The Power of our Agency

In Doctrine and Covenants 58:26-29, we read:

26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is ^acompelled in all things, the same is a ^bslothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

27 Verily I say, men should be ^aanxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

28 For the power is in them, wherein they are ^aagents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their ^breward.

29 But he that ^adoeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with ^bdoubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is ^cdamned.

I love the lesson of this scripture: you are powerful and influential, capable of bringing to pass much righteousness. This is a gift from our Father in Heaven, and it is to all. Of course, when we read "the power is in them," it can be easy to feel like that's talking about people who hold visible positions of leadership, but I do not believe this is the intent of the scripture. Please permit me to give an example of what I'm thinking:

Not long ago, I was attending a funeral for someone who was loved by the family and still young enough that the death was completely unexpected by all. While I sat there, I thought of the loneliness that the family members would inevitably feel in the coming weeks, months, and years of adjusting to life without this individual.

I also thought about how many people suffer in silence, not wanting to pass their burdens onto others, not wanting to cry in front of others, and sometimes feeling ashamed of the pain they feel despite in many cases feeling practically the same as others who are in a similar circumstance.

I had the opportunity to briefly encourage this family to reach out to each other over the coming weeks, months, and even years and did so. Imagine how much easier it is to grieve if your other remaining loved ones reach out to you and remind you that - despite the loneliness that is missing someone who is dearly departed - you are not alone in feeling it. None needed worldly riches or prestigious careers to uplift each other and remember their loved one.

It is wonderful when we can serve anyone, and I know that the Lord is pleased with us when we reach out and serve others of our own accord. I also know that in many cases, we are uniquely suited to care for and minister to those we love and share experiences with. Kind, sincere words spoken out of love have a power to heal and to strengthen, and our Father in Heaven will bless us as we take the initiative to do good.