Sin Is...Disobedience (Part 1)

Since the earliest of times man has been discovering immutable laws. No one need tell us what gravity is all about. There are many such laws – eternal truths – regarding this earth in its current state. Indeed, many such laws are still being discovered and many are yet to be discovered. There appears to be no end to learning the “facts of life.”

To deny the existence of gravity, the properties of electricity, or the need for oxygen can prove to be fatal. Yet there are a multitude of “lesser” laws that such denial may result “only” in minor accidents or inconveniences. That these laws, when ignored, may result in less painful consequences than those of being fatal to us does not diminish the fact that less than total adherence and observation of the laws brings us less than optimal results. That we were “only” shocked when we abused a principle of electricity as opposed to being electrocuted, for instance, nevertheless indicates a violation of an eternal law. That it was less of an offense “by degree” is true; nevertheless, it remains a violation.

I believe that most people do not find much to contest in the aforementioned paragraphs. Where we probably part company, however, is readily made manifest when such statements and observations are applied to what the world would classify as “non-temporal” precepts – the spiritual. I, for one, do not see the difference. I say this because our Heavenly Father clearly states:

”Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.” (D&C 29:34)

Our Lord further underscores the fact that:

“There is a law irrevocably decreed in the heavens before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated –

“And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.” (D&C 130:20-21)

Because so many of us do not readily and whole-heartedly accept temporal and spiritual truths we are prone to do what is called “sin.” Adherence to physical laws leads to safety, utility, productivity, comfort and tranquility. Choosing to bind ourselves to spiritual laws brings these same results (blessings) and more; they bring a state of happiness.

It is ideal to live happily. Many feel it is a right to be happy. Further, many of us “believers” wish and pray to God for him to make us happy. We erroneously apply the “seek, knock, and ask” scriptural admonitions to be invitations by God himself to endow us freely with happiness. Yet, we are wisely counseled that happiness is realized only through our choices to abide by those laws that bring such a state. Anything short of living the required principles results in being in a state “contrary to happiness.” C.S. Lewis provides this keen insight:

“…it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about religion. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There’s no such thing.” (Mere Christianity, pg. 54).

By Stephen Anderson