General Conference: "The Gift of Agency"

by Miriam Caldwell | More from this Blogger

In his talk "The Gift of Agency" Elder Wolfgang H Paul speaks about why we have the gift of agency and the importance of using it properly. He opens the talk by speaking of a bumper sticker he saw which read "I do what I want." He goes on to say that the world would be a very sad and chaotic place if everyone made choices based simply on what they wanted to do. Elder Paul then says this about the purpose of agency:

"When the Lord taught Abraham about the eternal nature of spirits and that he was chosen before he was born, He explained to Abraham one of the important purposes for coming to this earth by saying, 'And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.'

Thus, our agency makes our life on this earth a test period. If we did not have this wonderful gift of agency, we would not be able to show our Father in Heaven whether we will do all that He commanded us.

In order for us to use our agency, we must have a knowledge of good and evil, we must have the freedom to make choices, and after we have exercised our agency, there must be consequences that follow our choices."

Elder Paul then goes on to explain the importance of making right choices, so that we can prove ourselves to our Heavenly Father. He says that as we make the right choices, even at times when it is not easy or convenient that the Lord will bless us and take care of us.

This is a beautiful talk. Elder Paul speaks not only of the gift of agency, but also of our responsibility to use it correctly. Elder Paul speaks of the importance of doing God's will over our own. I hope that you will take the time to read this wonderful talk.

Learn more about Miriam Caldwell

Miriam is a SAHM mom of three children. She has a daughter who is seven, and two sons, four and two. She loves being a parent and spending time with her children.

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