June 12, 2010

For my study today I read a conference address by Bruce A. Carlson titled When the Lord Commands. Interestingly, it did not seem familiar to me as I read it. And I am very glad I did read it! I was reminded in this talk that there truly is no shortcut to obeying the Lord's commands. We must do so with exactness if we wish to obtain a fullness of the blessings. And obedience surely will bring promised blessings. My favorite part of this talk says, "At times we may rationalize that the Lord will understand our disobedience because our special circumstances make adherence to His laws difficult, embarrassing, or even painful. However, faith obedience, regardless of the apparent size of the task, will bring the Lord's guidance, assistance, and peace." I am certain the Lord actually does understand our humanness when we choose disobedience because we believe obedience to be too "difficult, embarrassing, or even painful." But just because He understands does not mean He will excuse us from the consequences of disobedience. I want the blessings the Lord promises for those who are obedient. I want His "guidance, assistance, and peace." I want eternal life. I want to return to my Father's presence. That is why I choose to be obedient. Each day I really do strive to be more obedient. I am grateful for this talk and the reminder of the importance of choosing obedience even in the face of pain, difficulty or embarrassment. I hope I will always choose obedience.