In his talk “Wherefore, Settle This in Your Hearts” Elder Larry W Gibbons speaks about the importance of keeping the commandments. He shares that the commandments are not meant as restrictions but rather as guideposts that will lead to happiness if we choose to follow them.
Elder Gibbons stresses the importance of recognizing that the commandments are there to help us to be happy. By following the commandments each of us can follow the path that will lead us back to Christ. Elder Gibbons goes on to say that it is important that we remember that our goal is to return to the Celestial Kingdom and in order to do that we need to hold to a celestial standard.
Elder Gibbons then goes on to talk about people who are tempted by the standards of the world. He goes on to point out that too many people are trying to have one foot in the church and one foot in the world. He mentions those that generally keep the commandments, but may at times make exceptions. He warns that you will not be able to keep your balance that way. It is important that you choose to follow the commandments even though it does mean being different. Elder Gibbons says:
“You lived with your Heavenly Father in a premortal life. You were there with Him. Your spirit knows what it is like to live in celestial realms. You can never be truly happy in an uncelestial environment. You know too much. That is one of the reasons that for you, wickedness never can be happiness. What a great thing it is to decide once and for all early in life what you will do and what you will not do with regards to honesty, modesty, chastity, the Word of Wisdom, and temple marriage.”
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