The Lord’s People Make and Keep Covenants
Doctrine and Covenants 136:2
2 Let all the people of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and those who journey with them, be organized into companies, with a covenant and promise to keep all the commandments and statutes of the Lord our God.
Elder Donald L. Hallstrom said:
“One of the identifying characteristics of the Lord’s people is that they make and keep covenants. A revelation given to Brigham Young in January 1847 at Winter Quarters states:
“‘Let all the people of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and those who journey with them, be organized into companies, with a covenant and promise to keep all the commandments and statutes of the Lord our God. . . .
“‘And this shall be our covenant—that we will walk in all the ordinances of the Lord’ (D&C 136:2, 4; emphasis added).
“Are you a covenant keeper? Are you living your life by covenant or simply by convenience? Are your covenants the basis of your decisions and the direction of your life?
“Living by covenant is the way we mature in gaining the attributes of godliness. During our spiritual development, we can reach a significant point when we recognize that our covenants are a blessing, not a burden. This brings great peace, even in difficult times. It also provides protection.
“It is common for us to pray for physical safety. However, I have come to pray even more fervently for the strength to live true to my covenants. This provides spiritual protection. Whether we live a long or short life upon this earth is of little consequence in the eternities. What really matters is how we live. Living the life of a covenant keeper is of highest value because keeping our covenants is the only way we can fulfill our eternal purpose.”
(“Living a Covenant Life,” Ensign, June 2013, 47–48.)
