Agency

1.  “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," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 27-28)

2. "Endowed with agency, you and I are agents, and we primarily are to act and not just be acted upon. To believe that someone or something can make us feel offended, angry, hurt, or bitter diminishes our moral agency and transforms us into objects to be acted upon. As agents, however, you and I have the power to act and to choose how we will respond to an offensive or hurtful situation." (David A. Bednar, "And Nothing Shall Offend Them," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 90)

3. "In a world where everyone is granted agency, some of our loved ones may stray for a season. But we can never give up. We must always go back for them—we must never stop trying." (Bradley D. Foster, "Mother Told Me," Ensign, May 2010, 99)

4. "The way to exaltation is not a freeway featuring unlimited vision, unrestricted speeds, and untested skills. Rather, it is known by many forks and turnings, sharp curves, and controlled speeds. Our driving ability is being put to the test. Are we ready? We’re driving. We haven’t passed this way before. Fortunately, the Master Highway Builder, even our Heavenly Father, has provided a road map showing the route to follow. He has placed markers along the way to guide us to our destination." (Thomas S. Monson, "Crisis at the Crossroads," New Era, Nov. 2002, 5)

5. "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 for 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," Ensign, May 1995, 23)

6. "You are to do the choosing here and now during this exciting and wonderful time on earth. Moral agency, the freedom to choose, is certainly one of God's greatest gifts next to life itself. We have the honorable right to choose; therefore, we need to choose the right. This is not always easy." (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Your Right to Choose the Right," New Era, Aug. 2005, 8)

7. "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 joy and freedom into your life now and in the future." (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "See the End from the Beginning," Ensign, May 2006, 42)

8. “We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day!”  (Richard G. Scott, "The Transforming Power of Faith and Character, Oct. 2010, http://www.lds.org)

9. "Everyone is tested.  One might think it is unfair to be singled out and subjected to a particular temptation, but this is the purpose of mortal life---to be tested.  And the answer is the same for everyone: we must, and we can, resist temptations of any kind." (Boyd K. Packer, "Guided by the Holy Spirit," April 2011, http://www.lds.org)

10. “Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully, but also as a determination to live decently. A moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others will disapprove or laugh. Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well.” (Thomas S. Monson, "The Call for Courage," Ensign, May 2004, 55-56)