Why Keep the Commandments?

In this study it is my desire to search out those things God has commanded us to do and not to do, so that we might have greater knowledge and understanding of the Lord’s path and hopefully a greater desire to obey his commandments.

But why? What benefit is it to know all the things I shouldn’t do? Or for that matter all the things I should? Isn’t blissful ignorance better?

1) To Bring us Nearer Unto Christ

“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ.” — Galatians 3:25

We are brought unto Christ in two ways, knowledge of his ways that we gain in obedience to his laws and dependence on his grace as we struggle to maintain good works and learn that only through his grace (enabling and strengthening power) can we do all things. The Book of Mormon explains this same teaching with the plainness that is characteristic of the Book of Mormon.

“And behold, I have given you the law and the commandments of my Father, that ye shall believe in me, and that ye shall repent of your sins, and come unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Behold, ye have the commandments before you, and the law is fulfilled. Therefore come unto me and be ye saved; for verily I say unto you, that except ye shall keep my commandments, which I have commanded you at this time, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” — 3 Nephi 12:19-20

2) To Come to Know God

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” — John 17:3

“For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?” — Mosiah 5:13, Book of Mormon

“Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” — 1 John 2:3-4

3) For the strengthening of faith, peace, and happiness that obedience brings.

“O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea.” — Isaiah 48:18

“I would desire that ye should consider the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.” — Mosiah 2:21

Have you ever noticed how many signs are posted along roads and highways? Some signs provide directions to help drivers travel where they want to go. Other signs promote safety by showing speed limits or warning messages about road conditions. If drivers decide to ignore road signs, they can put themselves and others at risk. Heavenly Father’s commandments are a little like road signs. When obeyed, the commandments direct you on the path that leads to God’s presence. They instruct you on how to find peace and joy in this life. God’s commandments can also help you avoid many of the spiritual and temporal dangers in this world.

Living outside the protection of God’s law is not bliss. Walking in the peace of his path brings immeasurable blessings.

“There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked.” — Isaiah 48:22

The commandments are evidence of God’s love for you. Choosing to keep the commandments brings blessings and joy into your life. Obedience to the commandments will also prepare you to return to live with God forever. God’s universal and perfect love is shown in all the blessings of His gospel plan, including the fact that His choicest blessings are reserved for those who obey His laws.