AGENCY

"Tolerance obviously requires a noncontentious manner of relating toward one another's differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one's standards or one's opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination." ~ Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "Weightier Matters," Ensign, January 2001




"So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment." ~ President Thomas S. Monson, "Living the Abundant Life," Ensign, January 2012




"Act in accordance with your true beliefs by spending your time on those things that will build and develop your character and help you become more Christlike. I hope none of you see life as primarily fun and games but rather as a time 'to prepare to meet God." ~ Elder Quentin L. Cook, "A Time to Prepare to Meet God", Broadcasts, March 2012




"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." ~Elder Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance", 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."~ Elder L. Tom Perry, "Youth of the Noble Birthright", Ensign, November 1998







“Warn them that they will encounter people who pick which commandments they will keep and ignore others that they choose to break. I call this the cafeteria approach to obedience. This practice of picking and choosing will not work. It will lead to misery."~ Russell M. Neilson, Face the Future With Faith, Conference April 2011"Choosing to do what the Lord has defined as right will, in the long run, always lead to the best outcomes." ~Richard G. Scott - Ensign, Nov. 1998, 69







"You have agency, and you are free to choose. But there is actually no free agency. Agency has its price. You have to pay the consequences of your choices." ~ Dieter F. Utchdorf, On the Wings of Eagles, BYU Devotional, July 2006







"Whenever we choose to come unto Christ, take His name upon us, and follow His servants, we progress along the path to eternal life. In our mortal journey, it is helpful to remember that the opposite is also true: when we don’t keep the commandments or follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost, our opportunities are reduced; our abilities to act and progress are diminished." ~Robert D. Hales, Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life, October 2010







"Because the eternal principle of agency gives us the freedom to choose and think for ourselves, we should become increasingly able to solve problems. We may make the occasional mistake, but as long as we are following gospel principles and guidelines, we can learn from those mistakes and become more understanding of others and more effective in serving them." ~ M. Russell Ballard, O Be Wise, Conference, October 2006



Our agency, given us through the plan of our Father, is the great alternative to Satan’s plan of force. With this sublime gift, we can grow, improve, progress, and seek perfection. Without agency, none of us could grow and develop by learning from our mistakes and errors and those of others…. I do not really think the devil can make us do anything. Certainly he can tempt and he can deceive, but he has no authority over us that we do not give him.~James E. Faust, The Forces That Will Save Us, First Presidency Message, January 2007

CAPSTONE:

It all began with agency long before we came to this earth. We know from the scriptures, we were each presented with two plans. One would have us do everything right all of the time and glory would be given to Satan. The other was the plan that we chose. It was presented by our older brother Jesus. We would come to this earth and be given agency and the glory be given to our Heavenly Father.We were excited at the opportunity to be given a mortal body and have the gift of free agency. As I have lived almost 48 years now in this mortal body on earth, I can testify that using my agency to choose God and his commandments has given me the freedom from a life of misery and hell, had I let Satan influence me and tempt me to use my agency to make poor decisions. I believe I have grown and progressed in a way that leads that leads me back to my Heavenly Father. I know that using my agency for good has brought me the most happiness. I'm so grateful that I understand this beautiful principle.