Free Will and Being Directed by the Spirit

Using Free Will AND Being Directed By the Spirit

Bruce R. McConkie

It is not, never has been, and never will be the design and purpose of the Lord-however much we seek him in prayer- to answer all our problems and concerns without struggle and effort on our part. This mortality is a probationary estate. In it we have our agency. We are being tested to see how we will respond in various situations; how we will decide issues; what course we will pursue while we are here walking, not by sight, but by faith. Hence, we are to solve our own problems and then to counsel with the Lord in prayer and receive a spiritual confirmation that our decisions are correct. ("Why the Lord Ordained Prayer," Ensign, Jan. 1976, p. 11)

Neal A. Maxwell

Because the divine maxim is "nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself" (Moses 3:17), we are to learn to choose responsibly, yet in doing this we need help. We also need help regularly. The plan of salvation is designed to facilitate our learning to choose wisely when we opt for righteousness and eternal life instead of misery and death (2 Nephi 2:27).

In the early days of the Church, there were several petitions to the Lord to which He responded in a tutoring manner. On one occasion, the brethren needed a watercraft. The Lord responded that whether they made one or bought one, "it mattereth not to me" (D&C 61:22). It did matter to the Lord that some "take their journey speedily" (D&C 52:7).

In like manner, a question arose as to whether they should go by land or water. The Lord said they should do "according to their judgments" (D&C 61:22). A similar divine response was given to the question of whether some of the brethren should go in a group or two by two; they were told this was something for them to determine. On another occasion, as to the direction in which they should proceed, the Lord said whether it was east or west or north or south, it didn't matter; they could not go amiss, because so many opportunities awaited (D&C 80:3).

These incidents do not suggest any divine indifference whatsoever as to details. Rather, they illustrate how the mentoring of the Lord will surely guide us, but He expects us to use our own minds reliably and to develop them even further in our capacity to choose. Experience, therefore, can be a workhorse way of learning, as we develop our capacity to choose wisely under the influence of the Spirit. (The Promise of Discipleship, pp. 100-101)

Dallin H. Oaks

We are often left to work out problems, without the dictation or specific direction of the Spirit. That is part of the experience we must have in mortality. Fortunately, we are never out of our Savior's sight, and if our judgment leads us to actions beyond the limits of what is permissible and if we are listening to the still small voice, the Lord will restrain us by the promptings of His Spirit. (Quoted in L. Lionel Kendrick, "Personal Revelation," Ensign, Sept. 1999, p. 10)

L. Lionel Kendrick (Seventy)

Frequency of revelation. It is a misconception to believe that we should consult Heavenly Father on every matter in life. He expects us to solve a portion of our problems without petitioning Him for potential solutions. It is through this process that we grow, develop, and become more perfect. He is not always concerned about mundane matters unless they are not in keeping with sacred principles. We should daily petition for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. With this presence of the Spirit, we will feel the promptings without petitioning Heavenly Father on every personal matter. ("Personal Revelation," Ensign, Sept. 1999, p. 10)