February: What is the role of agency in learning the gospel?

Agency

Activity

• Ask them to think of the choices they have made so far today and list as many as they can in one minute (write on board)
• Which of your choices today do you think was the most important?
• Where did you get your ability to choose?
• Moses 7:32 - Explain that Heavenly Father has given us agency—the power to choose between good and evil. But agency is more than just the ability to do what we want; agency is one of the most basic and important of all gospel laws.
• Quote1 - MAZE ANALOGY

Consequences

• Quote 2 - Emphasize to class members that when we make choices, we must accept the consequences. We are free to choose our actions, but we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions. The consequences of unwise choices can put us in a position where our choices, and thus our freedom, are greatly limited.
• Some people think that when we obey the commandments we give up our freedom. What do you guys think about that? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
• How do we lose freedom by making bad choices? How do we gain freedom by making good choices?
• How have you seen this happen in your own life?

Eternal Life

• 2 Nephi 2:27  -According to this verse, what is our main choice in this life? (To choose liberty and eternal life or captivity and death.)
• How do we choose liberty and eternal life? What choices have you made this week that lead you toward liberty and eternal life?
• How does breaking the commandments of God lead to captivity and death?
• What are some seemingly small choices we face each week that, if made improperly, could gradually lead to captivity and spiritual death? (Answers may include whether or not to pray daily, attend church meetings each week, obey your parents, be completely honest in your schoolwork.

Testimonys (Jay & Arianna goodbye)

Quotes

1. “Your agency, the right to make choices, is not given so that you can get what you want. This divine gift is provided so that you will choose what your Father in Heaven wants for you. That way He can lead you to become all that He intends you to be. That path leads to glorious joy and happiness” - Elder Scott

2. “We are free to obey or to ignore the spirit and the letter of the law. But the agency granted to man is a moral agency (see D&C 101:78). We are not free to break our covenants and escape the consequences”  - Elder Packer