To Act or To Be Acted Upon: A Scriptural Insight

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To Act or To Be Acted Upon

A Scriptural Insight

In life, we often encounter moments where we face the choice between taking action or passively allowing circumstances to dictate our direction. This concept is deeply embedded in the teachings of the scriptures and has profound implications for our spiritual growth and personal agency.

Scriptural Foundation
The principle of acting versus being acted upon is perhaps most clearly articulated in the Book of Mormon. In 2 Nephi 2:14, Lehi teaches his sons that God created all things, including “both things to act and things to be acted upon.” Lehi contrasts agency—the power to act for oneself—with a state of passivity where we are merely the recipients of external forces. In 2 Nephi 2:26, Lehi further explains that

“men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life... or to choose captivity and death.”

This passage highlights that agency is not only a gift but entails responsibility; our choices lead us toward different outcomes.

Examples from the Scriptures
One clear scriptural example of choosing to act is found in Helaman 5:2–4, where Nephi and Lehi, the sons of Helaman, decide to preach the gospel instead of succumbing to societal pressures. Their decision to act according to their faith influenced thousands of Nephites and Lamanites to convert and repent.

Conversely, an example of being acted upon can be drawn from the story of the Israelites in 1 Samuel 8:19-20. Despite Samuel’s warnings, the Israelites demanded a king to

“judge us and go out before us, and fight our battles.” Instead of trusting in the Lord and acting in faith, they desired someone to act for them, leading to eventual sorrow and hardship under many of their kings.

Practical Application
Embracing the principle of taking action requires a conscious effort to seek divine guidance and to make righteous choices. The modern world is filled with distractions and challenges that can easily place us in a passive role. For instance, mindlessly scrolling through social media or avoiding difficult decisions can lead us to be acted upon rather than acting with purpose.

President Gordon B. Hinckley once said,

“I believe that if we will walk in obedience to the commandments of God, if we will follow the counsel of the priesthood, He will open a way even where there appears to be no way.”

This powerful promise underscores the importance of actively seeking to obey God's commandments and trusting in His guidance.

To Wrap It Up
In conclusion, the decision to act or to be acted upon influences our spiritual trajectory and our personal growth. The scriptures encourage us to be agents unto ourselves, exercising our God-given agency to choose liberty, righteousness, and eternal life. As we strive to act with faith and intentionality, we align our will with God's and invite His blessings into our lives.

- By Jerry N. Bustillo

Some featured conference messages that talks about on the same subject.

1. "Agency and Control" by Elder Boyd K. Packer (April 1983)
• Elder Packer discusses the principle of agency and how it enables us to act for ourselves rather than simply being controlled by external forces. He emphasizes our responsibility to make righteous decisions.
2. "Choose You This Day" by President Thomas S. Monson (October 2004)
• President Monson encourages us to make choices that align with God's commandments. He reminds us that our daily decisions shape our destiny and spiritual well-being.
3. "Moral Agency" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson (October 2009)
• Elder Christofferson delves into the doctrine of moral agency and its importance in the Plan of Salvation. He explains how our ability to choose and act is a fundamental aspect of our mortal experience.
4. "Choose to Stay" by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf (October 2021)
• Elder Uchtdorf speaks about the power of choosing to remain faithful and active in the Gospel despite challenges. He offers insights on how intentional decisions can help us stay rooted in our faith.
5. "We Can Do Better and Be Better" by President Russell M. Nelson (April 2019)
• President Nelson invites us to become better and more effective disciples of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that as we actively choose to improve and repent, we draw closer to the Savior.

Some other Conference Messages for additional studies.

• To Act for Ourselves: The Gift and Blessings of Agency" by Robert D. Hales (April 2006)
• "We Are Free to Choose" by Samuel C. Patterson (October 1981)
• "Moral Agency" by D. Todd Christofferson (October 2009)
• "Choose You This Day" by Thomas S. Monson (October 2004)
• "The Blessing of Agency" by R. Conrad Schultz (October 2006)
• "Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life" by Robert D. Hales (October 2010)
• "Gift of Agency" by Boyd K. Packer (October 1992)
• "Free Forever, to Act for Themselves" by D. Todd Christofferson (October 2014)
• "Ye Are Free" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf (April 2006)
• "To Act for Themselves" by Dallin H. Oaks (October 2015)
• "Watching with All Perseverance" By Elder David A. Bednar 
• "Acting for Ourselves and Not Being Acted Upon" President James E. Faust
• "And Nothing Shall Offend Them" Elder David A. Bednar