Grateful for the Chance to Choose!

Today in Relief Society we talked about agency - one of my favorite principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Our lesson today was based on a talk from President Thomas S. Monson in General Conference November 2010 - The Three R's of Choice. Below are my favorite two paragraphs from his talk:

"We know that we had our agency before this world was and that Lucifer attempted to take it from us. He had no confidence in the principle of agency or in us and argued for imposed salvation. He insisted that with his plan none would be lost, but he seemed not to recognize—or perhaps not to care—that in addition, none would be any wiser, any stronger, any more compassionate, or any more grateful if his plan were followed.

We who chose the Savior’s plan knew that we would be embarking on a precarious, difficult journey, for we walk the ways of the world and sin and stumble, cutting us off from our Father. But the Firstborn in the Spirit offered Himself as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of all. Through unspeakable suffering He became the great Redeemer, the Savior of all mankind, thus making possible our successful return to our Father."

And that brings me to my lyrics for the day:

"Know then that ev'ry soul is free,
To choose his life and what he'll be;
For this eternal truth is given,
That God will force no man to heaven.

He'll call, persuade direct aright;,
And bless with wisdom, love, and light;
In nameless ways be good and kind;
But never force the human mind."

Know This, That Every Soul Is Free, Hymn 240 in LDS Hymnbook

I can't even express how much I LOVE this - God won't force us to do what is right. BUT, He will provide us with help and direction if we are willing to ask for and follow His guidance.