Agency

1. We can't direct the winds, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude." (Thomas S. Monson, "Living the Abundant Life." January 2012 Ensign) 

2. "If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest time in life can be a blessing. In all conditions, we can choose the right with the guidance of the Spirit. We have the gospel of Jesus Christ to shape and guide our lives if we choose it." (Henry B. Eyring, "Mountains to Climb" May 2012 Ensign)

3. 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 (compare Mosiah 24: 14-15)." (Dallin H. Oaks, "Love and Law" November 2009 Ensign)

4. "Certainly clumsy, embarrassing, unprincipled, and mean spirited things do not occur in our interactions with other people that would allow us to take offense. However, it ultimately is impossible for another person to offend you or to offend me. Indeed, believing that another person to offend you or to offend me. To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else." (David A. Bednar, "And Nothing Shall Offend Them" November 2006 Ensign) 


5. "You live in a time of great challenges and opportunities. As spirit sons of heavenly parents, you are free to make the right choices. This requires hard work, self-discipline, and an optimistic outlook, which will bring you and freedom into your life now and in the future." (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "See the End from the Beginning" May 2006 Ensign) 

6. "Know this, that ev'ry soul is free
To choose his life and what he'll be. 
For this eternal truth is giv'n
That God will force no man to heav'n. (LDS Hymn Know This, That Ev'ry Soul is Free, pg 240)

7. "No power on earth, no power beneath the earth, will ever prevent your or me or any Latter-day Saint from being saved, except ourselves." (Heber J. grant, "Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant")

8. "There is an unlimited supply of good music in the world. Thus our biggest challenge is to choose wisely what we listen to and what we watch." (M. Russell Ballard, "Let Our Voices be Heard.")

9.  "Choosing to do what the Lord has defined as right will, in the long run, always lead to the best outcomes." (Richard G. Scott, November 1998 Ensign)

10. "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 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." (M. Russell Ballard, "Answers to Life's Questions") 

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