AGENCY

“As sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, we are capable of so much more. For that, good intentions are not enough. We must do. Even more important, we must become what Heavenly Father wants us to be.” 

–President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“When one understands the gospel, it becomes very clear that the best control is self-control.” 

–President Boyd K. Packer

        There is an obedience that comes from a knowledge of the truth that transcends any external form of control. We are not obedient because we are blind, we are obedient because we can see. The best control, I repeat, is self-control.” 

– President Boyd K. Packer

“True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives-that is, our time and choices-to God’s purposes.” 

-Elder D. Todd Christofferson

         “Agency—our power to choose—is fundamental to the gospel plan that brings us to earth. God does not intervene to forestall the consequences of some persons’ choices in order to protect the well-being of other persons—even when they kill, injure, or oppress one another—for this would destroy His plan for our eternal progress (compare Alma 42:8). He will bless us to endure the consequences of others’ choices, but He will not prevent those choices (compare Mosiah 24:14–15).” 

-President Thomas S. Monson

         "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

         "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

       “Agency used righteously allows light to dispel the darkness and enables us to live with joy and happiness.” 

–Elder Robert D. Hales

         “Today I want to convey, in absolutely certain terms, that the adversary cannot make us do anything. He does lie at our door, as the scriptures say, and he follows us each day. Every time we go out, every decision we make, we are either choosing to move in his direction or in the direction of our Savior. But the adversary must depart if we tell him to depart. He cannot influence us unless we allow him to do so, and he knows that! The only time he can affect our minds and bodies—our very spirits—is when we allow him to do so. In other words, we do not have to succumb to his enticements!” 

–Elder Robert D. Hales

         “The fundamental purposes for the gift of agency were to love one another and to choose God.” 

–Elder David A. Bednar