Topic

Obedience

Obedience is a principle of discipline, choice, and trust. Though rules are sometimes seen as oppressive or restrictive, God’s commandments are intended to free us. When we obey Him, we are freed from the negative consequences of sin—in this life and throughout eternity. We are also enabled to reach our greatest potential, having developed diligence and character that we otherwise would have lacked. God gives us commandments for our safety, happiness, and growth.

We are not compelled to obey. In fact, God’s plan for us depends on our agency, or ability to choose freely for ourselves. Because our agency is the one thing that cannot be taken away from us, submitting our will to God through obedience is the greatest gift we can offer Him. We also do not obey blindly; rather, we seek to know God by learning as much as we can about Him and communicating with Him. Once we receive a testimony of His reality and love for us, it becomes much easier to trust and follow Him, even if we do not always understand all the reasons for all of His commandments.

Obedience requires faith. Sometimes, we begin being obedient to a principle simply because we love and trust God; then, as we grow in knowledge and experience the blessings of our obedience, we gain a better understanding of the principle.

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe that one of the purposes of mortal life is to learn to obey the commandments of God. Therefore, Brigham Young University strives to create an atmosphere where students and faculty can live righteously and learn to be obedient. These devotional addresses teach the purpose and blessings of obedience, as well as the pitfalls of disobedience. They testify that submitting to the will of God frees us, for He has a much higher vision of our potential than we do.

Camille N. Johnson | January 11, 2022

President Johnson gives examples from her life on how to become "bound securely to the Savior" so that we can withstand the storms of life.

devotional 2022

Scott D. Whiting | December 8, 2020

Scott D. Whiting teaches how to deepen discipleship through obedience, endurance, and service to God and our fellowmen and women.

devotional 2020

James B. Martino | September 15, 2020

Elder James B. Martino discusses the power that agency brings to our lives. You alone can choose "whom ye will serve."

devotional 2020

Pam Musil | August 6, 2019

Pam Musil gives five suggestions to help make permanent change a part of your life. Her knowledge of dance greatly influences her advice.

devotional 2019

Randall K. Bennett | March 19, 2019

Why is following the prophet so important? Elder Bennett shares the blessings he and his wife have experienced from following the prophet's invitation.

devotional 2019

Bonnie Brinton Anderson | December 8, 2015

To have spiritual safety we must be in tune with the Holy Ghost, be aware of fake happiness, keep a current temple recommend, and pray.

devotional 2015

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Dale G. Renlund | September 16, 2014

To build a foundation of spiritual stability, build it on Christ through obeying, heeding counsel and learning, and serving others.

devotional 2014

Cheryl C. Lant | January 12, 2010

As we hold fast to the iron rod, through righteous and humble obedience, we can taste the sweet joy of the Atonement that God is anxious for us to enjoy.

devotional 2010

Earl C. Tingey | June 5, 2007

The Watchman on the Tower is the story of a loving nobleman who instructs his servant to watch over his olive trees. This story has great application today.

devotional 2007

Cecil O. Samuelson | September 12, 2006

Why is the Honor Code important? While we must focus on the more important aspects of it, we cannot afford to ignore the "little things" too.

devotional 2006

Alan Parkinson | May 14, 2002

The Savior set the perfect example in doing the Father’s will. We strive to do His will as we move forward in faith on our personal journeys.

devotional 2002

Dallin H. Oaks—first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dallin H. Oaks | January 29, 2002

Faith means trust—trust in God’s will and timing. We must not try, in our personal lives or in building His kingdom, to impose our timetable on His.

devotional 2002

Boyd K. Packer | August 16, 2001

Graduates are promised that if they keep commandments, they will be healthy and blessed with happiness as they live the gospel.

commencement 2001

Bruce Carlson | November 7, 2000

I must admit to feeling a little out of place here this morning. This call to speak today reminds me of the Texan who went to an Oklahoma wedding. When the minister asked if anyone could think of any reasons why this couple should not be married, the Texan stood up and said, “Well, no, I can’t think of any reason for these two kids not to get married, but…

devotional 2000

David McPherson | July 1, 1997

Isn’t this great! What a marvelous campus and community the Lord has provided us with through the dedication and faithfulness of his Saints. Indeed, this great campus is built upon the foundation of those who labored in the vineyards of the world. What a tremendous responsibility we have as an academic community to provide the best spiritual and academic education possible. As scholars in the Lord’s university, what wonderful academic…

devotional 1997

Janet G. Lee | September 15, 1992

Obedience, among other things, provides us with a grace period. We go forward with a sense of duty before we have all the answers.

devotional 1992

Richard G. Scott | June 3, 1990

Many fruits come from obedience: peace, discipline, the capacity to work, love of service, confidence, and character.

devotional 1990

Janet G. Lee | September 12, 1989

Sister Lee shares how she feels coming back to BYU—like coming home. Similarly, we can look forward to the day we arrive at our heavenly home.

devotional 1989

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jeffrey R. Holland | January 17, 1989

Jesus Christ always submitted to the Father's will, no matter the cost. This difficult lesson of obedience is one we all must learn.

devotional 1989

Marion D. Hanks | August 7, 1988

To serve and "love thy neighbor" is the essence of joy and will prepare us to meet God. All of us can do something, and most of us more than we are doing.

devotional 1988

Russell M. Nelson—President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Russell M. Nelson | August 19, 1986

To create a strong, inspiring, and monumental life, one must learn to go, do, and be all that the Lord requires and asks of us.

devotional 1986

Robert J. Parsons | July 31, 1984

We reap what we sow, especially when we are attempting to cultivate the Savior's example in our own lives. As we focus on Him, we'll harvest joy.

devotional 1984

Yoshihiko Kikuchi | February 5, 1984

No matter what trials and tribulations come our way, we must develop the faith to be able to say to our Heavenly Father, "Thy will be done."

devotional 1984

Jack H. Goaslind | September 26, 1982

God has said that every blessing is predicated upon obedience to a law. As we consistently choose obedience, we also choose the rewards for obedience.

devotional 1982

S. Dilworth Young | May 30, 1978

God desires all His children to return to Him, but the conflict of life is to choose between eternity's blessings and compromising for worldly things.

devotional 1978

A. Theodore Tuttle | January 31, 1978

Just like the law of gravity, there are laws that the Lord has put in place to guide and direct His children back to Him.

devotional 1978

Hartman Rector Jr. | May 31, 1977

The world offers transitory pleasures, but only obedience brings happiness. Are you obedient to the scriptural commandments of God and to prophetic counsel?

devotional 1977

Boyd K. Packer | January 14, 1977

Sometimes when Church leaders give counsel, there are exceptions. Follow the rule first, and trust that God will let you know if you are an exception.

devotional 1977

Roy W. Doxey | July 30, 1974

Latter-day Saints are blessed with living prophets and apostles. We should willingly obey their divinely received counsel.

devotional 1974

Russell M. Nelson | May 14, 1974

Russell M. Nelson shares some of his greatest life lessons about the body, the spirit, the power of love, and the dependability of divine law.

devotional 1974

John K. Edmunds | February 26, 1974

To receive the blessing of eternal life, we must obey God’s laws and keep the covenants we have made with Him.

devotional 1974

Harold Glen Clark | May 15, 1973

keeping our promises and covenants with God means that we will obey His commandments and guidance even if we don't know why.

devotional 1973

Boyd K. Packer | March 23, 1965

Our willingness to follow the Brethren, the called local and general leaders of the Church, is a show of our humility and obedience to God.

devotional 1965

LeGrand Richards | October 3, 1962

Remember that each choice you make, each path you walk, will have a different destination. Choose the high way, the Lord's way, that will bring you joy.

devotional 1962

Antoine R. Ivins | January 4, 1958

Antoine R. Ivins reminds students that, among our goals at BYU, our purpose here should primarily be to develop a spirit of testimony and obedience to God.

devotional 1958