Free Agency

I am persuaded that the least understood doctrine of active members of the Church is free agency. I marvel when I hear stories of how people run their families, serve in their callings, and describe events they have participated in. In all too many instances it is evident that they have little or no understanding of the doctrine of free agency.

There is a certain irony in this as the War in Heaven was over free agency. Certainly Satan hasn't forgotten that little disagreement and is still trying to prove he was right. In passing through the veil we have forgotten everything and thus have forgotten how important free agency was to us at one time.

I didn't understand free agency for a long time and it wasn't until a bishop counseled me in my early 30's to read D&C 121:34-46 every day for 90 days that I started to understand free agency. About the 85th day my eyes began to be opened and I began to understand how little I understood, and where I needed to repent.

The brethren understand free agency, you can see it in how the Church operates at a general level. Most Stake Presidents and Bishops understand free agency; we can also see it in how they lead their wards and stakes. Way too many members don't understand free agency and it is to our own detriment.