Agency

Boyd K. Packer

"We were given our agency. We must use it wisely and remain close to the Spirit; otherwise, we foolishly find ourselves yielding to the enticements of the adversary." "Prayer and Promptings," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 43“44

David A. Bednar

"As we learn in [the] scriptures, the fundamental purposes for the gift of agency were to love one another and to choose God. Thus we become God's chosen and invite His tender mercies as we use our agency to choose God” "The Tender Mercies of the Lord," Ensign, May 2005, 101-2 Bradley D. Foster “Brothers and sisters, in a world where everyone is granted agency, some of our loved ones may stray for a season. But we can never give up. We must always go back for them, we must never stop trying. Our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, has issued a plea for us to go rescue those of our loved ones who may be lost.” Mother Told Me,  Ensign, May 2010, 99

 Spencer W. Kimball

"If pain and sorrow and total punishment immediately followed the doing of evil, no soul would repeat a misdeed. If joy and peace and rewards were instantaneously given the doer of good, there could be no evil--all would do good and not because of the rightness of doing good. There would be no test of strength, no development of character, no growth of powers, no free agency. . . . There would also be an absence of joy, success, resurrection, eternal life, and godhood." The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball (1982), 77

Jose A. Teixeira

 “Our choices have the undeniable power of transforming our lives. This gift is an extraordinary sign of trust in us and simultaneously a cherished personal responsibility to use wisely. Our Father in Heaven respects our freedom to choose and will never force us to do what is right, nor will He impede us from making mediocre choices. His invitation, however, concerning this important and vital gift is clearly expressed in the scriptures: But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.” Gifts to Help Us Navigate Our Life, Ensign, May 2009, 104

Dennis E.

"The Lord has given us agency, the right and the responsibility to decide. He tests us by allowing us to be challenged. He assures us that He will not suffer us to be tempted beyond our ability to withstand. But we must understand that great challenges make great men. We don't seek tribulation, but if we respond in faith, the Lord strengthens us." "But If Not . . .," Ensign, May 2004, 73

Thomas S. Monson

"The way to exaltation is not a freeway featuring unlimited vision, unrestricted speeds, and untested skills. Rather, it is known by many forks and turnings, sharp curves, and controlled speeds. Our driving ability is being put to the test. Are we ready? We're driving. We haven't passed this way before. Fortunately, the Master Highway Builder, even our Heavenly Father, has provided a road map showing the route to follow. He has placed markers along the way to guide us to our destination." "Crisis at the Crossroads," New Era, Nov. 2002, 5 M.

Russell Ballard

 "We tend to think of agency as a personal matter. If we ask someone to define 'moral agency,' the answer will probably be something like this: 'Moral agency means I am free to make choices for myself.' Often overlooked is the fact that choices have consequences; we forget also that agency offers the same privilege of choice to others. At times we will be affected adversely by the way other people choose to exercise their agency. Our Heavenly Father feels so strongly about protecting our agency that he allows his children to exercise it, either for good or for evil." "Answers to Life's Questions," Ensign, May 1995, 23

 Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"You are to do the choosing here and now during this exciting and wonderful time on earth. Moral agency, the freedom to choose, is certainly one of God's greatest gifts next to life itself. We have the honorable right to choose; therefore, we need to choose the right. This is not always easy." "Your Right to Choose the Right," New Era, Aug. 2005, 8

Dallin H. Oaks

"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” Love and Law, Ensign, Nov. 2009, 27