Agency

Agency is a gift from God that allows us to always have a choice. Those moments when we think we don't have a choice are false, because we ALWAYS have a choice. It was Satan's plan for us to not be able to choose how to live. But it was and is God's plan for us to have the choice. God doesn't force us to do anything. It's all up to us, and when it comes from the heart it is that much more treasured by us.

·         As a young man seeking to know the truth of the gospel, President Boyd K. Packer made a pledge to his Father in Heaven. “I went before Him and said, ‘I’m not neutral, and you can do with me what you want. If you need my vote, it’s there. I don’t care what you do with me and you don’t have to take anything from me because I give it to you—everything, all I own, all I am.’ ”- Boyd K. Packer (Biography)

·         If you are slipping into things that you should not slip into or if you are associating with people who are pulling you away in the wrong direction, that is the time to assert your independence, your agency. Listen to the voice of the Spirit, and you will not be led astray.- Pres. Packer (Counsel to Youth)

·         “The more closely you follow divine guidance, the greater will be your happiness here and for eternity—moreover, the more abundant your progress and capacity to serve. I do not understand fully how it is done, but that guidance in your life does not take away your agency. You can make the decisions you choose to make. But remember, the disposition to do right brings peace of mind and happiness.” –Richard G. Scott (How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life)

·         “We receive help from our Father in Heaven in response to our faith, obedience, and the proper use of agency.”  –Richard G. Scott (How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life)

·         “ Indeed, in this afternoon’s session we will have a more formal opportunity to raise our hands in a sustaining vote, not only for President Monson but also for all the other general officers of the Church as well. Because my name will be included on that list, may I be so bold as to speak for all in thanking you in advance for those uplifted hands. Not one of us could serve without your prayers and without your support. Your loyalty and your love mean more to us than we can ever possibly say.” –Jeffrey R. Holland (Because of Your Faith)

·         “A historic example of commitment to be strong and immovable for all ages was portrayed by a British Olympian who competed in the 1924 Olympics in Paris, France. Eric Liddell was the son of a Scottish missionary to China and a devoutly religious man. He infuriated the British leadership of the Olympics by refusing, even under enormous pressure, to run in a preliminary 100-meter race held on Sunday. Ultimately he was victorious in the 400-meter race. Liddell’s example of refusing to run on Sunday was particularly inspiring. Depictions and memorials in his honor have referred to the inspirational words from Isaiah, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.””

·         “Our women are not incredible because they have managed to avoid the difficulties of life—quite the opposite. They are incredible because of the way they face the trials of life. Despite the challenges and tests life has to offer—from marriage or lack of marriage, children’s choices, poor health, lack of opportunities, and many other problems—they remain remarkably strong and immovable and true to the faith. Our sisters throughout the Church consistently “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”” –Quentin L. Cook (LDS Women Are Incredible)

·         “Looking back on that experience, I realize that we can’t dictate to God when, where, or how He will speak to us. We just have to be open to receive what He disposes, when He disposes it. It comes according to His will, and it can come to us wherever we are.” –D. Todd Christofferson (Elder Christofferson’s Biography)

·         “Keep going, and the Lord will help you. At times you may not know quite what to do or what to say—just move forward. Begin to act, and the Lord assures that “an effectual door shall be opened for [you]” (D&C 118:3). Begin to speak, and He promises, “You shall not be confounded before men; for it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say” (D&C 100:5–6).” –D. Todd Christofferson (Brethren, We Have Work to Do)

·         “One time I went to President Faust with a piercing problem I didn’t know how to solve,” Elder Andersen recalled. “He said, ‘Neil, have you prayed about it? Have you prayed all night like Enos did?’ And then he sat back in his chair and said, ‘I’ve prayed all night many times to receive the answer to difficult challenges. That is how you will get your answer as well.’ He was right.” –Neil L. Andersen (Biography)