Agency or Inspiration—Which? | Bruce R. McConkie | February 1973
Apr 14, 2024
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Bruce R. McConkie, a religious figure, discusses the balance between agency and inspiration in decision-making. He emphasizes the importance of eternal marriage, proper living, and seeking spiritual guidance. The podcast explores personal anecdotes, stories of early church history, and the significance of aligning one's will with divine guidance for blessings and fulfillment.
Balancing agency and inspiration in decision-making is crucial, combining personal effort with seeking divine guidance.
Aligning personal agency with spiritual confirmation leads to navigating challenges and gaining spiritual growth.
Deep dives
The Importance of Agency and Inspiration
Using the example of choosing a wife, the speaker emphasizes the significance of balancing agency and inspiration in decision-making. He highlights the need to actively use one's talents and abilities to make choices while also seeking guidance and confirmation through the Spirit of Revelation. By discussing the story of Oliver Cowdery's misunderstanding of seeking revelation, the podcast underlines the importance of personal effort combined with spiritual guidance for making correct decisions.
Case Studies on Agency and Inspiration
The podcast explores case studies involving Oliver Cowdery and the brother of Jared, demonstrating the interplay between individual agency and seeking divine inspiration. Oliver's experience of misinterpreting the concept of asking in faith for translating and the brother of Jared's journey of solving problems independently with divine aid illustrate the necessity of aligning personal efforts with seeking guidance from the Lord. These examples underscore the principle of engaging personal agency while being open to inspiration.
Teaching Correct Principles and Seeking Revelation
The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of teaching correct principles alongside seeking personal revelation. Quoting Joseph Smith's teaching on revelation and emphasizing the need for humility and consultation with the Lord, the speaker encourages listeners to actively engage their agency in decision-making while seeking spiritual confirmation. By aligning personal efforts with divine guidance, individuals can navigate life's challenges, receive peace, and ultimately gain spiritual growth and blessings.
Do we simply use our agency or do we rely on inspiration from God? The fact is that we can't move forward without either when we counsel with the Lord. Click this link to view the speech page.