Agency Quote by Boyd K. Packer
“Latter-day Saints are not obedient because they are compelled to be obedient. They are obedient because they know certain spiritual truths and have decided, as an expression of their own individual agency, to obey the commandments of God. . . . We are not obedient because we are blind, we are obedient because we can see”
About This Quote
Source Book: Doctrine and Covenants Commentary, 1978
Obedience stems from understanding spiritual truths and personal agency, not blind compulsion.
In simple terms: People obey because they understand and choose, not because they are forced.
Key Takeaway
Seek knowledge to make informed, voluntary choices.
Themes
religion
agency
obedience
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- worship
- personal study
- ethical decisions
- community guidance
Key Concepts
spiritual insight
personal responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What truths inspire your commitments?
- How does personal agency affect your moral choices?
A Different Perspective
Blind obedience can arise from fear or misinformation.
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
