children and our parents made rules for our safety, so does the Lord. Not only do we need to be physically safe, but we need to "insure our spiritual safety" to return to His presence.
Nephi is one prophet we know was obedient. "Nephi declared, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded.”5 Though others faltered in their faith and their obedience, never once did Nephi fail to do that which the Lord asked of him. Untold generations have been blessed as a result."
There are many examples in the scriptures of obedient people who went to the Lord for council. Abraham was a man of unwavering faith in his trial as was Joseph Smith.
"Declared President Joseph F. Smith in October 1873, “Obedience is the first law of heaven.”8
Said President Gordon B. Hinckley, “The happiness of the Latter-day Saints, the peace of the Latter-day Saints, the progress of the Latter-day Saints, the prosperity of the Latter-day Saints, and the eternal salvation and exaltation of this people lie in walking in obedience to the counsels of … God."
As the prophet ended his talk, he reminded us that no greater example of being obedient exist than our Savior. Paul observed:
“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
“And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him."
Throughout temptation, deceit, physical weakness, betrayal and agony, Jesus remained obedient to our Father. What an example we have to guide us in our efforts to stay on the straight and narrow and be obedient to the laws of heaven. What better way to prepare to return to our heavenly home than following the ultimate example of obedience?
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