7th Day of Christ

The Gift of Agency:  2 Nephi 2:27, Joshua 24:15, Helaman 14:30–31

We weren't sure which story to pick for this one. Mostly we taught about the Gift of Agency and What it means.  We touched on a few scriptures ... the parable of the talents... the rich young ruler who loved his money more than God... and next time we'll talk about Adam and Eve and share the thoughts below. Any other ideas???

"Adam and Eve were the first man and woman to live on the earth. God placed them in the Garden of Eden and told them not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. He told them, however, that they could choose for themselves but to remember that eating the fruit was forbidden and that they would die if they ate it. Later Satan came to the garden and tempted Eve to eat the fruit. She chose to do so and then gave some of the fruit to Adam, who also ate. As a result, God sent Adam and Eve out of the garden. They were now mortal and would one day die, but they had faith that God would send Jesus Christ to be their Savior."


True to the Faith manual on Agency:
Your Heavenly Father has given you agency, the ability to choose and to act for yourself. Agency is essential in the plan of salvation. Without it, you would not be able to learn or progress or follow the Savior. With it, you are “free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil” (2 Nephi 2:27).

Your use of this gift determines your happiness or misery in this life and in the life to come. You are free to choose and act, but you are not free to choose the consequences of your actions. The consequences may not be immediate, but they will always follow. Choices of good and righteousness lead to happiness, peace, and eternal life, while choices of sin and evil eventually lead to heartache and misery.

You are responsible for the decisions you make. You should not blame your circumstances, your family, or your friends if you choose to disobey God’s commandments. You are a child of God with great strength. You have the ability to choose righteousness and happiness, regardless of your circumstances.

You are also responsible for developing the abilities and talents Heavenly Father has given you. You are accountable to Him for what you do with your abilities and how you use your time. Do not idle away your time. Be willing to work hard. Choose to do many good things of your own free will.