Selective

Selective - selective hearing, selective memory.  Sometimes I joke with the kids that they have selective hearing or selective memory and only hear things they want to hear or only remember some of the details of a certain event or of an assignment.  Perhaps there are times when each of us can be somewhat selective in what we hear or remember.  Certainly in life we should be selective and only chose those things which are the best.  I say that with an eternal perspective in mind and the thought of choosing the right.. 

Today I was listening to Elder Robert D. Hales conference talk and was intrigued by his discussion of selective obedience.  Said Elder Hales:

At times members may participate in "selective obedience," claiming to love God and honor God while picking and choosing which of His commandments and teachings- and the teachings and counsel of His prophets -they will fully follow.

Some obey selectively because they cannot perceive all the reasons for a commandment, just as children do not always understand the reasons for their parents' counsel and rules.  But we always know the reason we follow the prophets, for this is the Church of Jesus Christ, and it is the Savior who directs His prophets in all dispensations.

There are times when I may be a little choosy in my obedience.  Perhaps I wait for certain instruction to sink in before committing to obey.  Life can be challenging and obeying things that may not be the most convenient for us can sometimes be difficult.  I hope that I can remember the importance of obedience and that I can remember the needs I have to obey quickly and fully.  Obedience to the Lord is not a fancy buffet where we get to pick and choose which of his commandments are our favorites and live only those. 

Selective - we should be selective in what we allow to occupy our minds and our hearts.  We should choose the right even when it is unpopular.  If we are to be selective let us select the Savior.