Joseph explained to his brothers that their harmful decision to sell him into slavery had actually helped God fulfill His purposes for their family. Through His perfect knowledge, God accomplishes His goals for His children not only in spite of their choices, but through them.
Proactive Steadiness: Anxiously Engaged, but Not in Haste
In an 1831 revelation, the Lord gave two contrasting admonitions, urging church leaders to be anxiously engaged but not to work in haste nor by flight. We can balance eager initiative with careful restraint by (1) counseling continually with the Lord, (2) pacing ourselves, and (3) being fervently patient.
“Let Every Man Choose for Himself”
God honors our agency, even as He offers clear instructions. In Eden and in Ohio, He invites without compulsion: “Let every man choose for himself," He said. We can follow this pattern, extending invitations to others while respecting their choices and their timing.
Grace and Agency in Doctrine and Covenants 20
Doctrine and Covenants 20 teaches us about the relationship between grace and agency. Jesus Christ suffered so that we could be saved. We can choose to accept that gift (justification) and retain it over time (sanctification). Baptism enables us to accept it. The sacrament helps us retain it.
Samuel the Lamanite on the Burden of Freedom
Samuel the Lamanite concisely synthesized the teachings of prior Book of Mormon prophets into a sobering statement about agency: You own your choices and their consequences, including the choice to repent.
The Work of Justice
Alma told Corianton that God's work of justice cannot operate except on conditions of repentance. He meant that He will not transform us unless we are willing to be changed. It would be unjust for Him to give us something we don't want and would not value
Faith and Unforced Humility
Alma taught the Zoramites that it's better to humble yourself than to be compelled to be humble. He also said that choosing to have faith is better than waiting for knowledge. Spiritual growth depends upon personal initiative. We grow by exercising agency
Every Man [and Woman]
After telling the tragic story of Amlici, Mormon shared two lessons: 1. Everyone who is cursed chooses that curse. 2. Everyone will ultimately be paid by the one they chose to follow. God empowers us to make choices and to be accountable for those choices
Sense and Insensibility
Lehi identifies "sense" and "insensibility" as opposite outcomes made possible by opposition. Sense means intentional awareness, so insensibility must mean intentional unawareness. We can choose to perceive and discern the good and the evil around us.
Acting for Myself
Lehi taught his sons that God wants us to act for ourselves, instead of being "acted upon." Elder David A. Bednar has applied that principle to many activities, not being offended, seeking the Holy Ghost, and engaging students in the learning process.