Elder Bruce Carlson: When the Lord Commands
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
Keeping the commandments brings the blessings of heaven, Elder Bruce A. Carlson of the Seventy said during the Saturday afternoon session of general conference.
"Occasionally we believe that there must be an easier way, a shortcut or modification of the Lord's commandments that will accommodate our individual circumstances," he said. "Thoughts such as these fail to acknowledge that strict obedience to God's laws brings His blessings and failure to abide by His laws leads to foreseeable consequences."
Elder Carlson spoke of three reasons why individuals choose to disobey a commandment.
1. "This commandment doesn't apply to me."
Sharing the example of Jeroboam in the Old Testament (1 Kings 11), and how he, despite being promised all of Israel upon his obedience, decided some of God's commandments were not applicable to him. As a result, his descendants were slain and the 10 tribes of Israel were eventually driven from their inheritance. Elder Carlson spoke of the risk partial or selective compliance with God's laws brings, that ultimately fails to bring the full blessings of obedience.
2. "We do not believe the commandment is important."
Sharing the example of Naaman in the Old Testament, who in order to be cured from leprosy needed to wash himself in the river Jordan seven times, Elder Carlson taught that obedience to the Lord's command, in spite of how trivial it is believed to be, will surely bring His promised blessings.
3. "We are certain that the commandment is too difficult to obey."
Using the story of Lehi leading his family into the wilderness, Elder Carlson spoke of how Nephi's courage and obedience led to obtaining the brass plates, unlike his brothers Laman and Lemuel, who believed the task to be too hard.
"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," he said. "However, faithful obedience, regardless of the apparent size of the task, will bring the Lord's guidance, assistance and peace."
Elder Carlson spoke of the blessings that come from following the guidelines set by the Lord.
"Obedience to the Lord's commandments provides us confidence in our chosen path, His guidance and direction as we pursue our efforts and offers us the potential to become like our Savior, Jesus Christ, and return to our Father's presence."
