President Gordon B. Hinckley on being willing and obedient

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1961. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1981-1995, then as Church President until his death in 2008.

"Isaiah declared to ancient Israel: 'If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

"'But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.' (Isa. 1:19-20.)

"I recall sitting in this Tabernacle when I was fourteen or fifteen—up in the balcony right behind the clock—and hearing 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.)

"There came into my young heart on that occasion a resolution to try to do what the Lord has commanded. I would that I might have the power, through the Spirit of the Lord, similarly to touch someone in this congregation today.

"What marvelous things happen when men walk with faith in obedience to that which is required of them!"

- Gordon B. Hinckley, "If Ye Be Willing and Obedient," Ensign, Dec 1971, p. 125
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"If ye be willing and obedient"—I love that invitation. It defines two important aspects of our interaction with God: attitude and behavior. We start with willingness: the desire, the heart-felt trust and faith in Him; but it must be followed by obedience: the actions that demonstrate the depth and sincerity of the feelings. When those both are present, we are promised blessings and divine help. But if not—"if ye refuse and rebel"—we have no promise.

President Hinckley learned at a young age, developing a deep desire to be willing and obedient, when a prophetic testimony touched his heart. He longed to do the same for some other youth or adult listening to his words. So should we all; what a precious gift it is when we are an instrument in God's hands to touch the heart of another as spirit reaches out to spirit!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)