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.

Pam Musil | August 6, 2019

All of us can find ways to be more open and receptive to the transformative change that the Lord requires of us—even that mighty change that transforms us into someone new.

devotional 2019

Randall K. Bennett | March 19, 2019

If you will act with faith in your Heavenly Father and His plan and in Jesus Christ and His Atonement and follow God’s prophets, you will be given power to do whatever the Lord needs you to do and to become whatever He needs you to become.

devotional 2019

Bonnie Brinton Anderson | December 8, 2015

Today I am going to speak about some ways to improve our computer-security behavior, and I am going to offer some spiritual-behavior tips to keep us safe spiritually.

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

So, too, obedience to God’s laws preserves our freedom, flexibility, and ability to achieve our potential. The commandments are not intended to restrict us. Rather, obedience leads to increased spiritual stability and long-term happiness.

devotional 2014

Cheryl C. Lant | January 12, 2010

Hold tight to that rod of iron! Be true to everything that you are and everything you can become. It is so worth it. It will bring you joy and happiness now and forever. It will bring you full circle back to Him.

devotional 2010

Earl C. Tingey | June 5, 2007

We do not change. If it was wrong in Old Testament days, it is wrong today. If it was wrong in New Testament days, it is wrong today. All this because we have living prophets who “stand in holy places, and [are not] moved.”

devotional 2007

Cecil O. Samuelson | September 12, 2006

The Honor Code is not primarily a law of health or blind conformity. It is a principle of obedience. It is an outward manifestation of our inner appreciation for and understanding of the privilege of being at BYU.

devotional 2006

Alan Parkinson | May 14, 2002

As we try to do Heavenly Father’s will, . . . I believe we open ourselves, day by day, to the sanctifying power of the Atonement.

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

The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith means trust—trust in God’s will, trust in His way of doing things, and trust in His timetable. We should not try to impose our timetable on His.

devotional 2002

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

Yours is a future without limit because you have decided to be unwavering in obedience to the Lord.

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

Jeffrey R. Holland | January 17, 1989

Is it any wonder that Christ chooses first and foremost to define himself in relation to his father—that he loved him and obeyed him and submitted to him like the loyal son he was? And what he as a child of God did, we must try very hard to do also.

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

May we really cultivate that power to say to our Heavenly Father, “O Lord, 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

My dear fellow students, it is always a pleasant occasion to come to Brigham Young University. But it is likewise an awesome responsibility. For that reason I am grateful for that beautiful prayer by Brother Turner and pray with you that it will be fulfilled in our behalf. Some of you may remember the 1970 space flight of Apollo 13. It was to be man’s third landing on the moon.…

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

The modern scriptures have received my attention and time during the twenty-six years I’ve been on the faculty at Brigham Young University—and for some time before then, in fact. I include in this body of material the sermons and writings of the General Authorities of the Church, especially the prophets, seers, and revelators of our dispensation. My special emphasis of study and teaching has been the Doctrine and Covenants. The…

devotional 1974

Russell M. Nelson | May 14, 1974

Today I should like to distill and discuss the essence of these experiences and entitle that essence “Four Lessons from One Life”—the life I have lived thus far.

devotional 1974

John K. Edmunds | February 26, 1974

President Oaks, members of the faculty, members of the student body, friends and guests, it is a high honor to be invited by the President of your University to address a group such as this, and I am highly concerned with it. I don’t think that I have ever faced a visible audience larger than this, but I have faced in my imagination many audiences of various sizes over television…

devotional 1974

Harold Glen Clark | May 15, 1973

The successful temple marriage begins when two people want God’s blessings in the way he has ordained. Then our Father in heaven can promise these two everything that he has and deliver it.

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