Agency

How our Heavenly Father must love us! He not only sent us here to the earth to get a body, but he also gave us our agency. He trusted us to learn and grow from the choices that we would each make. As a parent, I know how hard it can be for me to let go and let my children make their own choices. I have so much more experience than they do and I know that with some of those decisions that they make, unpleasant consequences will also arrive. But, as I learn more and more about the gospel, I recognize that I need to let my children make choices. I just need to strive to teach them all that I can so that they will be armed with a testimony of the truth which will hopefully help them to make wise decisions.

                                                                  Agency Quotes

“Second, choose carefully. All of you commenced an awesome and vital undertaking when you left the spirit world and entered the stage of mortality. Loving parents made you welcome. Inspired teachers taught you truth. True friends provided counsel. Yet life’s choices remain for each one to make. No choice is insignificant, for we become what we think about. Our choices determine our destiny.” Thomas S. Monson, A Time to Choose, April 1995 General Conference, General Young Women Meeting
 

Agency is a spiritual matter. Without awareness of alternatives, you could not choose. Agency is so important in your lives that you not only can choose obedience or rebellion but you must. During this life you cannot remain on neutral ground—you cannot abstain from either receiving or rejecting the light from God.” Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Wind Beneath Your Wings" November 11, 2003, BYU Devotional


“Human agency was purchased with the price of Christ’s suffering. The power of Christ’s Atonement overcomes the effect of sin on the condition of wholehearted repentance. Through and by the Savior’s universal and infinite Atonement, all have been redeemed from the Fall and have become free forever to act for themselves (see 2 Nephi 2:26).” Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Wind Beneath Your Wings" November 11, 2003, BYU Devotional

"Sometimes the Lord reveals truth to you when you are not actively seeking it, such as when you are in danger and do not know it. However, the Lord will not force you to learn. You must exercise your agency to authorize the Spirit to teach you. As you make this practice in your life, you will be more perceptive to the feelings that come with spiritual guidance." Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance", Liahona and Ensign, November 2009

"We have implanted in our souls a desire to be free. The Lord understood this when He granted us our mortal probation. With that freedom, however, comes accountability. We are instructed not to idle away our time nor bury our talents and not use them. We are expected to make our lives better through our own initiatives and efforts." L. Tom Perry, "Youth of the Noble Birthright", Ensign, November 1998


We are free to choose what we will and to pick and choose our acts, but we are not free to choose the consequences. They come as they will come.” Boyd K. Packer, "These Things I Know", April 2013 General Conference



“Men and women receive their agency as a gift from God, but their liberty and, in turn, their eternal happiness come from obedience to His laws.” L. Tom Perry, "Obedience to Law is Liberty" April 2013 General Conference



“As we consider various choices, we should remember that it is not enough that something is good. Other choices are better, and still others are best. Even though a particular choice is more costly, its far greater value may make it the best choice of all.” Dallin H. Oaks, "Good, Better, Best" October 2007 General Conference



Use your agency to develop yourself personally. As you discover your gifts and talents, remember that parents and mentors may assist you, but you must let the Spirit guide you. Choose and act for yourself. Be motivated from within. Make a plan for your life, including education or vocational training. Explore interests and skills. Work and become self-reliant. Set goals, overcome mistakes, gain experience, and finish what you begin.” Robert D. Hales, "Stand Strong in Holy Places" April 2013 General Conference

 “We respect each person’s choice and timing. The Lord said, “Let every man choose for himself.”26 A person’s lack of interest need not diminish our bonds of friendship and love. Whether or not the invitation is accepted as you invite others to “come and see,” you will feel the approval of the Lord and, with that approval, an added measure of faith to share your beliefs again and again.” Neil L. Andersen, "It's a Miracle", April 2013 General Conference



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