Thomas S. Monson on the power and blessings of obedience

President Thomas S. Monson (b. August 21, 1927) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley until becoming Church president in 2008.

"My message to you tonight is straightforward. It is this: keep the commandments.

"God’s commandments are not given to frustrate us or to become obstacles to our happiness. Just the opposite is true. He who created us and who loves us perfectly knows just how we need to live our lives in order to obtain the greatest happiness possible. He has provided us with guidelines which, if we follow them, will see us safely through this often treacherous mortal journey. We remember the words of the familiar hymn: 'Keep the commandments! In this there is safety; in this there is peace.' (“Keep the Commandments,” Hymns, no. 303.)

"Our Heavenly Father loves us enough to say: Thou shalt not lie; thou shalt not steal; thou shalt not commit adultery; thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself; and so on. (See Exodus 20:1–17; Matthew 22:39.) We know the commandments. He understands that when we keep the commandments, our lives will be happier, more fulfilling, and less complicated. Our challenges and problems will be easier to bear, and we will receive His promised blessings. But while He gives us laws and commandments, He also allows us to choose whether to accept them or to reject them. Our decisions in this regard will determine our destiny."

- Thomas S. Monson, "Keep the Commandments," Ensign, November 2015, pp. 83-85
Click here to read the full talk

It matters so very much how we view God's commandments. Are they frustrating, limiting obstacles to happiness? President Monson teaches the opposite. They are instructions given by a loving Father to help us find peace and happiness.

Our Heavenly Father loves us enough to give commandments. They are manifestations of His love. What a wonderful perspective! That would make us eager to follow them as closely as we can, "and we will receive His promised blessings."