What Motivates Me

This past Sunday we discussed the article "When the Lord Commands" by Elder Bruce A. Carlson in Relief Society.

His talk covered the three excuses people use to explain why they do not follow the commandments, laws and ordinances outlined by God.
The three are:
1) It doesn't apply to me
2) It's not really important
3) It's too hard

Now I can honestly say I have used a few of these several times. But what motivates me whenever I am tempted to use any of these excuses is The Temple.I may not always understand why I must wear my garments all the time or why it's important to go to all three meetings of church, but I do know that in order to be worthy to enter the Temple I have to. So I do.

Elder Carlson said that "At times we may rationalize that the Lord will understand our disobedience because our special circumstances make adherence to His laws difficult, embarrassing, or even painful. However, faithful obedience, regardless of the apparent size of the task, will bring the Lord’s guidance, assistance, and peace."

This statement really captured what I think a lot of us feel. It is important to follow the Lord's Commandments, Laws and Ordinances even when it's difficult or we don't understand.

I am grateful for this talk and the new understanding that it has given me. I am not the exception to the rule ... really :)