Force

1. Definition
1. 1828: Strength; active power; vigor; might; energy that may be exerted; that physical property in a body which may produce action or motion in another body, or may counteract such motion.
1. Strength (power)
2. Power (might)
3. Might (energy)
1. Force is power or energy in a state of motion, not hypothetical, something very tangible and real
2. Quotes from Prophets
1. “Knowing and remembering who we are and whose we are, we become guided by a force affecting our attitude and our conduct. We draw close to our Father in Heaven through sacred ordinances and covenants available only through His restored church.” (ARDETH G. KAPP, General Conference, April 1992)
1. Force is not necessarily a bad thing. Force can be something large and evil (like the Nazi’s) or it can be small and calm (like the Holy Ghost).
2. “Free agency requires that there must be a choice. There must be an opposing force. There is no growth, no movement, no accomplishment or progress without overcoming an opposing force.” (ELDRED G. SMITH, General Conference, October 1971)
1. At first thought one might think of force as the opposite of agency. In one form, it is. But really a force is not good nor evil. It takes no sides, everything that is has force on some other thing. Force is required for Agency.
3. Scriptures
1. “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.” (Ezekiel 34:4)
1. I cannot say it enough. Force can be good and bad. Here is shown a bad form of force. Cruelty. Unrighteous dominion.
4. Personal Definition

When I started writing this I thought that it would be an evil word. A word with a corrupt principle behind it. Not so. Force is the physical and measurable energy of something. It can be both good and bad, large and small, loud and soft-spoken. It is an essential part of our heavenly fathers plan. But as Ezekiel laments, it can be cruel. All and all I think that force is what I call a “redefinable word”. It’s definition changes as the circumstances change.