“Free to Choose” | Neal A. Maxwell | 2004

Though we are free to choose our actions, we must weigh them against eternal consequences. Agency is a gift from God and we must treasure it.
This speech was given on March 16, 2004.
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"Thank you so much, President Samuelson. You’re blessed to have this wonderful man as your president. But I miss him at Church headquarters-greatly and personally! It’s always easy to praise Sharon because she represents, as does my wife-as do so many others-the faithful women of this dispensation, without whom this work simply could not be done. They are the kind of souls who are high yield and low maintenance.
I appreciate the special rendering of Merrill Bradshaw’s composition, having had the privilege of spending a little time with him just a couple of hours before he died. I appreciate, likewise, Steve Cleveland’s prayer. This is a man who cares about what happens on the basketball court, but first he’s a disciple. For that I love him the more.
Unsurprisingly, I have become more keenly conscious of the passage of time. Several evenings ago a 13-year-old granddaughter was on her way, all made up, to be in a school play, and I found myself saying, “Kansas, this isn’t Dorothy anymore!” I am unresentful of the passage of time and am still well within the sound range of the kettle drums representing the cacophony of mortality. Yet I sometimes seem to hear, ever so faintly, the distant sounds of beckoning trumpets as these waft in upon me.
I plead for the Spirit to help me. But you must help, too, because of the format of this presentation, which will feature a conversational style and which assumes you will be active, though inward, responders. I hope the Spirit will arc between us so that there is a rapid and shared understanding (see D&C 50:10). In any case, I hope you feel my love and openness and forgive in advance my falling short.
The vital revelations about the agency of man-the freedom to choose-inevitably and simultaneously portray the perfect generosity and perfect justice of God. In the key words that soon follow, we see how deeply serious God is about human joy. The Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves” (Teachings, 343). In no respect, brothers and sisters, is this more true than with regard to comprehending God’s mercy and justice and His commitment to our freedom to choose.
The doctrine of our freedom to choose is set forth sparsely and is not fully presented in the precious Holy Bible. But we have key phrases that have been given to us in the Restoration scriptures:
1. “I [have given] unto man his agency” (Moses 7:32; emphasis added; see also D&C 101:78; Moses 4:3; JST, Genesis 3:4).
2. “Thou mayest choose for thyself” (Moses 3:17; emphasis added).
The gift sounds reassuring and really good, doesn’t it? I am free to choose-just as things ought to be! Certainly you and I can handle it-almost effortlessly!
3. “That ye may live and move and do according to your own will” (Mosiah 2:21; emphasis added).
The granting of agency is so complete and personal, isn’t it? So breathtaking! Thus there is initial exhilaration. But a disquieting and accompanying realization also emerges:
Satan “sought to destroy the agency of man,” bringing on the war so vigorously fought in the premortal world (Moses 4:3; see also Revelation 12:7).
But never mind, you and I are still free, though admittedly we’re on a path requiring daily decisions as we
4. “act according to [our] wills and pleasures, whether to do evil or to do good” (Alma 12:31; emphasis added).
Do my viscera feel a catch coming? Otherwise, why does the divine candor seem so stern? Including in these next words:
5. “Whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free” (Helaman 14:30; emphasis added).
Evaporated by now is the earlier “no-hands” naïveté about how “I am free to choose.” Still, I am free to choose, even if I can neither be immune from the consequences of my wrong choices nor avoid accountability (see Romans 14:12; D&C 101:78)..."

[@Pinkmeg1989]

I miss Elder Maxwell so much!

[@A1djsauce]

This was delivered March 16, 2004. Elder Maxwell passed on 3 months later on July 21, 2004. That is amazing to me and I am grateful to have come across this speech.

[@michaelmansfield8568]

A powerful testimony of truth given by a man who paid attention to the details of truth. Thank you, Elder Maxwell. You are my hero.

[@ofelia829]

“No agency avoidance”. “Choosing to be obedient is a choice”. “Being obedient is the path to eternal life”. Very strong statements. They shake. Being spiritually submissive is super difficult… Pride and ego complain. A little effort on a regular basis is enough. We can also learn to treat ourselves in a very kind way indeed. That’s a choice as well. Thank you for uploading. It shakes me to look at Elder Maxwell like this, yet a very strong faith.

[@mskerr8925]

I am inspired by this inspiring message please Father in Heaven help me to choose the right at all times.

[@1004Benny]

Good old days, indeed, when members of the Church (and BYU students) could be enlightened with sound doctrine! Praise to this BYU speeches channel for helping us remember that and, according to this message, choose correctly.

[@TG-zu2ih]

We have another opportunity to be enlightened by sound doctrine in 2 weeks!

[@fireofevender5515]

It's 2022, sound doctrine still enlightens. Carry on! 🕊️

[@chrisblanc663]

This is a great talk on agency and choice. True sound doctrine indeed.

[@UVJ_Scott]

This talk was given just a few months prior to Elder Maxwell passed away from leukemia. So grateful for the recordings that allow us to partake of his spirit, knowledge and witness.

[@mayrahq]

“No decision is a Decision”. Wonderful and powerful quotes. Thanks elder Maxwell

[@danaezama5701]

Elder Maxwell had a great influence on my life. In 1977, as a young adult, I was working at the Church Office Building in SLC. The workers were invited to his talks during lunch hour and I would often attend his talks. He taught me that the Church is about love and that we should "love others more than ourselves, or we will one day betray them". This was before he was called to the Council of the Twelve. I followed him throughout my life and it often felt as if his talks were made for me. I think that he worked hard on his talks, trying to make them help as many people as possible - people in diverse trials and situations. I never really met him, but I sure loved him for what he did for me spiritually.

[@jbrianallred8742]

I was fortunate to be in attendance when Elder Maxwell gave this talk. In my opinion, the best message on agency I have ever heard.

[@ruthgrey9884]

I sure love hearing Elder Maxwell. I miss him!

[@marcelastacey890]

I think I need to listen to this talk many more times to really absorb all the Nuggets of wisdom he revealed here. How blessed we are to have these recordings, and to be able to listen to them as many times as we need. I found myself clicking the 10-seconds arrow multiple times because of becoming so entranced by one of these nuggets that I’d miss the next one. So much to think about. So much to absorb. Thank you, Elder Maxwell for living what you taught and for leaving your testament with us. You’re missed.

[@Jan-wd1is]

Same here😄

[@amandautah]

Same. So much to take in.

[@mrdevonscook]

“People are worth more than stars.”

[@dianakyan7932]

I am at my lowest right now,conflicting ego and obedience stresses me,. I tried my best choosing the right for me and my husband,but i cannot choose on his behalf and that's the hardest part..i pray to receive guidance this from

[@astig311]

Very timely for our days. The world’s gone mad! Come quickly Lord!

[@timothyhudson7999]

I miss Elder Maxwell. I could not fully appreciate his talks until first consulting a dictionary. I don't imagine seeing another Neal A. Maxwell in my life. And can you imagine the difficulty that any translator would have trying to translate this talk into another language? Wow.

[@Jan-wd1is]

I remember, it was impossible to take notes on his conference talks. So deep, with many meanings

[@diannaanderson]

A wonderful and concise summation of choice, accountability, and consequence.

[@leahcross8809]

I love Elder Maxwell. His messages always touch my heart deeply .

[@hiramc.9111]

Choose God always because God always choose you no matter what you do.

[@laurimuse1390]

I think we want others to make our decisions because we don’t trust ourselves, don’t trust God, don’t believe in grace, don’t want to put in effort, and want safety.

[@marcelastacey890]

Ouch. Your comment just punched me in the proverbial gut. I needed to read your comment. You were inspired. Thank you. 🙏🏼🥺❤️

[@user-dt1oy2vr6j]

Dear Elder Maxwell thank you for reminding us of the priveldge we all have of making our own choiiches.Thank you for reminding us that these truths will not change . I am so grateful for you the Leaders of God's Church are here upon this earth at this troubeling time to guide and remind us of how critical our choiches are for eternity. God bless you.

[@brucemurdoch5569]

One of the best sermons on free agency I've ever heard

[@elainebarney9692]

Love Elder Maxwell !# I have just started listening 2 weeks ago, and her lifts my Spirit with Every Word he speaks and Doctrine he teaches !! Thank you.❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jenniejennie3884]

I choose to do trust do love do serve Jesus Christ so much as always and forever. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@swanteal2355]

Thank you for this beautiful talk ❤️ Agency 🌸😃

[@sandradanforth8524]

This brother's words reach through time and still make an impact. I love to hear him talk. ❤️ 2024.

[@aigavaiaoga9011]

Grateful to be able to hear inspired messages from our chosen speaker.."chose to hear this message"..thanks for sharing..❤❤❤

[@BrenttheGreat]

Meeting him on my mission in 2001 in England was one of my life highlights. He spoke to the missionaries one day then at our Stake conference the next. Amazingly eloquent and full of spirit.

[@高柳忠明]

マックスウエル長老有り難う御座います。

[@Knutekritt]

He passed away July 21 2004? and this talk was given, March 16, 2004....he was so ill....high yield and low maintenance...superman...love him

[@Jan-wd1is]

Thank you for posting this wonderful inspired message. Was it his last public talk?

[@cycan3809]

No. He spoke in the next General Conference a couple of weeks later. The April 2004 General Conference.

[@cesmcqueen2208]

Such a rock 🙏

[@gloriahormazabal2913]

Just beautiful!!!!

[@lylyfin64]

I love this

[@h.c4898]

Wow 20 years on.

[@aaronstapley]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="542">9:02</a> not willing to

[@DimGiant]

Timshel