why obedience?
Imagine for a moment a heaven where everyone did ‘their own thing’ without thinking of others or the effects their actions (or lack of wholesome actions) had upon those around them. Does this, in most respects, sound like our world today? Prisons are filled with those who have embraced such a lifestyle. Is it not the antithesis of ALL God stands for and wants for us? Why, in the fullness of the Gospel, is willing obedience to God’s laws taught continuously and even called the First Law of Heaven? (see Obedience) Our God is a god of order. Were it not so, should the chaos of a multitude of individuals wishes prevail in such a ‘heaven’ at the expense of other’s peace, good purpose not to mention good taste, there would be no way for God’s eternal plan for us to come to fruition.
Our obedience to God is ‘a friendship to be developed and savored’, because it brings us into harmony with all that Christ did for us in the past and has in mind for our future. That future with Him and our Heavenly Parents will make our current whims, follies, worldly desires and struggles seem trite.
Choosing the ‘easy way’ now (which is, long term, the much more difficult disappointing road) for self and our children puts eternal possibilities with Heavenly parents on the ‘back burner’ (truly without any warmth at all from the cold, shallow, divisive adversary… counterfeit source of peace, easy!) and yields much spiritual pain, tears, sorrow… if not ‘fist shaking’ at heaven. The modern trend now has children taught by ‘default’. Whatever media they become exposed to, too often becomes their reality and teaches useless ‘skills’ through gaming, other inappropriate media, and ‘dreaming’ scenarios of bigger than life heroes.
I am so grateful to have been raised in a home (not LDS) where parents took us to church weekly, where my (step-)mother in her love for God wanted me to have a close relationship with Him too. At about 10 years of age she started a fire in my soul by having me memorize Psalms 23. It’s been a source of comfort ever since and caused me, not long after her coaching, to read the Bible completely through for the first time. Though there were some rough spots between us, her care towards eternal possibilities, spiritual peace/balance has made all the difference! Deceased now for 18 years I say with all the feelings and sincerity I can muster,“Thanks Mom!! for loving Jesus Christ (and me) enough to teach me to love Him too… ” kdm
first published 10.12.15 now with modifications
