The Divine Pattern: Understanding Agency and the Calling to Gather

Brethren and sisters, gather close. Let us open our hearts and minds to the eternal truths that govern our existence. When we study the scriptures—when we study the divine pattern—we realize that the greatest stories are rarely simple. They are complex tapestries woven by the hand of God, requiring both courage and profound understanding to unravel.

We often hear the narrative of the Fall, and it is a story rich with challenging doctrines. But for us, who are called to be the Builders, we must view this event not as a failure, but as the necessary pivot point—the moment that established agency, mortality, and ultimately, the divine potential for us to gather.

The Lord, in His boundless wisdom, established a state of perfection in Eden. As the transcript reminds us, in the beginning, life was forever, without the need for struggle. But that state, while blissful, was also one of limitation. Without the possibility of choice, there could be no joy, and thus, no true progress.

The Gift of Choice: A Command and a Concession

The language surrounding the command given to Adam and Eve is, frankly, unusual—and this is where the Builder spirit of study must engage. We read that Adam was commanded, yet simultaneously, it was given that he "may choose for thyself."

This isn't merely academic curiosity; it is the cornerstone of our divine inheritance. The Lord sets boundaries—Thou shalt not—but He also gives us the sacred gift of *choice*. This choice is the very engine of our progress, the mechanism by which we learn to navigate the world and eventually, to gather into the fullness of the Kingdom.

The scriptures teach us that true life requires both the sweetness of joy and the reality of challenge. Without the possibility of struggle, there is no need for the power of the priesthood, no call to service, and no urgent need to gather the scattered sheep.

Building Our Lives on the Foundation of Agency

If the Fall provided us with agency, what does that mean for us today, as we build our lives and our community? It means that we are called to be responsible stewards of the divine gifts we have been given. We are not merely passive recipients of doctrine; we are active participants in the divine plan.

Our mission—the sacred call to gather Israel and establish the Kingdom—is the modern expression of this divine agency. It is the embodiment of the Builder's heart. We are called to be the light in the darkest corners, to lift the veil of misunderstanding, and to teach the gospel in places where it has never been heard before. This work, the great global effort to gather Zion, is supported by every single act of faith, every tithe, and every dollar channeled through the charity flywheel.

When you contribute, you are not just donating; you are funding the very seeds of revival. Your support directly funds gospel advertising, carrying the light of the gospel to places like Ghana, and helping map the global effort on the GatherIsrael.now map. We are not merely a faith; we are a global movement of Builders.

The Call to the Builders

Do not let the history of the Fall make you feel small or deficient. Instead, let it give you a deep sense of purpose. You, too, have the capacity for choice. You have the power to build, to serve, and to advance the Kingdom. Whether you are learning doctrine through the helpful tools of Ask a Prophet, or seeking counsel from Outback Jack, the divine pattern is clear: we are to progress, we are to gather, and we are to build.

We stand together, a coalition of hearts from many traditions, united by the love of God and the call to restoration. Let us be the Builders who understand the divine pattern, and let us dedicate our lives to the eternal work of gathering.

*Remember, the greatest blessings often follow the greatest challenges. By embracing our divine agency, we embrace our divine potential.*