- Promote well being

- Bring peace of mind- Lead to Father's presence

Citing the examples of Abinadi in the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, both of whom gave their lives rather than deny the commandments of God, Elder Robert D. Hales urged priesthood brethren to obey the commandments and be faithful to their covenants.

Speaking in the Saturday evening priesthood session, Elder Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve asked: "You young deacons, teachers and priests, are you worthy to officiate in the preparation, passing and blessing of the sacrament? These are sacred responsibilities."

The sacrament is in remembrance of the Atonement, which allows all to be redeemed from the Fall of Adam and be resurrected, he said. But for its full blessings to take effect, one must repent of sins and be faithful in obeying the commandments.

To young men, he said a mission will teach them to live the law of consecration. "It may be the only time in your life when you can give to the Lord all your time, talents and resources. In return the Lord will bless you to have His Spirit to be with you. He will be close to you and strengthen you."

He reminded Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood bearers that keeping the Lord's commandments is a lifelong effort.

"These commandments are loving instructions provided by God our Father for our physical and spiritual well-being and happiness while in mortality," he explained. He added that commandments allow one to know God's mind and will regarding eternal progression and test one's willingness to be obedient to His will.

Contrary to being a burden or restriction, commandments allow one to return to Heavenly Father's presence and bring peace of mind, happiness and "joy in the Holy Ghost" (Rom. 14:17) in this life, Elder Hales said.

Living the commandments brings the spiritual light of personal revelation, he said.

"So powerful is this light that even when we are drawn into a black hole of sin so deep and dark that we believe no spiritual light could ever penetrate, it can penetrate."

Prophets often proclaim commandments that may be unpopular and call society to repentance, "knowing full well the price they may have to pay," Elder Hales noted.

"Some who choose not to live the commandments make every effort to defame the character of the prophets and demean their personal integrity and reputation," he said. "In response, the prophets remain silent and may turn the other cheek. The world may see this as weakness, but it is one of the greatest strengths a man can have - to be faithful, unyielding and unwavering to that which he knows to be true, accepting whatever consequences may follow."

No one is free to modify commandments to suit personal preferances, Elder Hales said. Nor do priesthood leaders have the right to change them just to make them more palatable to those who are weak in their resolve to live worthily, he added.