"We Are Siamese..."

I think the classic Disney movie Lady and the Tramp contributed to my dislike for cats when I was a child. I still vividly remember those two feline villains singing:

We are Siamese if you please. We are Siamese if you don't please.   

Whether they realized it or not, these mischievous kittens were teaching a profound truth. They were Siamese, and nothing anybody said could change that.

"We are Siamese if you please!"

In similar fashion, the commandments of God are commandments, whether or not we want to live them:

We are the commandments if you please. We are the commandments if you don't please.

We are commanded to be honest always, not just when it is convenient. We are commanded to worship God every day of our lives, not just when we need His help. We are commanded to live virtuous lives regardless of the temptations which surround us.

These are the commandments if you please. These are still the same commandments if you don't please.

Journalist Ted Koppel memorably stated in a 1987 Duke commencement address—

What Moses brought down from Mt. Sinai were not the Ten Suggestions. They are commandments. Are, not were.

We would do well to remember why we have commandments in the first place—for our own happiness! Too often we view commandments as unhealthy and unwanted restrictions on our otherwise free lifestyles. Those who live the commandments know that doors are opened, chains are broken, cords are slackened and clouds are dissipated when they choose to follow God's laws. Those who break commandments learn from sad experience that opportunities are jettisoned, freedoms are restricted, chains are tightened and rays of hope are darkened when they choose to disobey their Father in Heaven.

Book of Mormon prophet Alma taught this principle in beautiful simplicity—

Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness. (Alma 41:10)

I testify that we find joy and peace through keeping God's commandments. I know He lives and loves us. He has given us commandments for our own happiness and safety.