Covenants and relationships with G-d

[Traveler]

Very often I see individuals proclaim that they have a personal relationship with G-d. However, it is rare that I ever see anyone proclaim that they understand their covenant(s) with G-d and do enjoy “keeping” their covenant(s). As I understand things, both by experience and in studying the scriptures, there is a direct correlation between our relationship (personal or otherwise) with G-d and our appreciation towards the commandments given to us in regards to our covenants.

If you agree with my observation; may I ask a question? How many think they have a personal relationship with G-d really do not mind being reminded of the commandments we have promised to keep?

The Traveler

[foreverafter]

How many think they have a personal relationship with G-d really do not mind being reminded of the commandments we have promised to keep

I believe that if someone really does have a personal relationship with God, they will not only welcome remindings of the commandments but also seek valiantly to increase their knowledge & spirituality, by alot of study of the scriptures & the Prophets.

[hordak]

I have a 4 year old who i must constantly stop and explain the rules of crossing the street to every day. This is due to the fact that he doesn't follow them like he should. My oldest on the other hand has no problems , understands the purpose and technique , so i don't have to reminder her as it is ingrained already.

The other day i was helping my neighbor adjust the timing in his car. After he put the cover back on he went to fire it up but i stopped him, he forgot to put the guides back on. It was "bad" that i had to remind him, because it meant he wasn't doing it right, but it was good to remind him because it keep him from messing it up more.

This is how i see reminders. We don't get them if we don't need them , but getting them isn't necessarily bad thing.

[Maxel]

I agree with your sentiments, Traveler.

I believe I have a personalized relationship with God- I know the feeling of the Holy Ghost, I have covenanted with Christ to be His disciple, and I strive to live the commandments. I (usually) don't mind being reminded of the commandments I promised to live; lately I've been finding more joy in the subtle chastisings I receive from the Lord or authorized priesthood leaders on how I could be doing better.

Not to judge, but I know some others (good friends of mine) who I used to live with who had covenanted with the Lord but were not so keen on keeping the commandments. One in particular always said that he had a personal relationship with Christ so it didn't matter if he went to Church, did his priesthood duties, etc. He said this to excuse the fact that he was inactive, didn't pay tithing, etc. (In his defense, he was a recent convert and was a good guy- just had some problems with the Church's doctrine).

[Guest Alana]

If you agree with my observation; may I ask a question? How many think they have a personal relationship with G-d really do not mind being reminded of the commandments we have promised to keep?

The Traveler

Elaborate on how we are reminded to keep the commandments. Do you mean in talks during church, during personal conversations, by things being challenging in our lives so we are more apt to turn towards the Lord?

One thing your post does remind me of though is during disciplinary council, sometimes certain privileges are revoked, such as taking the sacrament. This is done to help us focus on what we voluntary give up when we turn away from the Lord.

[Justice]

I don't mind being reminded.

Remind away...

[annamaureen]

I don't mind being reminded.

Remind away...

Same for me.

[Ezequiel]

I'm so glad you mentioned this.

In the last few months of my mission, I was reading and studying everything I could about covenants. I think they are what makes us bound to Heavenly Father, and Him to us. I dont think anyone can be so brash to make a statement that they are close with God, when they have no intentions of making covenants, or keeping the ones they've already made. I take my covenants very serious. Which is why I get so frustrated when I brake them.

I also think that its necessary to be reminded often of those covenants and the commandaments, because we may not forget the meaning or doctrine behind it, but we can get really casual about keeping them.