The conference address I studied this week Is If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments by Robert D. Hales. All quotes are from this sermon unless otherwise noted.
“Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever,” Moses 4:2.
“he suffered temptations but gave [them] no heed,” Doctrine and Covenants 20:22.
“he [learned] obedience by the things which he suffered,” Hebrews 5:8.
"Because our Savior was obedient, He atoned for our sins, making possible our resurrection and preparing the way for us to return to our Heavenly Father, who knew we would make mistakes as we learned obedience in mortality. When we obey, we accept His sacrifice, for we believe that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws, ordinances, and commandments given in the gospel.
Jesus taught us to obey in simple language that is easy to understand: 'If ye love me, keep my commandments,' John 14:15. and 'Come, follow me,' Luke 18:22."
He goes on to discuss selective obedience and how it has "diminishes God’s standards in our culture and in our laws." He talks about growing in obedience by understanding the crucial role of agency, using the different ways Jesus and Lucifer did or didn't obey. We must choose obedience to God and His laws, or it isn't obedience. Jesus further demonstrated this principle on the cross, when He said. “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt,” Matthew 26:39.
"Spiritually mature obedience is the Savior’s obedience. It is motivated by true love for Heavenly Father and His Son." I've always worried that my judgement will be depart from me instead of well done. This sermon directly addresses that thought.
"why do any of us choose to be disobedient when we know the eternal consequences of sin? The scriptures provide an answer: the reason Cain and some of the children of Adam and Eve chose to disobey is because 'they loved Satan more than God,'" Moses 5:13. That's a sobering idea.
"Our love of the Savior is the key to Savior-like obedience. As we strive to be obedient in today’s world, we declare our love and respect for all of Heavenly Father’s children. Yet it is impossible for this love for others to modify God’s commandments, which were given for our good! For example, the commandment “thou shalt not … kill, nor do anything like unto it”13 is founded upon spiritual law that protects all of God’s children, even the unborn. Long experience suggests that when we ignore this law, immeasurable sorrow results. Yet many believe it is acceptable to terminate the life of an unborn child for reasons of preference or convenience. To rationalize disobedience does not change spiritual law or its consequences but leads to confusion, instability, wandering in strange paths, being lost, and grief."
I've been contemplating political correctness and believe it is a ploy of Lucifer. We cannot say ought for fear of offending others and being branded an -ist or a -phobe. While I won't go out of my way to hurt the feelings of others, in the future I cannot acquiesce an issue because of the -ist/-phobe fear. If it is sexist to stand against murdering unborn children, then so be it. It is wrong to sit back and seemingly agree while many things become 'wrong'. AND why is it ok for the minority to scream injury and the rest to give up saying Merry Christmas. It is a Christian holiday for Heaven's Sake. Examples of this insidious practice of accepting Lucifer's sinful plans loosely veiled in the guise of sparing the feelings of others runs deep and wide in Western culture. It will be to our detriment.
No, I don't intend to become confrontational. I plan to listen to others, remain calm, and express my opinions based on my understanding of keeping Jesus' commandments. Biting my tongue in these circumstances isn't standing as His witness or isn't proclaiming His gospel...but neither is contention. I'll tread lightly but carry my stick of knowledge. My stick is pretty much a twig right now, so this must mean I must work harder at gaining more knowledge. In addition, I must pray harder for grace to help me be calm and respectful, when discussing hot button issues. Loosing one's temper negates any ounce of credibility and puts barriers willingness of others to consider truth.
God be with you 'til we meet again.
