Duty

Websters 1828 Dictionary:

That which a person owes to another; that which a person is bound, by any natural, moral or legal obligation, to pay, do or perform. Obedience to princes, magistrates and the laws is the duty of every citizen and subject; obedience, respect and kindness to parents are duties of children; fidelity to friends is a duty; reverence, obedience and prayer to God are indispensable duties; the government and religious instruction of children are duties of parents which they cannot neglect without guilt.

Quotes:

"To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear."

-Buddha

"After every storm the sun will smile; for every problem there is a solution, and the soul's indefeasible duty is to be of good cheer."

-William R. Alger

 

"It is our duty as men and women to proceed as though the limits of our abilities do not exist."

-Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

 

"Duty does not require perfection, but it does require diligence. It is not simply what is legal; it is what is virtuous."

-Keith B. McMullin Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric

Scriptures:

Ecclesiastes 12:13 ¶Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Mosiah 13:30 Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him.

Alma 7:22
And now my beloved brethren, I have said these things unto you that I might awaken you to a sense of your duty to God, that ye may walk blameless before him, that ye may walk after the holy order of God, after which ye have been received.

My Thoughts:

Obedience is a big part of duty, being obedient to God is definitely our duty. However, like William Alger said the souls duty is to be of good cheer. In 'Pollyanna' aunt Polly "does her duty." Her duty, however, is a very grudging, unpleasant thing. She is not willing to do her duty, yet she takes pride in herself being able to do her duty and doing it. Keeping the commandment is another important thing because our duty is to our God.