Topic

Agency

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that agency, or the ability to choose for ourselves, is an essential part of Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation. A war was fought in heaven when Satan advocated an opposing plan that stifled the agency of Heavenly Father’s children. Because we are here on earth, we know that all of us fought for and chose God’s plan.

One of our major purposes in this mortal life is to show that we are willing to follow God of our own free will. Therefore, Heavenly Father will never take away our ability to choose. He will give us commandments, but He will not force us to obey.

Every choice has a consequence. God ensures our agency, but by so doing He also allows us to face the consequences of our actions, good or bad. We are also often faced with the consequences of the actions of others. While it is difficult to deal with the consequences of our own agency and the agency of others, the alternative—a world without consequences—would effectively be a world without choices. Without agency, we would be unable to learn and grow. Our righteousness would be meaningless and our joy empty. In the Book of Mormon, Nephi teaches that without wickedness, we cannot know righteousness, and without sorrow, we cannot know happiness (2 Nephi 2:22-23). Thankfully, the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes the negative consequences of agency, which would otherwise be eternal, only temporary if we will accept His grace. He can forgive our sins and heal the bitterness and pain caused by the wrongs of others.

Agency is empowered by knowledge. The more we know, the more power we have to make choices—and the more accountable we become for those choices. Therefore, we strive to learn all we can to enable us to not just choose good over evil, but best over “good enough”. We also strive to teach others so that they are empowered to choose.

These BYU devotionals explore the necessity and significance of human agency, its place within God’s plan for each of us, and its implications in many earthly endeavors.

Inspiring Shorts

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By Study & By Faith

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

D. Todd Christofferson April 27, 2023

Adam T. Woolley, BYU professor of chemistry

Adam T. Woolley May 17, 2022

Pam Musil August 6, 2019

Benjamin M. Ogles January 30, 2018

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Quentin L. Cook February 7, 2017

David V. Dearden March 31, 2009

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf November 11, 2003

Stan A. Taylor May 5, 1998

Macy R. West | April 25, 2024

The way we view our lives can help develop our perception of the past, our approach to the present, and our possibilities for the future.

commencement 2024

K. Brett Nattress - General Authority Seventy

K. Brett Nattress | January 16, 2024

We can choose to think celestial every day by praying, reading the scriptures, and serving others, even if we have made mistakes in the past.

devotional 2024

Wendy W. Reese | January 9, 2024

Being a disciple of Christ means not just hearing the gospel and words of the prophets but also acting on those teachings.

devotional 2024

D. Todd Christofferson | April 27, 2023

D. Todd Christofferson encourages BYU graduates to offer the kind of political leadership that preserves moral agency and accountability.

commencement 2023

Kevin J Worthen | September 6, 2022

Expanding on the prophetic counsel of President Russell M. Nelson, Kevin J Worthen teaches how to choose our own destinies.

devotional 2022

Adam T. Woolley | May 17, 2022

BYU implements a unique form of teaching centered around scholarship and faith that draws us closer to the Savior’s example.

devotional 2022

Gilbert W. Fellingham | November 9, 2021

BYU professor Gilbert W. Fellingham presents six rules for success in life from the perspective of a statistician and coach.

devotional 2021

James B. Martino | September 15, 2020

Elder James B. Martino discusses the power that agency brings to our lives. You alone can choose "whom ye will serve."

devotional 2020

Kevin J Worthen | August 24, 2020

President Kevin J Worthen shares insights on how we should act despite outside influences, while sharing examples from the campus community.

university conference 2020

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Ronald A. Rasband | January 21, 2020

Elder Rasband teaches about the the gift of agency. We are free to choose joy, to choose how we worship, and to choose to follow Jesus Christ.

devotional 2020

Pam Musil | August 6, 2019

Pam Musil gives five suggestions to help make permanent change a part of your life. Her knowledge of dance greatly influences her advice.

devotional 2019

Gerrit W. Gong | October 16, 2018

Elder Gong shares the lessons we have the opportunity to seek after now, so that in the future we can grow closer to Christ in understanding and love.

devotional 2018

Joy D. Jones | August 21, 2018

We are all enticed and tempted by our surroundings. It is through our agency that we respond to enticements in a way that helps us become more like Christ.

devotional 2018

Benjamin M. Ogles | January 30, 2018

The doctrines of agency, accountability, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ lay the foundation for understanding the devastating issue of sexual assault.

devotional 2018

Lynn G. Robbins | August 22, 2017

Agency and accountability are paired principles. Being responsible for your actions leads to having control over your life.

devotional 2017

Quentin L. Cook | February 7, 2017

Our choices have consequences. Satan tries to convince otherwise, but his plan only brings misery. God's plan brings lasting happiness.

devotional 2017

Stephen W. Liddle | May 3, 2016

When we choose to exercise our agency to learn, grow, and accomplish good in this world, our influence will naturally increase.

devotional 2016

James L. Slaughter | July 1, 2014

One great blessing we enjoy in this life is the blessing of choice—choosing the path our life will take and the type of person we want to become.

devotional 2014

Ryan Holmes | May 7, 2013

As impressive as modern technology is, a celestial communication network is infinitely more pure and capable than man's smartest technology.

devotional 2013

Paul V. Johnson | November 6, 2012

With our agency, we can choose to follow the Savior and experience joy and liberty or to follow Satan and experience misery and captivity.

devotional 2012

Robert D. Hales | September 14, 2010

By using our agency to follow Christ, we choose eternal life. With poor choices, we "paint ourselves into a corner," limiting freedom.

devotional 2010

David V. Dearden | March 31, 2009

Science provides many answers to life's questions and the mysteries of the universe, but God also left uncertainty so we can depend on faith.

devotional 2009

D. Todd Christofferson | January 31, 2006

By using our God-given moral agency in the way that Jesus Christ exemplified, we don't become God's puppets—we become like Him.

devotional 2006

Lynn A. Mickelsen | June 28, 2005

Becoming decisive is part of our spiritual growing up. This growing up requires constant decision making. We must learn to be decisive, because indecision is no choice at all. If we fail to choose, we fail to act.

devotional 2005

Dana T. Griffen | May 31, 2005

Everyone has freedom to make choices, which can be difficult, but as we choose to follow God, we choose to change and become better.

devotional 2005

Claudia J. Clayton | April 6, 2004

I submit that a prerequisite for dealing in any way with adversaries is to love them. A wonderful side effect of living this principle is that it invites the Spirit to teach us how to handle the situation. Hatred and contempt are not consonant with the presence of the Spirit.

devotional 2004

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ.

Neal A. Maxwell | March 16, 2004

Though we are free to choose our actions, we must weigh them against eternal consequences. Agency is a gift from God and we must treasure it.

devotional 2004

Dieter F. Uchtdorf | November 11, 2003

At times we will go through trials and need to be lifted up. Control, attitude, and faith in God's power will create wind beneath our wings.

devotional 2003

Randall W. Boothe | February 4, 2003

In every season of our lives, we have choices to make. We must choose to come unto Christ, keep His commandments, and obey His voice.

devotional 2003

Henry B. Eyring—second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Henry B. Eyring | August 15, 2000

The principles of agency, opposition, and obedience can help us teach our youth and fill our lives with ever-growing light and truth.

university conference 2000

Sheri L. Dew | March 21, 2000

Choose to keep God's commandments and stay out of Satan's territory. We are promised safety and peace on the Lord's side of the line.

devotional 2000

Dallin H. Oaks—first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dallin H. Oaks | February 9, 1999

An important discussion of controversial topics such as the family, abortion, choice, and diversity, in terms of earthly objectives and eternal goals.

devotional 1999

Stan A. Taylor | May 5, 1998

Agency is a great gift, so we sometimes struggle with duel sovereignty, but we can help and accept the government by being accountable citizens.

devotional 1998

Clayne L. Pope | March 25, 1997

because we have the gift of agency, we also have responsibility and consequences, but most important of all, we also have repentance.

devotional 1997

Marion D. Hanks | April 16, 1996

The atonement, along with our own agency and accountability, work together to comprise the essence of the Plan of Salvation.

devotional 1996

Richard G. Scott | March 3, 1996

Richard G. Scott implores us to decide to keep the Lord's standards and live so that the Holy Ghost can inspire us to do what is right.

devotional 1996

Ruth E. Brasher | May 30, 1995

Ruth E. Brasher, director of the BYU Honor Code Office, shares insights into the dangers of separating agency from accountability.

devotional 1995

Elaine L. Jack | January 3, 1993

To "get a life," we must use our agency to love God and serve others. Then, no matter our circumstance, we can say "Life can't get any better than this."

devotional 1993

Dennis Rasmussen | May 9, 1989

Using the precious power to choose, we must choose to live by following the right rules, choosing discipline, and choosing the Master.

devotional 1989

J. Richard Clarke | February 14, 1989

Christlike character is cultivated through our choices, not our circumstances or predispositions. We are always accountable for our actions.

devotional 1989

Dallin H. Oaks | October 11, 1987

God's plan includes agency, the freedom to choose. That cannot be taken away, but our freedom, or ability to act on our choices, can.

devotional 1987

Glenn L. Pace | March 25, 1986

There is a balance in life between looking to the Lord's hand in all things and using your God-given agency to guide you through life.

devotional 1986

L. Tom Perry | October 27, 1985

Elder Perry answers questions from students about living the gospel. His overarching counsel is to choose to serve the Lord above all else.

devotional 1985

Angel Abrea | June 26, 1984

Your free agency is a gift from God and can save you from being tied down by procrastination, bad habits, and debilitating excuses.

devotional 1984

F. Burton Howard | May 22, 1984

In life's opportunities for giving and getting, let us be more concerned with giving. Nothing worth getting comes without work and sacrifice.

devotional 1984

Mary Ellen Edmunds | February 1, 1984

Using the tagline, "spiritual is as spiritual does," Mary Ellen Edmunds reminds us that spirituality is determined by the steps we take to develop it.

devotional 1984

Royden G. Derrick | June 14, 1983

Agency is central to the Plan of Salvation. Using it to follow God's commandments gives us true independence and power over our destiny.

devotional 1983

Dean L. Larsen | March 1, 1981

Our light will shine and we will influence the world for good as we respect the agency of others and have pure intentions.

devotional 1981

S. Dilworth Young | May 30, 1978

God desires all His children to return to Him, but the conflict of life is to choose between eternity's blessings and compromising for worldly things.

devotional 1978

Daniel H. Ludlow | July 2, 1974

Daniel H. Ludlow outlines the conditions necessary for our moral free agency to be effective. In our lives and our country, we must preserve this freedom.

devotional 1974

Bruce R. McConkie | February 27, 1973

Do we simply use our agency or do we rely on inspiration from God? We can't move forward without either when we counsel with the Lord.

devotional 1973

Elray L. Christiansen | March 14, 1962

Time is a god-given gift that the wise will cherish and that the foolish will waste or misuse; what we do here will determine what we are in the eternities.

devotional 1962

Harold B. Lee - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Harold B. Lee | April 19, 1961

It isn't enough to be doing the right things; we need to make sure we are doing them for the right reasons. Ask yourself, "Are my motives pure?"

devotional 1961

Theodore M. Burton | January 16, 1961

The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

devotional 1961

Adam S. Bennion | March 5, 1957

What are you making of the many opportunities you have? Adam S. Bennion counsels students to take advantage of their time devoted to study and improvement.

devotional 1957