"All difficulties which might and would cross our way must be surmounted. Though the soul be tried, the heart faint, and the hands hang down, we must not retrace our steps; there must be decision of character . . . . When instructed, we must obey that voice, observe the laws of the kingdom of God, that the blessing of heaven may rest down upon us."
-- History of the Church, 4:570
I think it is pretty clear that we must put to test the laws of the Gospel in order to see the rewards. For example with tithing we are told to "prove me now herewith..." (Malachi 3:10)
When we receive a new commandment from our leaders, we seem reluctant to be obedient unless we happen to agree with the command. We want to seek confirmation that it is true. I have no problem with seeking confirmation, but sometimes the process of seeking confirmation is or should be obeying the commandment first to see what happens.
A recent adress by David Bednar reflects on the spiritual gift of being "quick to observe." Not just observing the world around us, but in addition being quick to observe (or obey) commandments. It's a great talk, and I recommend giving it a read.
QUOTE |
David A. Bednar was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this devotional address was given at Brigham Young University on 10 May 2005. This morning I want to talk with you about another seemingly simple and perhaps underappreciated spiritual gift-the capacity of being "quick to observe." I will also attempt to explain why appropriately seeking for this blessing is vitally important for you and for me in the world in which we do now and will yet live.... ... ..Please consider the significance of this important spiritual gift. As used in the scriptures, the word observe has two primary uses. One use denotes 'to look" or 'to see" or 'to notice"-as we learn in Isaiah 42:20: "Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not" (emphasis added). The second use of the word observe suggests 'to obey" or 'to keep"-as is evident in the Doctrine and Covenants: "But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy" (D&C 54:6; emphasis added). Thus when we are quick to observe, we promptly look or notice and obey. Both of these fundamental elements-looking and obeying-are essential to being quick to observe. And the prophet Mormon is an impressive example of this gift in action. |
I think it is relatively easy to obey commandments from high level of church authority, they sure are inspired by the Lord.
But obeying "commandments" of some local leaders can be harder, sometimes not even worth of trying.
Even a dumbest can see when inspiration comes from heaven or from from some bestseller business management textbook.
Most of our local leaders are inspired from heaven and are capable in combining the best of manmade leadership knowledge with teachings of Christ, but unfortunately some are blinded with their effective management techniques.
"I made this my rule, "When the Lord commands, do it.""
-- Joseph Smith, HC, 2:170
"Do it, Do it Right, Do it Right Now"
-- Spencer W. Kimball