Topic

Commandments

In the New Testament, Jesus declared, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that God gives us commandments because He loves us. God's laws can help us avoid things that create sorrow or lead us to sin and actively seek things that will bring us eternal joy. Our Heavenly Father gives us commandments because He knows what is best for us and wants us to return to live with Him again. Additionally, we show our love for God when we obey Him. Obedience shows that our priorities are in line with what God wants for us. Commandments also keep us safe from outside influences that can negatively affect our faith.

When we think of commandments, we often think of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments. Members of the Church follow the Ten Commandments in addition to other holy laws meant to bring us joy. The complete list of standards that Church members hold themselves to can be found in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. Prophets are called of God to give laws and standards that relate specifically to the difficult challenges of our day.

By searching this collection of talks, you will find diverse perspectives on why commandments are necessary and how we can keep them better. We invite you to listen to these scholars and disciples of Christ as they testify of how commandments have helped them reach their full potential in this life. Their stories and insights are incredibly valuable and necessary in an age when obedience to God is considered trivial in comparison to moving up the ladder of worldly success.

By Study & By Faith

Cecil B. DeMille May 31, 1957

Ricardo P. Giménez, a General Authority Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Ricardo P. Giménez | February 11, 2025

Connecting all we do to our love for the Savior and basing our “why” in that love will help us understand what it means to be His disciple.

devotional 2025

Anthony D. Perkins | December 3, 2024

We become God’s peculiar treasure by obeying His voice and keeping His covenants, including those in the temple endowment and marriage.

devotional 2024

K. Brett Nattress - General Authority Seventy

K. Brett Nattress | January 16, 2024

We can choose to think celestial every day by praying, reading the scriptures, and serving others, even if we have made mistakes in the past.

devotional 2024

Gary B. Sabin | November 7, 2023

We must follow Christ by exercising faith and keeping an eternal perspective to fulfill life’s mission and return with honor to our Father in Heaven.

devotional 2023

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

D. Todd Christofferson | March 22, 2022

We must remember to keep the first commandment first by making sure our relationship with God is central to our life.

devotional 2022

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

M. Russell Ballard | March 3, 2020

In a world that emphasizes identity, remember that above all else we are children of Heavenly Father. This is the most important group to identify with.

devotional 2020

Cecil O. Samuelson | April 25, 2013

We must not forget obedience to God's commandments in our continued quest for knowledge. The ten commandments are as relevant today as ever.

commencement 2013

Stanley A. Johnson | June 5, 2012

We obtain the guidance of the Holy Spirit by praying, learning the gospel, living righteously, and serving in the Church.

devotional 2012

Joseph B. Wirthlin | February 1, 2004

Two gospel principles act as two guiding lights to help us reach eternal life: love for God and love for our fellow man. These two will guide us home.

devotional 2004

Sheri L. Dew | March 21, 2000

Choose to keep God's commandments and stay out of Satan's territory. We are promised safety and peace on the Lord's side of the line.

devotional 2000

David McPherson | July 1, 1997

In a world where morality is changing, the truths and commandments of God are unchanging. We must always keep God's commandments.

devotional 1997

M. Russell Ballard | September 6, 1987

Now is the time to determine to keep the commandments of God. Now is the time to repent, to create faithful families, and to fulfill our purpose.

devotional 1987

Adney Y. Komatsu | February 2, 1986

Adney Y. Komatsu shares personal experiences related to keeping the commandments of the Lord and blessings associated with them.

devotional 1986

M. Russell Ballard | September 2, 1979

As we face the challenges of living the gospel, we may often ask ourselves, "Is it worth it?" The blessings of eternal life ARE worth it.

devotional 1979

Bernard Brockbank | June 3, 1979

The way to the kingdom of God is to love God first. We must love and serve Him above money, appetites, and other temporary priorities.

devotional 1979

Bruce R. McConkie | January 28, 1975

We have been called by a God to be a "peculiar people," and therefore we ought to have high standards. Here are ten commandments we should be following.

devotional 1975

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

Dallin H. Oaks | September 10, 1974

Keeping the commandments means more than following certain rules. We must learn how to repent, accept challenges from God's servants, and give our best.

devotional 1974

Bruce R. McConkie | March 25, 1969

Making our calling and election "sure" is about securing the blessings we have been promised by keeping our covenants with God.

devotional 1969

LeGrand Richards | December 6, 1961

As the writer of Ecclesiastes expressed, keeping the commandments of God is our "the whole duty." Other things will pass, so keep in mind those that matter.

devotional 1961

Theodore M. Burton | January 16, 1961

The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

devotional 1961

Sterling W. Sill | October 3, 1960

Every action has a consequence, so no work is truly unrewarded. Sterling W. Sill offers a formula to help us as we work for the treasures of heaven.

devotional 1960

Joseph Fielding Smith - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Joseph Fielding Smith | May 27, 1959

As members of the Church, we have a responsibility to live according to our covenants and obligations so that we can receive the blessings God has promised us.

devotional 1959

Mark E. Petersen | April 22, 1959

The scriptural story of Sampson teaches us that when we lose self-control and try to create our own rules, the consequences can be devastating.

devotional 1959

Sterling W. Sill | August 15, 1957

The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

commencement 1957

Cecil B. DeMille | May 31, 1957

Cecil DeMille, producer of the film The Ten Commandments, delivers a call to BYU graduates to let the laws of God empower their lives.

commencement 1957

LeGrand Richards | April 16, 1957

The Lord has preserved these American continents as a land of promise. We ought to have a special gratitude and responsibility for our part in this land.

devotional 1957

John Longden | April 12, 1956

Living the gospel is about so much more than checking boxes. Keep your spirituality strong by focusing on the spirit, rather than the letter, of the law.

devotional 1956