Chapter 12: Obedience: Simply Live the Gospel “The way of the gospel is a simple way. … Humble yourselves and walk in obedience.”

From the Life of Gordon B. Hinckley When Gordon B. Hinckley was about 14 years old, he had an experience in the Salt Lake Tabernacle that stirred him to make an important resolution. He later recalled: “I [heard] President Heber J. Grant tell of his experience in reading the Book of Mormon when he was a boy. He spoke of Nephi and of the great influence he had upon his life. And then, with a voice ringing with a conviction that I shall never forget, he quoted those great words of Nephi: ‘I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them’ (1 Ne. 3:7).

We are a covenant people, and great are the obligations that go with that covenant. “Each time we partake of the sacrament, … we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and pledge ourselves to keep His commandments.” Why is it that we, as the Lord’s covenant people, “cannot be ordinary people”? What are some ways the covenants you have made with God influence your daily living?

The Lord expects us to live the gospel in every aspect. We live in an age of compromise and acquiescence. In situations with which we are daily confronted, we know what is right, but under pressure from our peers and the beguiling voices of those who would persuade us, we capitulate. We compromise. We acquiesce. We give in, and we are ashamed of ourselves. … We must cultivate the strength to follow our convictions.7 The way of the gospel is a simple way. Some of the requirements may appear to you as elementary and unnecessary. Do not spurn them. Humble yourselves and walk in obedience. I promise that the results that follow will be marvelous to behold and satisfying to experience.8 How do we sometimes compromise our convictions? How can we strengthen ourselves to resist temptation?

God will shower down blessings upon those who walk in obedience to His commandments. The Lord told Elijah to go and hide himself by the brook Cherith, that there he should drink of the brook, and that he would be fed by the ravens. The scripture records a simple and wonderful statement about Elijah: “So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord” (1 Kgs. 17:5). The whole story of the Book of Mormon is a story that speaks of the people who, when they were righteous, when they worshipped Jesus Christ, prospered in the land and were richly and abundantly blessed of the Lord; and when they sinned and went astray and forgot their God, they fell into misery and war and trouble. Your safety, your peace, your prosperity lie in obedience to the commandments of the Almighty.13 (Gal. 5:1.),( 2 Cor. 3:17.)15 How would you respond to someone who feels that the commandments are too restricting? How have you seen that obeying the commandments brings freedom, safety, and peace?

Church leaders point out the way and invite members to live the gospel. There are those who say, “The Church won’t dictate to me how to think about this, that, or the other, or how to live my life.” No, I reply, the Church will not dictate to any man how he should think or what he should do. The Church will point out the way and invite every member to live the gospel and enjoy the blessings that come of such living. The Church will not dictate to any man, but it will counsel, it will persuade, it will urge, and it will expect loyalty from those who profess membership therein. How have you been blessed by following the counsel of Church leaders?

Small decisions can lead to tremendous consequences. I can describe a principle.. which, if observed, will greatly increase the probability that our decisions will be correct, and consequently that our progress and happiness in life will be immeasurably increased. This great principle is keep the faith. I cannot tell you in detail how to decide everything. But I can promise that if you will make your decisions according to the standards of the gospel and the teachings of the Church, and if you will keep the faith, your lives will bear fruit of great good and you will know much of happiness and accomplishment.21 Why do small decisions or actions make such a big difference in our lives? How can we better recognize small deviations that could lead us away from God’s path? What is a small decision that has made a big difference in your life?

By living the gospel, we strengthen the Church and help God’s work grow across the earth. You can make [the Church] stronger by the manner in which you live. Let the gospel be your sword and your shield. … How magnificent will be the future as the Almighty rolls on His glorious work, touching for good all who will accept and live His gospel.24 I invite every one of you, wherever you may be as members of this church, to stand on your feet and with a song in your heart move forward, living the gospel, loving the Lord, and building the kingdom. Together we shall stay the course and keep the faith, the Almighty being our strength.27 How can living the gospel help us cope with uncertainties in the world? How can living the gospel simplify our lives?