The Invincible Power of Choice

Brother Colby Neilson

Bishopric Second Counselor

I am currently reading a book titled Essentialism by Greg McKeown. Part of this book talks about choosing and the invincible power of choice. A choice is an action. It is something we do. We don’t always have control over our options; however, we always have control how we choose among them. Options/things can be taken away while our core ability to choose (our free will) cannot.

As I thought more and more about this idea of choice and control of our choices, I started to draw parallels to the plan of our Heavenly Father.

We have the opportunity to come to Earth, be tested, learn from mistakes, learn to repent, learn to use the Atonement in our lives, learn to serve others, learn to feel and act on spiritual promptings, and many more learning opportunities. At the core of this learning is our ability to choose. God gave us agency that we might make our own choices and learn from the consequences.

There are many influences around us that want to direct our choices. Some are wonderful and sadly, some are not so wonderful. Many current circumstances put us in a place where we don’t have control over our options. Our choice is to make the best of those options or situations or circumstances where we currently find ourselves. We know that if our circumstances are not favorable, the Savior can help us as he has overcome all.

Making efforts, great or small is progress. Our day -to - day choices direct our path in life through our thoughts and actions. In the scriptures we are taught to choose whom we will serve. (Alma 30: 8 Choose ye this day, whom you will serve)

As we take control of our own options and choose to serve the Lord we make the right choice. As we prayerfully follow the spirit while making these choices, we will be on the path to aligning ourselves with the will of the Lord and thus, progressing!

With much love I pray we can all make the choices that bring the Holy Ghost more fully into our lives to strengthen us through the challenges and help us find joy in all things.