Commandments: Restricting? Or Liberating?

When Konrad was 2 he wanted to go play in the road. Being only 2 years old he didn't understand why I was telling him "no, you can't play in the road" and as any persistent, determined child would, he'd make a run for it any time he thought I wasn't paying attention. When Konrad was 3, he started to ask "Why?" He still didn't like my answer, but as I explained to him the dangers of the cars driving on the road, he began to understand the reasons for the rule. When Konrad was 4, he could see and understand the dangers of the road for himself as he continued to obey my rule. He was wary of the road and no longer had any desire to play in the road. Now that Konrad is 5, he willingly and happily obeys the rule without question. The rule makes sense to him. And, as a result, he has more freedom to play outside without immediate parent supervision.

This example of a parent giving a child a rule has helped me better understand Heavenly Father's commandments that He gives to us, His children...

1. At first Konrad didn't understand the rule. He felt like I was keeping him from doing something that, to him, looked like a lot of fun! Why would I, his mom, who loves him and wants him to be happy, give him a rule that kept him from having fun?!
2. As he grew and was able to comprehend more, he stopped just pushing against the rule and started to ask "Why?" He began to realize that maybe I had a good reason for the rule.
3. He started to keep the rule. As he did, he realized more about the dangers of the road and came to have an understanding for himself that playing in the road was a bad idea.
4. Because he now willingly obeys the rule, he is also able to play outside by himself. He doesn't need constant supervision. He has more freedom, not less.

Commandments are set up for the same reasons, and can have the same effects, in each of our lives. When we first learn about a commandment it might not always be clear to us why God would give us that commandment and ask us to obey it. We might fight against it or flat out refuse to keep it. God does not force us keep the commandments, but when we do not, He is unable to give us the added protection and understanding that we receive when we choose to willingly obey.

Commandments protect us so that we are free to enjoy life, to find happiness, and to fulfill our individual purposes here on earth. Not only are we blessed with freedom, but blessings inherently come from heaven that further benefit our lives.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I believe and follow the Ten Commandments. I also believe that God gives us additional commandments that pertain to present day to address specific needs and provide protection, and that he does so through a prophet, just as he did throughout the Bible. A well known example is that of Noah. He was commanded to build an ark, to gather the animals, and to save his family and all other believers, from the Flood. While his actions seemed extreme to those around him, his obedience to this specific commandment ensured his family's continued safety. In hindsight it's clear that Noah was right to keep God's commandment and all the other people were foolish. But at the time I'm sure it was incredibly difficult to understand and obey. As far as we know, only 8 people did.

Commandments are not just for the people in the Bible, they're for all of God's people, in any generation of time. My experience and understanding of how commandments bless my life has developed and deepened as I have chosen to make them apart of my life. I have found great peace, happiness, and joy. I have seen the blessings that come as a result of my continued efforts to live the commandments as best I know how, working each day to be a little better than the day before.