Tonight my mind has been on free agency. I am reminded by a talk given by President Monson back many years ago. There are Three R’s of Free Agency. “Right, Responsibility, Results.
Our Heavenly Father gave us free agency, even from the very beginning, after He had pointed out to Adam the trees in the Garden from which he might freely eat, He then directed Adam’s attention to one tree and advised him that he should not partake of the fruit thereof. He then added, “… nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee. …”(Moses 3:17)
I think about the RIGHT of choice – what does this mean?
I have the right to choose what is best for me. I have the right to move in the direction I feel is the best choice to make.
I think about the REPONSIBILITY of Choice – what does this mean?
If I choose my direction then I will need to take full responsibility of that choice and never look back and know that I made the best choice to begin with.
I think about the RESULT of choice – what does this mean?
The results of my choice will impact me and those around me. It may be for the better or for the worst, but I will live with the result.
So next time you make a choice, remember you have the right, but you will need to take responsibility and you need to deal and live with the result.
Please let us know with a burning in our heart that our choice will be for the best what ever the choice may be.
3 comments:
Great thought, Choice, responsibility and accountability. . . It gives new insight to Alma 34:37
“And now, my beloved brethern, I desire that ye should remember these things, and that ye should work out your salvation . . .”
it's funny, i might not agree with the religious principles here, but this is *exactly* what we are working very hard to teach alex right now at home and at school.
you can make the right choice or the wrong choice. no one can force you to make the right choice. it is your choice to make.
but, if you make the wrong the choice, then there will be consequences. what the consequences are depend on what the choice is. they might be simply, making mommy and teachers sad/disappointed, loosing a privilege, or more natural consequences. like last night: choosing to pour your cup of water on your blankets means you have wet blankets.
but, if you make the right choice there are also consequences. again, they vary. things like mommy being happy, getting a reward or treat, stickers, etc.
but in the end it is his choice to make. and when it is framed as a choice between the consequences of making the "wrong" choice (like a time out) and the consequence of making the "right" choice (like reading an extra story together) he is way more likely to make the right choice.
all that i can do as a mother, and his teachers can do, is to remind him of what the consequences will be, and allow him to experience them for himself, good or bad, and hope that eventually he learns.
You two are amazing, love you! xoxo, Chelle
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