Question
Gramps,
I’ve heard that circumstances depend on what we have done before this life. Does that mean if we are born into the gospel, we were nobler in the pre-earth life? What determines our situations in this life?
Mike
Answer
Mike,
At the heart of Latter-day Saint theology is the principle of agency, which refers to the ability to choose and act for oneself. According to the doctrine, without agency, life would lack purpose. The Book of Mormon teaches that “men are that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25), suggesting that the ability to choose is essential for experiencing joy and growth. This concept is foundational in understanding our existence and the trials we face.
In the premortal existence, it is believed that we were allowed to choose to follow God’s plan. This plan included the chance to come to Earth, gain a body, and experience life in a mortal state. However, the specifics of our earthly circumstances—such as our family, socioeconomic status, and personal challenges—are less clear. Some church leaders, like Joseph Fielding Smith, have expressed skepticism about the idea that we choose our specific parents or life companions, stating, “We have no scriptural justification for the belief that we had the privilege of choosing our parents and our life companions in the spirit world.”
Foreordination is another key concept in Latter-day Saint theology. It refers to the idea that certain individuals were chosen for specific roles or missions before they were born. This doctrine is supported by scriptural references, such as Abraham 3:23, which states that God “stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good.” This suggests that while we may not have chosen our specific circumstances, we were foreordained to fulfill certain purposes in life.
Elder David A. Bednar has explained that foreordination does not negate our agency. Instead, it provides a framework within which we can exercise our choices. He stated, “The Lord has a plan for each of us, and we can choose to follow that plan or not.” This perspective emphasizes that while our paths may be guided by divine foreknowledge, we still have the freedom to make choices that shape our experiences.
One of the most challenging aspects of life is the presence of trials and suffering. Many wonder why some individuals face significant hardships while others seem to live relatively easy lives. The Church teaches that trials serve a purpose in our spiritual development. Elder Orson F. Whitney famously said, “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted.” Trials can help us develop qualities such as patience, faith, and resilience.
In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Alma teaches that “it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice” (Alma 34:10), referring to the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This Atonement allows us to overcome our trials and learn from them. The idea is that through adversity, we can grow closer to God and become more like Him.
While trials are a part of life, how we respond to them is influenced by our agency. When faced with challenges, we can choose to turn toward God for strength and guidance or to turn away in despair. The scriptures encourage us to seek the Lord in our trials, as He can provide comfort and understanding. In Doctrine and Covenants 122:7, it states, “And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep, if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thy constant companion; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.” This scripture highlights that even the most difficult experiences can lead to growth and learning.
Many individuals grapple with the perception that life is unfair. Why do some people experience poverty, abuse, or illness while others are born into affluence and stability? This question often leads to feelings of resentment and confusion. However, the Church teaches that our mortal experiences are temporary and that we are all children of God, deserving of His love and mercy.
Elder Boyd K. Packer once remarked, “Until you have a broad perspective of the eternal nature of this great drama, you won’t make much sense out of the inequities in life.” This perspective encourages us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and consider the eternal implications of our experiences. The trials we face may not seem fair in the moment, but they can lead to greater understanding and growth in the long run.
From an eternal perspective, the challenges we face in mortality are part of a larger plan. The Church teaches that life is a test, and our experiences—both good and bad—are opportunities for growth. In the end, many of the things we perceive as curses may turn out to be blessings. As Gramps noted in a response to a question about trials, “When we look back on our lives in the end of days, I suspect that many of the things we thought were our greatest curses will turn out to have been our greatest blessings.”
Gramps
