obedience

During my high school years, each day, after early the dreaded morning seminary, our dear Sister Gestcher would leave us with this last piece of advice: “be good.” Well what does she even mean by that? I later learned that Sister Gestcher was reminding us to be obedient and live in harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ. As I’ve studied the scriptures and various conference talks about obedience, I have learned that obedience can lead a person to so many other gospel principles and blessings that otherwise wouldn’t be available. Before we can understand this, we must understand what obedience is and why it is a principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We are taught that obedience is a law from heaven. Being obedient means that we are willing to be faithful in all the Lord asks of us. This includes doing what He commands without question, doubt, or murmuring. We are willing to be better than we ever have been before! It shows our love for Christ and His sacrifice and our appreciation to our Father in Heaven. Obedience to the Lord proves we are diligent servants and worthy of someday being in His presence. We are able to refer to many accounts in the scriptures where prophets and leaders were willing to be completely obedient. One of the more plainly put accounts is found in Genesis 6:22 says: “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded, so he did.” We need to be just as obedient as Noah!

From a conference talk, President Monson teaches: "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."...

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...o be obedient, we must keep our baptismal covenants to the best of our ability. We must follow the counsel of our Prophet and leaders and be willing to walk by faith. We must be willing to “go and do” just as Nephi did also. We must never doubt a commandment and we must always strive to be our best. Being obedient to the Lord’s will has the capacity to…more freely invite the Spirit into our lives, increase our faith and love in Christ and help us to be the disciples that we strive to be. We will be able to learn and grow in the gospel. We will enjoy happiness and freedoms in their purest forms. Obedience now prepares us to be the greatest missionaries we can be as well as setting an example to our brothers and sisters.

Throughout my own life, I can recall many situations where being obedient has truly brought blessings. I can promise to all that obedience is the