Choice and Accountability #3

3. Agency, or the ability to choose, is one of God’s greatest gifts to His children. Read about agency in Joshua 24:15; 2 Nephi 2; and Doctrine and Covenants 82:2–10. With a parent or leader, discuss the blessings and responsibilities of agency. Record in your journal your understanding of agency and the consequences of choices and actions.


~ Agency ~
* Joshua 24:15 = the Lord gives us agency to choose whom we will serve or worship. We get blessings for serving the Lord but it is up to us to choose.
* D&C 82:2-10 = our choices, good or bad, have consequences; beware of the adversary who wants you to make bade choices; the Lord gives us commandments to teach us how to act and what is right; when we choose the right we will be blessed.
* 2 Nephi 2 = We are taught good and evil; Christ atoned for us and allowed for us to have agency; agency is all part of the plan; when we make mistakes we must repent; do good and find joy; we are free to choose and receive the consequences.

~ Blessing and Responsibilities of Agency ~
Because we have the ability to choose we will know the joy that comes from making righteous decisions and we can reap the associated blessings. Especially the blessing of eternal life. Because God has given us agency and taught us right from wrong, and because we know the great blessings that await us, we have the responsibility to choose the right or we willfully suffer the consequences.

~ Consequences of Choices and Actions ~
Agency is the ability and right to choose good or evil. When we choose good we are blessed and our privileges increase. When we choose evil we are held captive by sin, guilt, and sorrow. Elder Hales stated in October 2010 conference, "When we choose to do the will of our Heavenly Father, our agency is preserved, our opportunities increase, and we progress." I want to progress in this life and receive my promised blessings. Therefore, I will always strive to choose the right and do what is right so that the Lord can bless me.