In the Temple, We Covenant to Obey the Laws of Obedience and Sacrifice

Here are some challenging circumstances individuals might face in life that could lead them to distance themselves from God.

• Divorce

• Illness

• Moving

• Loss of a loved one

Can you think of other challenges that might lead someone to distance themselves from God? The covenants you make with God do not free you from challenging circumstances, but your covenants can be crucial in helping you to stay close to God.

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared how making covenants with God can bless you:

Each covenant adds a bond, drawing us closer to and strengthening our connection with God.

… When we confront life’s challenges, the likelihood is decreased that we distance ourselves from God. (“Stronger and Closer Connection to God Through Multiple Covenants” [Brigham Young University devotional, Mar. 5, 2024], 2, 3, speeches.byu.edu)

We make covenants with Heavenly Father in the temple as part of the temple endowment. As part of the endowment, we covenant to keep the laws of obedience, sacrifice, the gospel of Jesus Christ, chastity, and consecration (see General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 27.2). This lesson focuses on the laws of obedience and sacrifice.

Whether you plan to make temple covenants soon or in a few years, taking time to understand these covenants now can help you feel prepared and have greater confidence when facing challenges. Use the following questions and sources to study about the laws of obedience and sacrifice. Record what you learn in your notebook.

The law of sacrifice

What is it? Tag each of these passages as “sacrifice.”

• Moses 5:4–9

• 3 Nephi 9:19–20

Why should we covenant to keep it?

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:

16:31

Latter-day Saints look on their sacrifices of time and means as a part of their schooling and qualifying for eternity. This is a truth revealed in the Lectures on Faith, which teach that “a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation. … It [is] through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life.”

Just as the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ is at the center of the plan of salvation, we followers of Christ must make our own sacrifices to prepare for the destiny that plan provides for us. (“Sacrifice,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 22)

sacrifice, plan of salvation

How have Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ sacrificed for us? Make a note next to this passage with your response to the following question.

• John 3:16; 10:11, 17–18

• How might keeping the law of sacrifice help you become more like your Heavenly Father and Savior?

Dig Deeper: Sister Jean B. Bingham, former Relief Society General President, shared her experience preparing to make covenants with God in the temple (see “Covenants with God Strengthen, Protect, and Prepare Us for Eternal Glory,” Liahona, May 2022, 66–69).

Arrange a time to discuss the following questions with a parent or leader. If no one is available, ponder and record your thoughts in your notebook.

• How could obeying the laws of obedience and sacrifice help you become more like Jesus Christ?

• What are some of the sacrifices you might need to make to live these laws?

• How could covenanting to obey these two laws in the temple help us draw closer to and strengthen our connection with God?