I’ve really enjoyed reading the Little House on the Prairie series with my family as it teaches many great principles that my wife and I are seeking to instill within our family. The following passage, which we recently read, comes from the 6th book in the series called The Long Winter.
“Because,” said Pa, “we’re not animals. We’re humans, and, like it says in the Declaration of Independence, God created us free. That means we got to take care of ourselves.”
Laura said faintly, “I thought God takes care of us.”
“He does,” Paid said, “so far as we do what’s right. And He gives us a conscience and brains to know what’s right. But He leaves it to us to do as we please. That’s the difference between us and everything else in creation.”
This presented a perfect opportunity for the family to discuss the divine gift of agency and how it fits into the plan of salvation. Pa was right, we do have our agency. In addition to our consciences, Heavenly Father has also given us parents, prophets, and the scriptures to teach us right and wrong. Then it is up to us to decide whether we will choose the right and receive the blessings that accompany good decisions.
