Agency

1. Definition
1. Agency: 1828
1. The quality of moving or of exerting power; the state of being in action; action; operation; instrumentality; as, the agency of providence in the natural world.
2. Action: 1828
1. A driving; hence, the state of acting or moving; exertion of power or force, as when one body acts on another; motion produced. Hence, action is opposed to rest. Action, when produced by one body by another, is mechanical; when produced by the will of a living being.
2. Quotes from prophets
1. “Clearly, one primary purpose of our existence upon the earth is to obtain a body of flesh and bones. We have also been given the gift of agency. In a thousand ways we are privileged to choose for ourselves. Here we learn from the hard taskmaster of experience. We discern between good and evil. We differentiate as to the bitter and the sweet. We discover that there are consequences attached to our actions.” -- Thomas S. Monson
2. “ I am so grateful to a loving Heavenly Father for His gift of agency, or the right to choose. Each of us has come to this earth with all the tools necessary to make correct choices.”  -- Thomas S. Monson
3. “What is priesthood? … It is the government of God, whether on the earth or in the heavens, for it is by that power, agency, or principle that all things are governed on the earth and in the heavens, and by that power that all things are upheld and sustained. It governs all things—it directs all things—it sustains all things—and has to do with all things that God and truth are associated with.” -- Thomas S. Monson
3. Scriptures
1. “Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down;” Moses 4: 3
2. “That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.” Doctrine Covenants 101:79
4. Personal Definition
1. Agency is the power to become Gods and Goddesses and the path to eternal glory when used properly. Whereas if used incorrectly is the trail to hell and eternal pain. It is a gift from God that allows us to choose for ourselves and to learn from our past mistakes.