“Keep My Commandments,” New Era, Jan. 2019, 7.
2019 Mutual Theme
Keep My Commandments
Have you ever thought, “How can I show Heavenly Father that I really want Him to answer my prayers and bless me?” The Savior Jesus Christ gave us a key when He said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
In other words, we show our love to Heavenly Father by keeping His commandments.
Sometimes the answers to our prayers don’t come when or how we expect, and we may be tempted to give up or stop being obedient. But if we are patient and listen, the Lord will answer in His own time and way. He always answers sincere prayers. He always blesses us for our obedience (see Mosiah 2:21–24).
The world teaches that love contains no responsibilities. But the opposite is actually true. Our love for God is demonstrated by our willingness and diligence in keeping His commandments.
The Savior taught, “The truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). The prophet Alma further declared, “wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10). And through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord taught, “There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:20–21).
Happiness, blessings, and guidance come through obedience. Heavenly Father wants you to be happy and free because He loves you, and that is why He gives commandments. To find the peace not found in this world, we must learn that submitting to Heavenly Father’s will is the only way to happiness.
Heavenly Father wants you to find eternal happiness. His prophets want you to find joy beyond measure. We want you to find the peace we have found in following the Savior. Walk the path that He has shown (see “Lord, I Would Follow Thee,” Hymns, no. 220). Choose to be obedient. Your willing obedience will lead to true freedom and happiness.