Elder L. Tom Perry warns us not to ignore six of the Ten Commandments.
It’s easy for most of us to avoid murdering, stealing, and lying and to obey our parents. But we often neglect six of the other commandments.
In a video featured on the Mormon Newsroom website, Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles warns about our generation’s routine dismissal of six of the Ten Commandments.
Elder Perry reminds us that “the world changes constantly and dramatically, but God, his commandments, and promised blessings do not change.” He explains that dismissing the following six commandments deprives us of blessings such as peace, safety, happiness, and family:
1. No other gods before me
Many people idolize the Kim Kardashians and Brad Pitts of the world instead of the Lord.
2. No graven images
We sometimes worship graven images or objects, like Ferraris and Prada bags, rather than God.
3. Do not take the Lord’s name in vain
Some people casually use God’s name profanely in their exclamations and in their swearing.
4. Keep the Sabbath day holy
Many people use Sundays for sports and shopping rather than for worship.
5. Thou shalt not commit adultery
Sex outside of marriage has become common recreation and entertainment.
6. Thou shalt not covet
For many people, envy has become a common occurrence in everyday life.
God’s commandments “are a roadmap he has given us to return to him,” Elder Perry says. Heavenly Father wants us to be happy, but the path to happiness lies in our willingness to obey his commandments.
Watch the full video, “Obedience to the Ten Commandments.”
Source: Mormon Newsroom
—Breanna Simmons, Mormon Insights
This reminds me of the I’m a Mormon video that Brandon Flowers did (http://www.mormon.org/brandon). As a famous singer, he works in a world with lots of temptation but he recognizes how important the gospel is to him and he is able to find ways to follow Elder Perry’s council and follow the commandments that are so easily broken in today’s world.
I feel like this topic is so neglected these days. I didn’t even know there was an article written on it, but it is good to know that there is. I like that it is put in the context of modern days. It made me reflect on my own life and ways that I can be better! Thank you for writing this important and needed article!
I really loved the statement, “God’s commandments ‘are a roadmap he has given us to return to him.'” It is so important to keep the commandments. God gives us commandments to protect us and lead us to happiness. We can try to find happiness in our own way, but we will never find it until we turn to the Lord and follow Him, because His way is the only true way to happiness.
I love that this article breaks down each of the six commandments to its basic application in our lives. This helps me understand each of those commandments better, and it helps me want to hear Elder Perry’s comments on each of the commandments as well. This is all very applicable today.
I love the commandments looked at in a modern context. It really brings the commandments home to a modern, young audience. Thanks!
It’s not hard to miss the message when the noted commandments are supplied with contemporary context. Simply but powerfully said. Thank you!