Addiction Quote by Russell M. Nelson
“Agency, or the power to choose, was ours as spirit children of our Creator before the world was. It is a gift from God, nearly as precious as life itself. Often, however, agency is misunderstood. While we are free to choose, once we have made those choices, we are tied to the consequence of those choices. We are free to take drugs or not. But once we choose to use a habit-forming drug, we are bound to the consequences of that choice. Addiction surrenders later freedom to choose.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: General Conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, 2023
Human beings possess the divine ability to choose, but each choice binds them to its outcomes, especially harmful habits that erode future freedom.
In simple terms: Choice is a gift that carries responsibility and consequences.
Key Takeaway
Recognize freedom’s cost and choose wisely.
Themes
freeedom
responsibility
consequence
addiction
spirituality
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- Personal decisions
- substance use
- ethical dilemmas
- spiritual growth
Key Concepts
Divine agency
moral accountability
habit formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do external influences shape our perceived freedom?
- What safeguards can protect against harmful choices?
A Different Perspective
The quote assumes all choices are equally informed, ignoring systemic pressures.
