Elder Dallin H. Oaks on following the Savior

Elder Oaks (1932- ) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984.

"Throughout His ministry Jesus gave commandments. And He taught, 'If ye love me, keep my commandments' (John 14:15; see also verses 21, 23).... 

"Latter-day Saints understand that we should not be 'of the world' or bound to 'the tradition of men,' but like other followers of Christ, we sometimes find it difficult to separate ourselves from the world and its traditions.... 

"Jesus's teachings were not meant to be theoretical. Always they were to be acted upon. Jesus taught, 'Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man' (Matthew 7:24; see also Luke 11:28) and 'Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing' (Matthew 24:46). In another beloved hymn we sing:

Savior, may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown....
Savior, may I learn to love thee--
Lord, I would follow thee. (Hymns, no. 220)

"As Jesus taught, those who love Him will keep His commandments. They will be obedient.... Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places." 

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Followers of Christ," General Conference April 2013
Click here to read the full talk

It's one thing to talk about loving God or the Savior; it's quite another to actually do it. His teachings are not just theoretical. They are truly a guide to be acted upon. We learn to love him as we follow, as we obey, as we grow in love. It takes effort. It requires us to learn, and then to act. It requires consistency and an ongoing commitment. It is truly life-changing!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)

January 15, 2015