The Agency of Man

 "Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given unto them which are expedient unto man. And they 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; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." (2 Nephi 2:27) Emphasis added.

 

What we learn from Lehi in those verses in that chapter of Nephi's second book is this: that we were created to act, move, and choose. To choose what though? To choose Christ, to choose Christ and his ways. His commandments, His atoning sacrifice, His perfect example and walk in the path He did. Or, we are free and are equally enticed to follow Satan. To choose him who was found unworthy before God. To choose him that now corrupts the hearts of men and the same being who is the author of death and sin. To choose to yield to sin, mingle with temptations, to give in,or even worse to give up. These are our choices, this is what Christ was teaching us when He said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." this wasn't a good suggestion or even a possible other way of showing our love for Him who so loved us. This was a commandment. Jesus said , "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

This is the first and great commandment." And if it is the greatest commandment shouldn't we abide by it? And how do we abide by it? By keeping the commandments. People often have the false notation that we believe that it is by our works, our merits, our grace, and our power that we are saved. That is absolutely completely false. Christ is the Author and Finisher of our Salvation, not me. I propose the question how can one be "saved" by God and Jesus Christ if they don't love either of them? They can't, at least not in the fullest measure. Our actions effect not only this life, but the next. Paul understood and taught this doctrine,

"Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5: 9-10) We "work", to please God. To show Him that we choose Him over Satan. What better or other way can we show our love for God than by keeping His commandments? We can't there is no other way this way was set by the Master Himself and is unfailing. To believe we are not capable of keeping the commandments is a false doctrine. Yes, they are hard and they are challenging and we will fail, but he didn't say, "If you can't be perfect then don't try at all." In fact He said the opposite, "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 10:22) Enduring to the end is simply failing, getting up and trying again. We are here on Earth to grow, to become better and to make the right choices that qualify us for eternal life. I love you all and may God bless you in your personal endeavors to come closer unto Him who created you.