Walking Before Him: The Pattern of Covenant Keeping

Sometimes, when we study the prophets, we see grand, sweeping declarations—a covenant made, a promise sealed, a monumental act of faith. It’s easy to think, "Well, that was done. The covenant is established." But if you spend any time studying the scriptures, especially the lives of the patriarchs, you realize that covenant keeping isn't a single signing ceremony; it’s a daily, deliberate *walk*.

I was recently pondering this while watching a deep dive into Abraham’s life. It struck me how often the core terms of the covenant were reiterated. It felt almost redundant, like the Lord was saying, "Remember this, remember this." But as I listened, I started to see the pattern, and it hit me with the clarity of the Spirit.

It’s not that the Lord doubted Abraham’s memory. It’s that *we* are quick to forget. We are so busy with the day-to-day—the job, the family, the little administrative details of discipleship—that the profound promises of the gospel can fade into the background noise.

The Power of Reiteration: Precept Upon Precept

The speaker mentioned that each time the covenant was reaffirmed, something was added—a little more, a line upon line. This resonated so deeply with me. It’s the divine principle of precept upon precept. We don't get the whole gospel revelation in one glorious download, even if we desire it that way. We are given it in manageable doses, little by little, so we have the chance to internalize it, to live it, and to build our lives upon it.

Think about our own journey as Latter-day Saints. We are taught the foundational principles in Sacrament Meeting, we study them in our book club sessions, we get reminders in our missionary discussions, and we are always encouraged to keep pondering scripture. These aren't just suggestions; they are the mechanics of discipleship! They are the scaffolding that holds us upright when the weight of the world—or even the weight of our own shortcomings—threatens to buckle us.

Walking Before Him: The Daily Command

And then there is the commandment: "Walk before me and be thou perfect."

This commandment, given to Abraham, is the same one the Savior gives to us. It’s not just about avoiding sin; it’s about *direction*. It means keeping the Savior at the center of our every thought, every decision, every interaction. It means making the covenant a navigational tool, not just a nice piece of scripture art on the wall.

This concept of constant, conscious effort—of *walking*—is the best preparation for the field. Whether you are preparing for your first mission, or you are already out there serving, or you are simply trying to be a better parent or friend, the work requires that constant, humble effort. We have to keep showing up, even when the Spirit feels distant.

If you're feeling the weight of keeping up with the commandments, remember that the Lord doesn't ask for perfection; He asks for persistent effort, and He promises to strengthen us as we walk. That’s the grace we rely on.

A Little Challenge for Our Discipleship

As we continue to refine our understanding of covenants, I want to challenge us this week to notice the *repetition* in our own lives. Where are we treating a sacred principle like a one-time event instead of a daily walk? Maybe it’s prayer, maybe it’s scripture study, maybe it’s keeping the commandments of the Sabbath. Don't just *know* the principle; *walk* it. Make it visible in your actions.

If you want to dig deeper into this pattern of revelation, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings on Abraham and the covenant in LivingBook. And if you're wrestling with how to apply these deep concepts to someone you are teaching, don't forget about Davee. He’s always ready to walk through the hard questions an investigator might ask.

For those of us who are feeling the pull toward the field, let’s keep our focus sharp. We are all potential internet missionaries, and our greatest tool is our willingness to keep walking.

If you'd like to discuss this further, join us for our weekly Disciple Challenge this Saturday! Let’s keep building on the foundation, precept upon precept.