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Aaronic Priesthood Manual 2

Agency

"Lesson 5: Agency," Aaronic Priesthood Manual 2, 14

OBJECTIVE

Each young man will learn that by using his agency to choose the right he can increase his individual freedom.

PREPARATION

NOTE

Prayerfully read the story of Joseph who was sold into Egypt (see Genesis 37; 39-45). His life teaches us much about agency and freedom. Even when he was not free physically, he maintained his spiritual freedom and was truly faithful. His example is one that each Aaronic Priesthood holder should follow.

SUGGESTED LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Introduction

Chalkboard and discussion

Draw the following sign on the chalkboard:

 

Danger-Whirlpool
No Swimming Allowed

 

Ask the young men to imagine coming to such a sign as they were looking for a place to swim.

Quotation

Read the following statement from President David O. McKay:

"Next to the bestowal of life itself, the right to direct that life is God's greatest gift to man. ... Freedom of choice is more to be treasured than any possession earth can give" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1950, p. 32; italics added).

Scripture reading and marking

Have one of the young men read aloud Helaman 14:30. Suggest that the young men mark the words ye are free, ye are permitted to act for yourselves, God hath given unto you a knowledge, and he hath made you free.

Help the young men understand that each person has agency. We all can choose between good and evil, but after we have made a choice we must accept its consequences.

Proper Use of Agency Increases Our Individual Freedom

Scripture study and discussion

Have the young men turn to Genesis 37 and read it silently. Explain that they are going to examine the actions of one of the greatest people in the scriptures: Joseph who was sold into Egypt.

The following questions are given to help the adviser help the young men see things in the scriptures they might otherwise overlook. Use these questions or others like them. Do not read them from the manual.

Have the young men read Genesis 39:1-4.

Have the young men read Genesis 39:7-20.

Have the young men read Genesis 39:21-22.

Have the young men read Genesis 40:8-15, 20-23.

Have the young men read Genesis 42:1-3.

Have the young men read Genesis 50:15-21.

Conclusion

Testimony and challenge

Share your feelings about the freedoms that come from using our agency to follow the Lord. If possible, relate a personal experience to support this principle.

Give the following challenges to the young men:

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