Dallin H. Oaks, “Testimony”, April 2008 General Conference
Perhaps the puzzle some feel can be explained by the reality that each of us has two different channels to God. We have a channel of governance through our prophet and other leaders. This channel, which has to do with doctrine, ordinances, and commandments, results in obedience. We also have a channel of personal testimony, which is direct to God. This has to do with His existence, our relationship to Him, and the truth of His restored gospel. This channel results in knowledge. These two channels are mutually reinforcing: knowledge encourages obedience (see Deuteronomy 5:27; Moses 5:11), and obedience enhances knowledge (see John 7:17; D&C 93:1).
Thomas S. Monson, “Finding Strength through Obedience”, October 2009 General Conference
“There is no need for you or me in this enlightened age, when the fulness of the gospel has been restored, to sail uncharted seas or travel unmarked roads in search of the fountain of truth. For a loving Heavenly Father has plotted our course and provided an unfailing map—obedience! His revealed word vividly describes the blessings that obedience brings and the inevitable heartache and despair that accompany the traveler who detours along the forbidden pathways of sin and error. To a generation steeped in the tradition of animal sacrifice, Samuel boldly declared, “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.””
James E. Faust, “Obedience: The Path to Freedom”, May 1999 Ensign
“Tonight I speak to the priesthood of this Church, and particularly to the young men of the Aaronic Priesthood, about how to become really free. Obedience leads to true freedom.”
D. Todd Christofferson, “The Power of Covenants”, April 2009 General Conference
“First, as we walk in obedience to the principles and commandments of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we enjoy a continual flow of blessings promised by God in His covenant with us. Those blessings provide the resources we need to act rather than simply be acted upon as we go through life. 1 For example, the Lord’s commandments in the Word of Wisdom regarding the care of our physical bodies bless us first and foremost with “wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures” (D&C 89:19). Furthermore, they lead to a generally more healthy life and freedom from destructive addictions. Obedience gives us greater control over our lives, greater capacity to come and go, to work and create. Of course, age, accident, and illnesses inevitably take their toll, but even so, our obedience to this gospel law enhances our capacity to deal with these challenges.”
Richard G. Scott, “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge”, October 2009 General Conference
“Spirituality yields two fruits. The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power, or the capacity to do it. These two capacities come together. That’s why Nephi could say, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded.” 2 [ 1 Nephi 3:7] He knew the spiritual laws upon which inspiration and power are based. Yes, God answers prayer and gives us spiritual direction when we live obediently and exercise the required faith in Him.”
Richard G. Scott, Ensign, Nov. 2001
“As the teachings of the Savior are consistently obeyed, life will be beautiful, the future secure, and there will be capacity to overcome the challenges that cross our path.”
Dallin H. Oaks, "What Think Ye of Christ?", Ensign, November 1988
“Man unquestionably has impressive powers... But after all our obedience and good works, we cannot be saved from the effects of our sins without the grace extended by the atonement of Jesus Christ... Man cannot earn his own salvation.”
James E. Faust, "Obedience: The Path to Freedom", May 1999 Ensign
“Just as order gave life and beauty to the earth when it was dark and void, so it does to us. Obedience helps us develop the full potential Heavenly Father desires for us in becoming celestial beings worthy someday to live in His presence.”
Gordon B. Hinckley, "Look to the Future", Ensign, Nov. 1997
“I see a wonderful future in a very uncertain world. If we will cling to our values, if we will build on our inheritance, if we will walk in obedience before the Lord, if we will simply live the gospel we will be blessed in a magnificent and wonderful way. We will be looked upon as a peculiar people who have found the key to a peculiar happiness.”
James E. Faust, "The Price of Discipleship", Ensign, April 1999
“What is the cost of discipleship? It is primarily obedience. It is the forsaking of many things. But since everything in life has a price, it is a price worth paying, considering that the great promise of the Savior is for peace in this life and eternal life in the life to come. It is a price we cannot afford not to pay.”
Personal Statement:
Just like faith, Obedience is important because it is the first law of the Gospel. Without it, we cannot accomplish the other laws. Obedience has been a great blessing in my life. I really learned how important it was on my mission. As my companion and I obeyed the simple mission rules, we were blessed immensely. By learning to obey the simple things, we will be better prepared to obey the tough things in our lives. We must know as Nephi did that as we obey, the Lord will provide a way. Faith and Obedience are linked so much. We must start knowing that things will get better as we are obedient to the commandments. All other blessings depend on our obedience. The thing we must realize is that we are always obedient in everything that we do. The thing to always think about is who we are being obedient to. As we know this and always keep it in mind and obey our Heavenly Father, we will be blessed in all things.
