Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18. RRe 324.1
Obedience to God is the first duty of the Christian.—Testimonies for the Church 4:610. RRe 324.2
The man who attempts to keep the commandments of God from a sense of obligation merely—because he is required to do so—will never enter into the joy of obedience. He does not obey. When the requirements of God are accounted a burden because they cut across human inclination, we may know that the life is not a Christian life. True obedience is the outworking of a principle within. It springs from the love of righteousness, the love of the law of God. The essence of all righteousness is loyalty to our Redeemer. This will lead us to do right because it is right,—because right-doing is pleasing to God.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 97. RRe 324.3
Christ lays loving claims on all for whom He has given His life: they are to obey His will if they would share the joys that He has prepared for all who reflect His character here.—Testimonies for the Church 9:284. RRe 324.4
Of Christ it is written, “In Him was life: and the life was the light of men.” He is the fountain of life. Obedience to Him is the life-giving power that gladdens the soul.—Testimonies for the Church 8:288. RRe 324.5