FREEDOM TO CHOOSE

Our Relief Society lesson today was Chapter 4 in our Gospel Principles manual. The lesson is entitled, "Freedom to Choose." The lesson was taught by Sister Ann Bany who introduced the lesson by asking, "Why is it important to have agency?"

In the War in Heaven, one third of God's children chose to follow Satan. In so doing, they lost the ability to obtain a body, lost their agency to choose between good and evil, and lost their privilege to live once again in God's Kingdom. Satan, and those who followed him, rebelled against God and sought to destroy the agency of man. It was pointed out in our lesson that if we were forced to choose the right (Satan's plan), we would not be able to show what we would choose for ourselves. Also, we are happier doing things when we have made our own choices.

Agency is what makes our life on earth a period of testing. God wanted to see if we would follow His commandments when were were out of His presence and influence. He wanted to know if we would make wise, proper choices and qualify to live in His sin-free environment. He wanted us to learn from our mistakes and He wanted us to be responsible for the choices we make. As we make proper choices, we grow in wisdom and strength of character. Sister Bany pointed out that as we make good choices, we find it earier to continue to make right choices.

It is necessary for us to have opposition in our lives. Without opposition, righteousness cannot exist. We must be tempted and we must pray always asking God to help us withstand those temptations. However, it is important for us to understand that our Heavenly Father will not allow us to be tempted beyond our power to resist that temptation.

God's commandments direct us away from danger and toward eternal life. By choosing wisely, we will gain exaltation, progress eternally, and enjoy perfect happiness.