Why Commandments?

"Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding.
-And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known;

-And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed;

-And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent;

And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time."   Doctrine and Covenants 1: 24-28

I like what these verses say about the reason for commandments. Too many people think of commandments as being negative or restrictive. God gives us commandments for great reasons. 

So we can come to understanding and recognize errors of our ways. So we can be chastened for those errors and repent and move on down the gospel path. 

So that we can be taught.

So we can be made strong, be blessed and receive knowledge. 

Those are all great reasons for knowing and living the commandments from God.