The Gift of Agency Reflects Your Worth
The concept of agency, or the ability to make choices, is deeply intertwined with the worth of individuals from our LDS perspective. Agency is a divine gift granted to all of God’s children, allowing us to act and not merely be acted upon. This connection between agency and worth emphasizes that our ability to choose reflects God’s trust in us and His recognition of our eternal potential. Here's how agency enhances our understanding of individual worth:
1. Agency as Evidence of Divine Trust
God’s gift of agency demonstrates His confidence in our ability to grow, learn, and fulfill our divine potential. The very fact that God allows us to make our own choices underscores our worth. This trust affirms that we are capable, valued, and integral to His work.
2. Agency and Accountability
Accountability is not a punishment but an opportunity to grow and demonstrate our divine nature. Through our choices, we can become more like our Heavenly Parents, refining our character and aligning ourselves with eternal principles. This process of growth reflects our immense worth as beings capable of progress and change.
3. The Role of the Savior in Agency
Agency allows us to make mistakes, and mistakes are an inevitable part of mortal life. The Atonement of Jesus Christ ensures that our worth is not diminished by our failures. Instead, it provides a way for us to learn, choose again, and improve. The Savior’s sacrifice is a profound testament to our worth—He paid the ultimate price so that our agency could remain intact and we could return to God’s presence.
4. Agency Empowers Personal Growth
Understanding that our choices matter fosters a sense of empowerment and responsibility. We demonstrate our worth when we use agency to bless others, develop talents, and fulfill divine callings. Each decision we make, whether small or significant, contributes to our eternal journey and the realization of our divine potential.
5. Agency and Eternal Identity
Agency is rooted in the plan of salvation, where we chose to follow God’s plan and come to earth. That choice in the premortal life affirms our eternal worth and our commitment to growth. Even now, our use of agency reflects our understanding of who we are—beloved children of God with the capacity to choose light over darkness and love over fear.
A Divine Connection
Inherent worth and agency are inseparable. Agency allows us to act in ways that affirm and reflect our divine identity, while our divine worth is the foundation for God granting us this sacred gift. By honoring our agency and striving to make choices aligned with eternal truths, we demonstrate gratitude for this gift and a deep understanding of our divine value.
