Why Mormons

Tag: Faith and Agency

  • Why Do Mormons Emphasize Obedience?

    Why Do Mormons Emphasize Obedience?

    Among the beliefs and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, few are as frequently misunderstood as the emphasis on obedience. To some observers, this emphasis may appear strict, controlling, or even incompatible with freedom and individuality. This leads to a natural and sincere question: Why do Mormons emphasize obedience?

    For Latter-day Saints, obedience is not about blind submission, loss of personal identity, or rigid rule-following for its own sake. Instead, obedience is understood as a voluntary, thoughtful, and faith-driven response to God’s love. It is deeply connected to trust, agency, growth, and discipleship centered on Jesus Christ.

    Rather than seeing obedience as a limitation, Latter-day Saints believe it is a pathway to spiritual maturity, inner freedom, and lasting happiness. They view obedience not as an end in itself, but as a means of aligning one’s life with divine principles that lead to peace, clarity, and transformation.

    To understand why obedience is emphasized, it is essential to explore how Latter-day Saints view God, Jesus Christ, agency, commandments, grace, spiritual growth, and the purpose of mortal life.

    Obedience as an Act of Love

    At the heart of Latter-day Saint belief is the idea that obedience flows from love rather than fear. Jesus Christ taught that love for Him naturally leads to keeping His commandments. Obedience, therefore, is not primarily about avoiding punishment or earning approval, but about responding to a loving relationship.

    Latter-day Saints believe God’s commandments are expressions of His care and concern for His children. When members choose to obey, they are expressing trust in God’s wisdom and love.

    Rather than obeying to earn God’s favor, they believe obedience helps them receive blessings God already desires to give.

    Relationship Over Rule-Keeping

    Commandments are not viewed as arbitrary rules imposed by an authoritarian God. Instead, they are seen as guidance offered by a loving Father who understands human nature, long-term consequences, and eternal potential.

    Just as parents establish rules to protect and teach their children, Latter-day Saints believe God provides commandments to help His children grow safely and wisely.

    Trust in God’s Wisdom

    Obedience reflects trust that God sees more than humans do. While individuals often focus on immediate desires or short-term outcomes, God is believed to understand the full scope of consequences—both temporal and eternal.

    Choosing obedience is an act of humility and faith that God’s perspective is broader and more reliable than one’s own.

    Agency and Obedience

    One of the most important doctrines in Latter-day Saint theology is moral agency—the ability to choose freely. Obedience is meaningful precisely because individuals are free to choose otherwise.

    God does not force obedience. Latter-day Saints believe compulsion contradicts God’s plan. Instead, God invites, teaches, and persuades.

    Obedience, therefore, is not evidence of control, but of choice.

    Choice and Accountability

    With agency comes accountability. Latter-day Saints believe choices have consequences that shape character, relationships, and spiritual development.

    Obedience is seen as choosing alignment with divine law, while disobedience often leads to confusion, regret, or spiritual distance.

    This understanding encourages thoughtful decision-making rather than impulsive behavior.

    Growth Through Experience

    Latter-day Saints believe obedience often leads to learning through lived experience. Some commandments make sense immediately; others are understood more fully over time as individuals see their effects.

    Growth is not purely intellectual—it is experiential. Obedience becomes a way of learning truth by living it.

    Obedience and Spiritual Growth

    Latter-day Saints believe obedience opens the door to spiritual understanding. As individuals act on God’s teachings, they become more receptive to spiritual insight, peace, and guidance.

    Spiritual growth is not instantaneous. Members are encouraged to progress gradually, learning “line upon line” rather than expecting immediate perfection.

    Obedience supports this process by creating patterns of faithfulness and trust.

    Learning Line Upon Line

    Spiritual maturity develops over time. Latter-day Saints believe God meets individuals where they are and invites steady growth.

    Obedience is not about flawless performance, but about direction—choosing to move toward God rather than away from Him.

    Grace and Effort Together

    A frequent misunderstanding is that obedience competes with grace. Latter-day Saints reject this idea.

    They believe salvation is possible only through the grace of Jesus Christ. Obedience does not replace grace; it reflects willingness to accept and live by Christ’s teachings.

    Grace provides power to change, while obedience provides direction for that change.

    Obedience and Commandments

    Commandments play a significant role in Latter-day Saint life. Teachings such as honesty, chastity, Sabbath observance, health practices, and service are viewed as protective rather than restrictive.

    Latter-day Saints believe these commandments are designed to promote happiness, stability, self-respect, and spiritual clarity.

    Rather than seeing commandments as obstacles to freedom, they believe obedience helps individuals avoid behaviors that lead to addiction, broken trust, and emotional harm.

    Freedom Through Discipline

    A core belief is that discipline creates freedom. Just as discipline in education, health, or skill development leads to greater ability and confidence, spiritual discipline leads to greater moral freedom.

    Obedience reduces chaos and regret, allowing individuals to live with clarity and purpose.

    Obedience and Jesus Christ

    Jesus Christ is the central model of obedience in Latter-day Saint belief. He obeyed the Father perfectly—not out of compulsion, but out of love.

    His obedience led to the Atonement, resurrection, and salvation of humanity. Latter-day Saints believe following Christ includes learning to obey as He did.

    Obedience to Christ is seen as discipleship in action.

    Obedience in Church Life

    Latter-day Saints emphasize obedience in sustaining leaders, participating in ordinances, and following church teachings. However, this obedience is never meant to replace personal revelation.

    Members are encouraged to study, pray, and seek spiritual confirmation for themselves.

    Obedience without understanding is discouraged. Faith is meant to be informed and personal.

    Obedience and Revelation

    Personal revelation plays a central role in how members live commandments. Obedience is strengthened when individuals feel personal spiritual confirmation rather than relying solely on external authority.

    This balance helps prevent obedience from becoming mechanical or resentful.

    Unity Without Uniformity

    Obedience promotes unity within the Church while allowing for individual circumstances. Members apply commandments according to their personal situations, health, culture, and stage of spiritual growth.

    Unity comes from shared commitment, not identical experiences.

    Obedience and Moral Clarity

    In a world with competing values and shifting moral standards, Latter-day Saints believe obedience provides moral clarity.

    Commandments offer stable reference points that help individuals navigate complex ethical situations with consistency and integrity.

    This clarity reduces confusion and internal conflict.

    Obedience and Self-Mastery

    Obedience is also connected to self-mastery. Choosing to live by principles rather than impulses builds character, patience, and emotional resilience.

    Latter-day Saints believe self-mastery is essential for healthy relationships, effective service, and long-term happiness.

    Obedience and Happiness

    Contrary to the idea that obedience diminishes joy, Latter-day Saints believe obedience leads to deeper and more lasting happiness.

    This happiness is not constant pleasure, but a sense of peace, purpose, and alignment with God.

    Many members testify that obedience has brought stability and meaning during difficult times.

    Obedience and Repentance

    Latter-day Saints recognize that no one obeys perfectly. Obedience is not about never making mistakes, but about responding when mistakes occur.

    Repentance allows individuals to return to obedience after failure. This process reinforces humility, hope, and trust in Christ’s mercy.

    Obedience and repentance work together in spiritual growth.

    Common Misunderstandings About Obedience

    One common misunderstanding is that Latter-day Saints believe obedience earns salvation. They do not. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone.

    Another misunderstanding is that obedience suppresses individuality. Latter-day Saints believe obedience helps individuals become their truest selves by aligning with divine identity.

    Some assume obedience discourages questioning. In reality, members are encouraged to ask sincere questions and seek understanding.

    Obedience and Emotional Health

    Many members find that obedience supports emotional well-being. Living consistently with values reduces inner conflict and regret.

    Obedience provides a sense of direction and stability during uncertainty.

    Obedience as a Lifelong Journey

    Obedience is not a one-time decision but a lifelong journey. Individuals grow, learn, struggle, and improve over time.

    God’s expectations are seen as patient and compassionate rather than harsh or rigid.

    Why This Belief Matters

    Emphasizing obedience matters because it shapes how Latter-day Saints live daily life. It encourages intentional living, moral consistency, and trust in God’s plan.

    Obedience helps believers align actions with beliefs, creating integrity and spiritual coherence.

    For Latter-day Saints, obedience is not about control—it is about transformation.

    A Christ-Centered Understanding of Obedience

    Ultimately, obedience is meaningful only because of Jesus Christ. His grace makes growth possible, and His example shows how obedience leads to life and love.

    Latter-day Saints emphasize obedience because they believe Christ emphasized it—not as domination, but as discipleship.

    A Broader Christian Perspective

    Many Christian traditions emphasize obedience to God’s will. Latter-day Saints see their focus as part of this broader Christian heritage, expressed through distinctive beliefs about agency and revelation.

    They believe obedience remains relevant in every generation.

    An Invitation

    Latter-day Saints invite others to consider obedience not as loss of freedom, but as an invitation to deeper faith.

    They encourage sincere seekers to study Christ’s teachings, pray for understanding, and experiment with living gospel principles.

    They believe God honors honest effort and guides those who seek Him.

    Sources

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Missionary Service
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

    Church News – Young Missionaries
    https://www.thechurchnews.com

    Doctrine and Covenants Central
    https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org

    Scripture Central
    https://scripturecentral.org

  • Why Do Mormons Sustain Church Leaders?

    Why Do Mormons Sustain Church Leaders?

    Visitors and new members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often notice a unique practice during worship services: members are invited to “sustain” church leaders by raising their hand. This practice can seem unfamiliar or even puzzling to those outside the faith, leading to an important question: Why do Mormons sustain church leaders?

    For Latter-day Saints, sustaining leaders is not about blind obedience, hero worship, or surrendering personal judgment. Instead, it is a deeply spiritual practice rooted in faith, agency, accountability, and unity. Sustaining leaders reflects a willingness to support individuals who have been called to serve, while still recognizing that those leaders are human and imperfect.

    At its heart, sustaining is an expression of trust in God rather than in people. Members believe God calls leaders through inspiration, and by sustaining them, members commit themselves to work together in building Christ’s Church. This practice reinforces the belief that discipleship is not passive but participatory.

    Understanding why Mormons sustain church leaders requires exploring what sustaining truly means, its biblical foundations, the role of agency, the place of imperfection, and how this practice strengthens faith and community.

    What Does “Sustaining” Mean?

    In everyday language, to sustain means to support, uphold, or maintain. In a religious context, Latter-day Saints use the word to describe a voluntary commitment to support church leaders in their responsibilities.

    When members sustain a leader, they are not declaring that the leader is perfect, infallible, or beyond question. Rather, they are expressing a willingness to cooperate, pray for, and assist that person in fulfilling their calling.

    Sustaining is both public and private. Publicly, it is expressed during church meetings when members raise their hand. Privately, it is lived out through respectful interaction, service, and unity.

    A Willing Commitment

    Sustaining is always voluntary. Members are never forced to sustain a leader. The act of sustaining reflects a personal decision based on faith and conscience.

    Members are encouraged to think carefully, pray, and seek spiritual confirmation before sustaining leaders. This reinforces the principle of agency—each person chooses for themselves.

    Support Through Action

    True sustaining goes beyond a raised hand. It includes practical support such as serving in callings, offering help when needed, avoiding gossip, and working cooperatively within the church community.

    Sustaining leaders means helping them succeed, not undermining their efforts.

    Sustaining Is Not Worship

    A crucial distinction in Latter-day Saint belief is that sustaining leaders is not worship. Worship is reserved exclusively for God the Father and Jesus Christ.

    Church leaders are respected, listened to, and supported, but they are not adored or treated as divine. Members are taught repeatedly that leaders are servants, not masters.

    This distinction protects against unhealthy dependency on individuals and keeps the focus on Jesus Christ.

    Biblical Foundations for Sustaining Leaders

    Latter-day Saints believe sustaining leaders follows patterns found in the Bible. Throughout scripture, God’s people were invited to support and uphold those He called to lead them.

    In the Old Testament, prophets such as Moses were sustained by the people as they followed God’s direction. When Moses was overwhelmed, others helped support his leadership, demonstrating that leadership was meant to be shared and upheld by the community.

    In the New Testament, church leaders were appointed, recognized, and supported by believers. Unity among believers was seen as essential for the church to function effectively.

    Latter-day Saints view sustaining leaders as part of this biblical tradition of shared responsibility.

    Unity Among Believers

    Scripture emphasizes unity as a hallmark of Christ’s church. Sustaining leaders helps create unity by aligning members in purpose and direction.

    Unity does not mean uniformity of thought or blind agreement. It means choosing cooperation over division and faith over cynicism.

    Agency and Personal Confirmation

    One of the most important aspects of sustaining leaders in Latter-day Saint belief is agency. Members are taught to seek their own spiritual confirmation regarding church leaders and teachings.

    Sustaining is meaningful precisely because it is chosen, not imposed.

    Members are encouraged to pray, study, and listen to the Holy Spirit. If they feel confident that a leader is called of God, they may sustain that leader with integrity.

    If concerns arise, members are encouraged to approach them prayerfully and respectfully rather than through rebellion or gossip.

    Faith and Responsibility

    Sustaining leaders requires faith, but it does not remove personal responsibility. Members remain accountable for their own actions, beliefs, and choices.

    Leaders provide guidance, but individuals must decide how to apply that guidance in their own lives.

    Accountability on Both Sides

    In Latter-day Saint belief, leaders are accountable to God for how they serve. Members are accountable to God for how they respond.

    This shared accountability fosters humility on both sides.

    Sustaining Despite Imperfection

    A common misunderstanding is that sustaining leaders requires believing leaders are flawless. Latter-day Saints explicitly reject this idea.

    They believe all people—including prophets and apostles—are imperfect. Mistakes, misunderstandings, and human limitations exist.

    Sustaining leaders is not a declaration of perfection, but an expression of trust that God can work through imperfect people.

    God’s Pattern of Using Imperfect Servants

    Throughout scripture, God consistently worked through flawed individuals. Peter denied Christ. Moses doubted his abilities. David made serious moral errors.

    Yet God continued to work through them.

    Latter-day Saints believe this pattern continues today. God calls willing servants and refines them through service.

    Sustaining as a Test of Discipleship

    Sustaining leaders is also seen as a test of discipleship. Supporting others, even when imperfect, requires humility, patience, and faith.

    Discipleship often involves choosing cooperation over criticism and service over suspicion.

    By sustaining leaders, members practice Christlike attributes such as charity, forgiveness, and long-suffering.

    Sustaining Leaders in a Lay Church

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is largely run by lay leadership. Most leaders serve voluntarily while maintaining jobs and family responsibilities.

    Because leaders are not professional clergy, they rely heavily on the support of the congregation.

    Sustaining leaders in this context means recognizing the sacrifices leaders make and helping them fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

    Shared Leadership and Participation

    Sustaining leaders reinforces the idea that the Church belongs to its members collectively. Everyone has a role.

    Rather than expecting leaders to do everything, members participate actively in teaching, serving, and ministering.

    This shared model strengthens community bonds.

    Sustaining Leaders and Church Order

    Latter-day Saints believe God is a God of order. Church organization, callings, and leadership structures exist to help the Church function smoothly and serve people effectively.

    Sustaining leaders supports this order. It helps prevent chaos, division, and power struggles.

    Order is not seen as rigid control, but as a framework that allows service and revelation to flow.

    Sustaining Leaders During Disagreement

    Another important question is what happens when members disagree with leaders. Latter-day Saints believe disagreement does not automatically negate sustaining.

    Members may have different perspectives or questions. Sustaining means choosing respectful dialogue rather than rebellion.

    Members are encouraged to express concerns privately and appropriately, trusting that God values honesty and humility.

    Public opposition or undermining leadership is discouraged because it damages unity and trust.

    Sustaining Leaders and Personal Growth

    Sustaining leaders can contribute to personal spiritual growth. It requires members to develop patience, humility, and trust in God’s timing.

    Sometimes leaders make decisions that members do not fully understand. In those moments, sustaining becomes an exercise in faith.

    Many members testify that choosing to sustain leaders has helped them grow closer to Christ.

    Sustaining Leaders and Community Strength

    Communities function best when there is mutual trust and cooperation. Sustaining leaders helps create an environment where people feel safe, supported, and unified.

    This unity allows congregations to focus on worship, service, and spiritual growth rather than internal conflict.

    Strong communities are built on shared commitment, not constant suspicion.

    Avoiding Blind Obedience

    While sustaining involves support, Latter-day Saints strongly reject blind obedience. Members are repeatedly taught to think, pray, and seek personal revelation.

    Sustaining leaders does not mean surrendering conscience or moral responsibility.

    Members are encouraged to confirm truth for themselves and to follow Christ first and foremost.

    Sustaining Leaders as an Act of Faith in God

    Ultimately, sustaining leaders is an expression of faith in God rather than in human leadership.

    By sustaining leaders, members declare their trust that God is guiding His Church and that He can work through imperfect servants to accomplish His purposes.

    This faith helps members remain grounded during uncertainty and change.

    Why This Belief Matters

    Sustaining church leaders matters because it shapes how Latter-day Saints live their faith collectively. It encourages unity without uniformity, respect without worship, and support without blind obedience.

    It allows a global church to function effectively while preserving individual agency.

    For believers, sustaining leaders reinforces trust in God’s order, commitment to Christ-centered discipleship, and willingness to serve together.

    A Christ-Centered Practice

    Latter-day Saints believe Jesus Christ is the ultimate leader of the Church. Sustaining leaders is meaningful only because they believe Christ is guiding His Church.

    Leaders point to Christ, not to themselves. Sustaining leaders is, in this sense, an extension of sustaining Christ’s work on earth.

    A Broader Christian Perspective

    Many Christian traditions value supporting pastors, elders, and ministers. Latter-day Saints see sustaining leaders as their way of expressing similar support within a distinct structure.

    They believe supporting those who serve strengthens the entire body of believers.

    An Invitation

    Latter-day Saints invite others to view sustaining leaders not as a surrender of freedom, but as a voluntary act of faith, unity, and service.

    They encourage sincere seekers to study, ask questions, and seek God’s guidance about leadership and authority.

    They believe God honors honest faith and personal agency.

    Sources

    The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Church Leadership
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

    Doctrine and Covenants Central
    https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org

    Joseph Smith Papers
    https://www.josephsmithpapers.org

    Scripture Central
    https://scripturecentral.org