In D&C Section 29:31-35, the Lord repeats several times that all things are created spiritually first before they are created temporally. Verse 35 specifically teaches that all commandments are for our spiritual benefit, even those that might seem to be more temporal. Many of the commandments that we might see as being only temporal are found in the "For the Strength of Youth" booklet. The information in this booklet gives us a lot of the spiritual reasons behind these more temporal-seeming commandments and will help guide and teach us as we recognize the spiritual blessings that come from obeying all God's commandments.
Dress and Appearance: Dressing appropriately shows that we are a disciples of Jesus Christ and that we love Him. The way we dress and look can invite the companionship of the Spirit, be a good influence to others, and it helps prepare us for temple attendance and worship.
Education: A good education helps us become more like Heavenly Father. The education we gain will be valuable in the life to come. Education prepares us to serve in the world and in the Church. Spiritual learning will help us find answers to the challenges of life and will invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
Entertainment and Media: Choosing good media will uplift us and increase our ability to become a force for good in the world. Good media can help us be more sensitive to the Spirit.
Language: Using good language reflects our diving heritage as children of God. Good language that uplifts, encourages and compliments others invites the Spirit to be with us.
Music: Music can edify and inspire us and help us draw closer to Heavenly Father. Music has a profound effect on our mind, spirit, and behavior. Good music can increase our spiritual sensitivity.
Word of Wisdom: Obedience to the World of Wisdom can help us learn self-control and self-discipline and augments our ability to make correct choices. We gain the blessing of an alert mind and the guidance of the Holy Ghost and we will be better prepared to serve the Lord.
Sabbath Day Observance: Observing the sabbath day brings us closer to the Lord and it also brings families closer together. It also provides us with an eternal perspective and spiritual strength.
Service: Through service we learn to overcome selfishness and draw closer to Heavenly Father. As we service, our hearts are filled with love, our capacities increase, and our ability to be happy is expanded. Service allows us to be an instrument in God's hands to bless His children.
Sexual Purity: Obedience to the law of chastity prepares us to make temple covenants. It protects us from spiritual and emotional damage and prepares us to have an eternal marriage and family. It also improves our ability to make good decisions now and in the future. By striving to be sexually pure, we can find peace and have the full companionship of the Spirit and be more confident and experience true joy.
Tithing: Paying our tithes helps us develop greater faith, overcome selfishness, and be more receptive to the Spirit.
Fasting: Regular fasting strengthens self-discipline, fortifies against temptations, and brings the Lord's blessings into our life.
Work: Hard work brings an increased sense of self-worth, self-discipline, and dependability. It also helps develop a sense of self-reliance.
Preparedness: Proper preparedness helps us learn a degree of sacrifice. We also learn to exercise faith by taking action, which leads to increased confidence and peace in our hearts. (Bishop Waddell, “There Was Bread”)
As we focus on the spiritual blessings associated with these more "temporal" commandments, we gain a deeper perspective of why the Lord gives us commandments. It's never just for a temporal benefit (although there may be temporal benefits) but always with a spiritual purpose in mind. Focusing on the spiritual purpose of a commandment can help us to be more willing to keep the commandments because we will more clearly see the transcendent nature of the temporal things we are asked to do.
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