Agency Quote by James E. Faust
“Honesty is a principle, and we have our moral agency to determine how we will apply this principle. We have the agency to make choices, but ultimately we will be accountable for each choice we make. We may deceive others, but there is One we will never deceive. From the Book of Mormon we learn, "The keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name." [2 Nephi 9:41]”
About This Quote
Source Religious text: Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 9:41
Moral agency lets us choose actions, but ultimate accountability lies with a higher, infallible authority.
In simple terms: We choose actions, but God cannot be deceived.
Key Takeaway
Act with integrity, remembering divine oversight.
Themes
morality
accountability
faith
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
scriptural
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- leadership
- counseling
- religious education
Key Concepts
Theology
ethical philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile personal responsibility with belief in an omniscient deity?
- What limits exist on moral agency?
A Different Perspective
Human free will may conflict with deterministic views of divine control.
![“Satan had two conditions [to his plan]: the first was the denial of agency, and the second, that he would have the honor. In other words, something had to be in it for him. And thus he became the father of lies and selfishness. Taking up one's cross and following the Savior means overcoming…” quote by James E. Faust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/287/james-e-faust-1274_agency_satan-had-two-conditions-to-his-plan-the_97153.jpg)
![“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)
