Heavenly Father’s gift of agency, freedom of choice, is an eternal principle.  It is what the war in heaven was all about. Occasionally, I find myself wishing my children didn’t have as much agency as we have all been blessed with.

 

Benson: Agency is “the ability to make important decisions that will have bearing on our salvation.” It will “affect our happiness in eternity.” It allows Heavenly Father’s children to “act on their own,” without being compelled. Agency is at the very heart of the plan of our Heavenly Father who desires us to make the choice to choose Him. (60)

 

It’s fair to say that we often forget why we have come to earth. Satan makes sure to confuse us and keep us off course. As well, opposition is an important part of the plan. Heavenly Father expects us to seek for Him and find Him over and over again amidst the mist. He will not show Himself too soon, or force Himself upon us, or even guilt us into submission. Yet, He has stated clearly the expectation in our reward. (see D&C 58:26-29.)

 

Benson: This life is a probation: a probation in which you and I prove our mettle, a probation that has eternal consequences for each of us. And now is our time and season—as every generation has had theirs—to learn our duties and to do them.” (61)

 

Because we are human/imperfect beings, we keep forgetting what this earth life is for. Some people think it’s to make as much money as possible. Others think it’s to fulfill their wildest dream. There are lots of people trying to fill up their “bucket lists.” We live very selfish and self-centered lives wanting what we want, when we want it.

 

Jesus said, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day” (John 6:38-39). Jesus also said, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4). We haven’t been asked to give up our life completely, as Jesus Christ was, but we have been asked to do a specific work that can be life changing for us.

 

The sacred gift of moral agency along with the other sacred gift of His Son to be our Savior and Redeemer are two gifts He has given us. They are both sacred gifts of love. Submission is the most holy expression of that love. Christ’s example to be submissive to the Father throughout His life as well as after His resurrection is the perfect example for us to also look to our Heavenly Father and glorify Him forever. To truly practice this divine attribute we must find the patterns of agency here on earth. Joseph Smith’s decision is definitely a pattern to follow.

Benson: “One of the greatest decisions of this age was when the boy Joseph Smith decided that he would follow the admonition in James (James 1:5-6). The very salvation of millions of men and women in the dispensation of the fullness of times depends upon that decision! We must keep in mind that individuals do matter and that decisions they make may greatly affect the lives of others” (64).

 

Can you imagine if Joseph Smith hadn’t made the decision to follow the inspiration to pray? What of us when we ignore inspiration? What of us when we make decisions based on selfish, tired, or frightened motives? If we are overwhelmed and don’t know how to make those faithful steps toward “anxiously engaged” agency we can pray and fast until we are inwardly convinced, strengthened, and motivated by righteous power. Only then can we be the instruments for the work and glory of God. Only then can our agency prove us worthy to be in His presence (62).

 

Teenagers and adult children have just as much agency as we do. This can be very trying to the tired parent. But as mothers, our example, love, and diligent teachings can go a long way to guide our children safely “home.” We have been given the commandment to teach our children the gospel of Jesus Christ (see D&C 68:25) when they’re young. As they grow, with formative habits, they stand a greater chance of withstanding the wiles of the devil and the ability and freedom to truly choose for themselves. However, even after all we have done, when children still choose to wander astray, we must rely on our own faith, regularly attending the temple, placing our children’s names on the temple roll, and maintaining our hope that our children will respond to our faith with their ever-present agency.

 

As we choose for ourselves, what way do we create for our children the path they should go? This is an important question Pres. Packer suggests we ask ourselves: “If all your children know about the gospel is what you have taught them at home, how safe will they be? Will they reject evil because they choose to reject it?”

 

Elder Bednar said,

“As parents are patient and persistent in loving their children and in becoming living examples of disciples of Jesus Christ, they must effectively teach the Father’s plan of happiness. The steadfastness of such parents bears powerful witness of the redeeming and strengthening powers of the Savior’s Atonement and invites wayward children to see with new eyes and to hear with new ears (see Matthew 13:43). Acting in accordance with the teachings of the Savior invites spiritual power into our lives—power to hear and heed, power to discern, and power to persevere”

 

Never give up on your children. Never judge the trials of another family. And never ever give up on yourself as you strive to overcome the trials we all face in a fallen world.

 

The subject of agency brings up many thoughts and contemplations. For example, some argue the idea of “blind obedience,” so I love this statement from Pres. Packer.

“Those who talk of blind obedience may appear to know many things, but they do not understand the doctrines of the gospel. 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.”

 

Ultimately, it is up to each of us individually to choose the Lord. Even if we blindly choose what our parents chose, or stand cautiously behind our husband’s testimony, our testimonies, large or small, will define the way we have chosen to use our agency. Pres. Packer said, “Latter-day Saints are not obedient because they are compelled to be obedient. They are obedient because they know certain spiritual truths and have decided, as an expression of their own individual agency, to obey the commandments of God.”

 

Benson: Today those spiritually alert look at the objectives, check the guidelines laid down by the Lord and his prophets, and then prayerfully act—without having to be commanded ‘in all things’” (66).

 

Agency is our freedom to choose goodness. Without merely taking what lands in our laps, we can practice guidance, inspiration, and discernment and live as our Heavenly Father hopes we will.

 

 

 

Quotes, outside of the lesson, come from these two talks:

Elder David A. Bednar: “Faithful Parents and Wayward Children: Sustaining Hope While Overcoming Misunderstanding,” March 2014.

 

President Boyd K. Packer: “Agency and Control,” Ensign, May 1983.