July 25

Why Should I Be Obedient to God’s Commandments?

Doctrine and Covenants 81–83

Counsel Together

Led by a member of the quorum or class presidency; approximately 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme or the Young Women Theme. Then lead a discussion about items such as the following, and plan ways to act on what you discuss (you can decide in a presidency meeting which items to discuss):

• Our quorum or class. What can we do to build unity among quorum or class members? What goals would we like to work on together?

• Our duties or responsibilities. What are we doing to share the gospel? What experiences have we had doing temple and family history work?

• Our lives. How have we seen the hand of the Lord in our lives? What has inspired us in our scripture study this week?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind quorum or class members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; approximately 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

We may feel at times that God’s commandments restrict our freedom and limit our agency. The truth is that commandments enhance our freedom. In Doctrine and Covenants 82:8–10 we learn that commandments help us understand God’s will, and when we obey them, our actions will “turn to [us] for [our] salvation.” In fact, when we obey God, He is “bound” to give us all of the blessings He has promised (verses 9–10). How has Heavenly Father blessed you as you have obeyed His commandments? To prepare to teach, you could read Elder Dale G. Renlund’s message “Abound with Blessings” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 70–73) or ponder some of the resources in the Gospel Topics article “Obedience” (topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

The examples of God’s faithful servants in the past can inspire us to live faithfully today.

Learn Together

Members of your quorum or class may be struggling to obey some of the commandments. Helping them understand why obedience is important could inspire them. Write the title of this outline on the board, and invite quorum or class members to share answers. You could ask them to look for additional insights in Doctrine and Covenants 82:8–10, which they may have studied this week. Then select one or more of the activities below to help them better understand why it is always important to obey God, even when doing so is hard.

• It can be easier to obey the commandments when we understand the reasons behind them. To learn why God gives us commandments, quorum or class members could review the scripture references in “Supporting Resources” (or others you think of). How can these scriptures help us when we find it hard to obey a commandment? As part of this discussion, you could read together the section titled “Fourth, forget not the ‘why’ of the gospel” in President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s message “Forget Me Not” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011, 122).

• As those you teach understand the Savior’s perfect example of obedience, they may be inspired to more fully obey God. When did Jesus Christ obey His Father, even in difficult circumstances? (see Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 22:39–44). Examples of men and women who were obedient can be found in Hebrews 11. Maybe your quorum or class could choose one of these examples—or others they know of, including in their families—and share what inspires them about these people. Why did these people choose to obey the Lord? How does the Savior help us when we choose to be obedient?

• To help quorum or class members see commandments as blessings and not as burdens, you could share the teachings of Elder D. Todd Christofferson found in “Supporting Resources.” You might display or draw a picture of a ladder and ask those you teach to label each rung with a commandment that might be hard for a young person to understand or obey. How could Elder Christofferson’s words help someone who struggles to keep the commandments?

• Several videos that teach about obedience can be found at ChurchofJesusChrist.org and in the Gospel Library app (see “Supporting Resources”). You could assign each quorum or class member to watch one of these videos before the meeting and come prepared to share what they learned about obedience. Maybe the quorum or class could plan their own video about obeying God’s commandments. They could then organize an activity to create the video and share it on social media.

Act in Faith

Encourage quorum or class members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. How does today’s lesson relate to personal goals they have made? If they would like, quorum or class members could share their ideas.

Supporting Resources

• 1 Nephi 17:3; Mosiah 2:41; Doctrine and Covenants 130:20–21 (We are blessed by obedience to the commandments)

• Deuteronomy 10:12–13; John 14:15; 1 John 5:1–3 (We obey the commandments because we love God)

• Doctrine and Covenants 93:20 (Obedience allows us to receive of God’s fulness)

• “Obedience,” in chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel (2019), 75

• Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught: “Some see only sacrifice and limitations in obedience to the commandments of the new and everlasting covenant, but those who live the experience—who give themselves freely and unreservedly to the covenant life—find greater liberty and fulfillment. When we truly understand, we seek more commandments, not fewer. Each new law or commandment we learn and live is like one more rung or step on a ladder that enables us to climb higher and higher. Truly, the gospel life is the good life” (“The Power of Covenants,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 23).

• “The Sting of the Scorpion,” “Stay within the Lines,” “A Secure Anchor,” “Shower of Heavenly Blessings,” “Blessed and Happy Are Those Who Keep the Commandments of God” (videos), ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

The Savior invited His disciples to testify, and as they did, the Spirit touched their hearts. As you teach, invite quorum or class members to share their testimonies of the importance of keeping the commandments.