Hebrews

We must pass through trials to become perfect.

Hebrews 5:

8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

What do you think of when you envision heaven? Too much I picture a place of clouds and angels playing harps where there is no strife and no trouble. With this picture in mind I ask myself, if that's what heaven is like, why does life have to be so hard here? Why can't it be easier. The bottom line is because in order to have full access to the atonement we must sacrifice. We must be presented with choices and decide what we truly desire in this life and in the life which will continue on after we have passed through the veil. The greater happiness and glory we desire in the eternities, the more we must be willing to sacrifice and prove to the Lord that even in times of trouble, we will not abandon nor forsake him.

In 1936, at the height of the Great Depression in the United States, when people were struggling to make ends meet, Elder John A. Widtsoe admonished the Saints to pay their tithing because of the spiritual blessings they would receive. He said: “Obedience to the law of tithing … brings a deep, inward joy … that can be won in no other way. … The principles of truth become clearer. … Prayer becomes easier. … The spiritual sense is sharpened [and] … man becomes more like his Father in Heaven.”(“Tithing Testimonies of Our Leaders,” Deseret News, May 16, 1936, Church Section, 5)
In times of trial, choosing to obey will always bring those promised blessing.

Q: When has being obedient helped you grow closer to the Lord or to your family?