Excerpt
Elder Neal A. Maxwell teaches that the loneliness that sometimes comes with righteousness is where we grow closer to God—and where we learn the courage of “But if not.”
Intro
At 6 a.m., Oct 17, 2025, I pulled over at the Taylorsville Temple and framed a moon-over-spire double exposure while listening (again) to Elder Maxwell’s 21 Guidelines for Righteous Living—especially Guideline 20. This week’s trials were real, yet the Spirit kept bringing me back to Daniel 3: God can deliver—but if not, we still will not bow. That truth has turned my fear of workload into faith to move forward with Him.
Notes from Elder Neal A. Maxwell
- Righteousness can feel lonely, but that is where we come closer to God.
- Fidelity means not bowing—even when the fire is hot.
- God is able to deliver; But if not, disciples still trust and obey.
- Act in faith now—serve, pray, and work; heaven’s help becomes practical courage.
Perspective (direct quotes )
The Story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
To emphasize this point, Elder Maxwell recounts the biblical story:
The Fiery Furnace: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into a fiery furnace that was heated to such a high temperature that the men who tended the furnace died.
The Fourth Figure: The scriptures describe the three young men walking around in the midst of the furnace unharmed. The scripture then says, “And there was a fourth figure in the fire and its form was likened to the Son of God.”
The Promise: Elder Maxwell concludes that when you are passing through these trials and lonely moments, the Lord will be especially close to you.
They were cast into the fire because they refused to bow to the idol of King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:16–17). Their loyalty brought them closer to God—the pattern for all discipleship.
Scripture (Daniel 3:17–18)
17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
Practice (today, not someday)
- Pray, then step into the hard tickets and deadlines: God is able—but if not, I still will not bow to fear or compromise.
- Serve and mentor anyway; courage grows as I lift others.
- Keep temple focus and steady duty; closer to God is the goal, not merely quick fixes.
Final Reflection
Elder Maxwell’s witness reframed my week: **God can deliver—**and often He does. But if not, I can still move forward with Him. As I prayed and worked, impressions came and solutions followed. Either way, the fire became a classroom, and I felt closer to God than ever.
Pocket I’m Keeping
“God is able—but if not, I will not bow.”
If there is a furnace, there is also a Fourth.
What I Hear Now
“Trust Me. Whether I calm the fire or walk you through it, you are not alone.”
Link to the talk
“21 Guidelines for Righteous Living” — Elder Neal A. Maxwell (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4bVYkkNeWE&t=300s
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