WHY?!

I'm posing a sequoia-sized question. It’s a question that some may not like but studies have shown that knowing the answer to this question increases the likelihood for obedience—that when children and youth and adults understand the answer to this question, they are more likely to follow the rules. The question is ... WHY?

Susan W. Tanner said: "It is leaders’ and parents’ job to give … the doctrinal whys and to back up standards by teaching about the reasons for them." When we understand the reason behind the principle, it’s easier to obey the commands.

I think a study of the whys given in the scriptures can be interesting and enlightening and is a great exercise for youth and adults. For example, Alma is masterful in explaining the whys. When he counseled his sons to be faithful to the gospel, he explained many whys behind the commandments. He said that when we obey, we will prosper in the land (Alma 36:1). He pointed out that keeping the commandments brings joy (Alma 36:20) and that we will also be supported in our trials (Alma 36:27). In Alma 37:16, he explained that Satan loses power as we keep the commandments: "If ye keep the commandments of God, … behold, no power of earth or hell can take these things from you, for God is powerful to the fulfilling of all his words."

Alma also spoke about the consequences of violating the commandments: "If ye transgress the commandments of God, behold, these things which are sacred shall be taken away from you by the power of God, and ye shall be delivered up unto Satan, that he may sift you as chaff before the wind" (Alma 37:15). He also stated that "inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God ye shall be cut off from his presence" (Alma 36:30).

Sometimes the whys are unknown. Alma gave reasons for moments of unknowns as well. When a matter remains unresolved, we can say with Alma: "Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me; therefore, I shall forbear" (Alma 37:11). He also stated: "There are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself" (Alma 40:3). But he pointed out that with labor, there are some mysteries that the Lord will reveal to the serious seeker. He said: "I have inquired diligently of God that I might know" (Alma 40:3). But there are other times, he stated that "it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case" (Alma 40:5). This teaches us that we should be careful not to put conditions on the Lord and have faith that He is wise in all things. During times of facing the unknown whys, we must "wait patiently on the Lord, for [our] prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord…. And all things wherewith [we] have been afflicted shall work together for [our] good, and to my name’s glory" (D&C 98:1-2).

Holding to the promises that come from obeying the commandments can bring great comfort. A favorite is found in D&C 93:28: "He that keepeth the commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things." This promise insures that one day all mysteries will be known to us and we will glorify Him for blessing us with both the unknown and the known whys of life.

Originally posted August 8, 2008.