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consequences of our choices. DidLucifer and his followers understandthe consequences of choosing to rejectHeavenly Father’s plan? If so, why didthey make such a terrible choice? Wemight ask ourselves a similar question:why do any of us choose to bedisobedient when we know the eternalconsequences of sin? The scripturesprovide an answer: the reason Cainand some of the children of Adam andEve chose to disobey is because “theyloved Satan more than God.” 12Our love of the Savior is the keyto Savior-like obedience. As we striveto be obedient in today’s world, wedeclare our love and respect for allof Heavenly Father’s children. Yet itis impossible for this love for othersto modify God’s commandments,which were given for our good! Forexample, the commandment “thoushalt not . . . kill, nor do anything likeunto it” 13 is founded upon spirituallaw that protects all of God’s children,even the unborn. Long experiencesuggests that when we ignore thislaw, immeasurable sorrow results. Yetmany believe it is acceptable to terminatethe life of an unborn child forreasons of preference or convenience.To rationalize disobedience doesnot change spiritual law or its consequencesbut leads to confusion,instability, wandering in strange paths,being lost, and grief. As disciples ofChrist, we have a sacred obligation touphold His laws and commandmentsand the covenants which we takeupon ourselves.In December 1831 some of thebrethren were called upon to helpallay unfriendly feelings that haddeveloped toward the Church.Through the Prophet Joseph Smith,the Lord directed them in an unusual,even surprising way:“Confound your enemies; call uponthem to meet you both in public andin private. . . .“Wherefore, let them bring forththeir strong reasons against the Lord.“. . . No weapon that is formedagainst you shall prosper;“And if any man lift his voiceagainst you he shall be confounded inmine own due time.“Wherefore, keep my commandments;they are true and faithful.” 14Lessons in the ScripturesThe scriptures are full of examplesof prophets who have learned thelessons of obedience by their ownexperience.Joseph Smith was taught theconsequences for yielding to thepressures of his benefactor, friend,and scribe Martin Harris. In responseto Martin’s pleas, Joseph asked theLord for permission to loan the first116 manuscript pages of the Book ofMormon so that Martin could showthem to his family, but the Lord toldJoseph to say no. Martin pleadedwith Joseph to ask the Lord again.After Joseph’s third request the Lordgave permission for five specificpeople to review the manuscript.“In a most solemn covenant Martinbound himself to this agreement.May 201437