"Living the commandments brings us into harmony with Deity; we become one in purpose with the Father and the Son. When we are one with God, we walk with spiritual light. Our diligence in keeping the commandments allows the Holy Ghost to dwell within us. We are given the gift of personal revelation. This is a spiritual light that protects us and serves as a beacon, guiding us in righteous ways. It dispels the darkness of the adversary. So powerful is this light that it can reach us even when we are drawn into a black hole of sin so deep and so dark that we believe no spiritual light could ever penetrate.
"Do you remember being afraid of the dark when you were a child? When you became frightened, you probably turned on the light or lit a candle—in fact, you lit every light in the house! When your parents came home later in the evening, they would ask, 'Why is every light in the house on?' And then they would proceed to give you a lecture, I am sure, about the family budget and the cost of electricity.
"You have learned, however, that by turning on an electric light or by lighting a candle, there was no more darkness, no more fear. You learned a simple law of nature, which is also a spiritual law: Light and darkness cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Satan and his disciples cannot tolerate the spiritual light of the gospel; they must immediately depart. Satan cannot command you to do anything. With the priesthood, you can command him to depart in your thoughts and in your actions.
"When we live the commandments, our countenance is surrounded by gospel light. With this spiritual light, we no longer wander in the strange and darkened paths of the adversary, becoming lost, discouraged, depressed, and fearful. Walking in the light of the gospel, we will not lose sight of our eternal goals."
- Robert D. Hales, "If Thou Wilt Enter into Life, Keep the Commandments," Ensign, May 1996, pp. 35-37
Click here to read the full talk
One of our beautiful Primary songs includes the petition, "Teach me to walk in the light of His love." Elder Hales answers that petition as he discusses the blessings of living in Gospel light in an increasingly dark and challenging world. The key is in the statement, "Our diligence in keeping the commandments allows the Holy Ghost to dwell within us." Obedience brings blessings, including greater light from above.
Elder Hales describes the blessing of having gospel light "surround our countenance" as we grow closer to God through obedience. That's a beautiful promise.
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