The Sting of Disobedience: Learning to Trust the 'Why' Behind the 'Should'

There are moments in the journey—moments when the Spirit whispers a gentle nudge, or when a seasoned disciple shares a story—that stop you in your tracks. You sit back, maybe sipping your coffee, maybe right in the middle of your own mission prep, and suddenly, a profound truth hits you with the force of a desert scorpion sting.

The recent episode of *followHIM Favorites* shared such a moment. It centered around the commandment to honor our fathers and mothers, and the story that unfolded felt less like a tale and more like a divine illustration. We heard about a young man who, in a moment of youthful rebellion and convenience, chose flip-flops over proper shoes in the desert.

The Cost of Rationalization

He rationalized his choice. He told himself, "I'm only going for a little wander," or, "It's only a small risk." But the consequence wasn't just discomfort; it was pain, real pain, that forced him to confront the wisdom of the counsel he had disregarded. The sting of the scorpion was a visceral reminder that the protection offered by simple obedience—wearing the shoes—was exponentially greater than the perceived freedom of ignoring it.

It’s so easy, isn't it? To rationalize our way out of the necessary effort. We think we know better than the counsel given, or that the current challenge isn't *that* serious. We think we can handle the "little wander" without the proper preparation.

The Safety in Counsel

What struck me most, as a returned missionary reflecting on this, was the shift in perspective. The lesson wasn't about the scorpion; it was about the *intent* behind the commandment. Were the commandments designed to control us, or were they designed to keep us safe? The answer, as the speaker gently guided us toward, was clear: they are covenants of protection.

As we strive to be better disciples—whether we are in the MTC, serving in the field, or even just studying scriptures here at home—we are constantly faced with choices that require us to choose the known, safe path over the tempting, convenient one. We are learning, through our own experiences and through the stories shared by our brothers and sisters, that the Spirit often speaks through the simple, repeated counsel of those who love us.

This isn't just for desert treks. This applies to our missionary discussions, to the difficult conversations we have in our local wards, and even to how we approach our own personal scripture study. When we feel tempted to gloss over a difficult passage or to take a shortcut in our testimony building, we need to remember the sting.

We are called to be Internet missionaries, disciples anywhere, all the time. And that means honoring the counsel, even when it feels inconvenient or restrictive. It means understanding that the "shoes" of discipleship—the consistent study, the regular temple attendance, the willingness to be vulnerable—are what protect us from the unseen dangers of complacency.

If this story resonated with you, I encourage you to dive deeper into this concept. Listening to the full episode of *followHIM Favorites* will give you the full context and the wonderful insights from the experts who discussed the nuances of the law. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best protection comes from simply listening.

For those of us who are looking for ways to strengthen our own foundational knowledge, I highly recommend revisiting the insights on covenant keeping found in the Iron Rod. If you haven't already, check out the latest readings available in LivingBook. And for those of you who want to discuss these concepts with others, remember that the Book Club feature in HolyPlaces is a wonderful place to solidify what we learn in our personal Bible Study Groups.

What counsel have you recently chosen to follow, even when it was hard? Share your thoughts below!