Do you get less flat tires if you are righteous?

[PeterRiley]

I realize this is a silly thread title, but I got to wondering if by following the commandments we are in a better position to receive blessings other than the three most talked about blessings: personal revelation, the feeling of the Holy Ghost, and being financially rewarded for paying tithes and offerings.

It goes without saying that there are natural benefits to keeping the commandments, like better health if one keeps the Word of Wisdom, but does the Lord grant blessings other than the three mentioned above? For example, say for example one day I say my prayers, read my scriptures, think pure thoughts, etc. Will I be less likely to get a flat tire on this day than on a day that I am being unrighteous? I realize that following the gospel gives one the Spirit, which gives one the strength to pass through trials whether it be a flat tire or experiencing the passing on of a loved one. And it seems that faithful active members experience the same amount of trials than non-members do. But does anyone think that there are good and bad things that naturally occur to someone that might be seemingly unrelated to the commandments he/she keeps or breaks?

The reason why I ask is that I want more of an incentive to follow the Lord, and if I hear other's examples and opinions, it might help with this. Thanks a lot.

[Just_A_Guy]

I think sometimes there's a link. For example, someone who's trying to pay 10% tithing is going to be more aware of his income, and therefore is more likely to have a budget, and therefore more likely to have his finances under control.

But the blessings aren't always obviously linkable. And frankly, ultimately having the Spirit with me will be plenty of incentive once I fully comprehend how the Spirit can work in my life.

[havejoy]

I dunno, I got 2 flat tires on the way to my own baptism and it was only a 6 mile trip.

[Jenamarie]

Originally Posted by PeterRiley

The reason why I ask is that I want more of an incentive to follow the Lord, and if I hear other's examples and opinions, it might help with this. Thanks a lot.

IMO, the Lord wants us to follow Him because we love Him, not because of what we might get from the relationship.

[john doe]

You mean the promise of eternal life in the company of our Heavenly Father isn't enough incentive to be good?

[PeterRiley]

Originally Posted by Jenamarie

IMO, the Lord wants us to follow Him because we love Him, not because of what we might get from the relationship.

I feel like a bad person, as I think my motives might be different than most members. I help others because it makes ME feel good. I am a very devoted member and magnify my leadership calling, but I don't keep the commandments and help others in order to please a being I have never met, I do it because it MAKES ME FEEL GOOD, and I assume that I will be blessed in other ways, ie not getting a flat tire, getting a raise at work, etc. So will I not be saved in the end because my motives were not to purely help people, but to make me feel a certain way and receive other benefits?

[PeterRiley]

Originally Posted by john doe

You mean the promise of eternal life in the company of our Heavenly Father isn't enough incentive to be good?

Not when I am in my early 40's it doesn't. It seems like such a far time away, and I know I can be hit by a bus any day, but to be honest, I do not keep the commandments with the hope of eternal life. I do it hoping to feel good afterward and to receive other blessings like I mentioned in my previous post.

[marts1]

Originally Posted by PeterRiley

I feel like a bad person, as I think my motives might be different than most members. I help others because it makes ME feel good. I am a very devoted member and magnify my leadership calling, but I don't keep the commandments and help others in order to please a being I have never met, I do it because it MAKES ME FEEL GOOD, and I assume that I will be blessed in other ways, ie not getting a flat tire, getting a raise at work, etc. So will I not be saved in the end because my motives were not to purely help people, but to make me feel a certain way and receive other benefits?

I have thought on this quite a bit and have concluded we are all selfish. Every commandment obeyed brings a blessing upon our head. As we serve others we recieve more then what we gave. In all reality how can you not be selfish. You are the center of your universe. Without you there is nothing. I'm so glad the feeling of perfect love does not include me thinking about these things. lol Don't burn me too badly on this one.

[Loudmouth_Mormon]

Put simply, we figure there are two sorts of blessings that come from keeping the commandments. The first type is the eternal stuff - mansions in heaven and return to HF's presence and what not. The second type is the temporal stuff - blessings that come to us during our mortal probation.

The Gospel Principles book is full of the various earthly blessings that can be realized when we live righteously. Especially Unit Seven - the 'thou shalts':

The Sabbath Day
Fasting
Sacrifice
Work and Personal Responsibility
Service
The Lord’s Law of Health
Charity
Honesty
Tithes and Offerings
Missionary Work
Developing Our Talents
Obedience

The Sabbath Day
Fasting
Sacrifice
Work and Personal Responsibility
Service
The Lord’s Law of Health
Charity
Honesty
Tithes and Offerings
Missionary Work
Developing Our Talents
Obedience The Sabbath Day
Fasting
Sacrifice
Work and Personal Responsibility
Service
The Lord’s Law of Health
Charity
Honesty
Tithes and Offerings
Missionary Work
Developing Our Talents
Obedience [/quote]

You can look through the book to hear about the temporal blessings. One recurring theme across them is joy, and peace. Two items that are in pretty high demand, and pretty hard to find here on earth sometimes.

LM

[Elgama]

nope you get more because its the unrighteous that are ruining your tyres lol