The Weight of Choice: Living by the Best Decision

Sometimes, it feels like we’re running on autopilot. We wake up, we go through the motions—the work calls, the family needs, the daily routine—and we move through the day without really *choosing* anything. We’re just reacting. We’re sleepwalking through the script of our own lives.

But brothers and sisters, as returned missionaries, as disciples, and as members of the Rogue Disciples, we know better. We know that life isn't a river we float down; it’s a river we are actively paddling through, and every paddle stroke is a choice.

Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge recently shared some profound thoughts on this, reminding us that the very essence of our divine potential is tied to our ability to choose wisely. It’s not about innate gifts, though those are wonderful; it’s about the continuous, daily commitment to making the best choice, the choice that aligns us with the Spirit.

The Supreme Expression of Intelligence

When we narrow down life's purpose to its core, what truly defines us? The Elder points out that while intelligence and potential are gifts that set us apart from other forms of life, the *supreme expression* of that intelligence—the crowning achievement—is to choose best. That’s it. It’s not the degree we earn, or the accolades we receive. It’s the deliberate decision to choose the path of righteousness, the path that honors the Savior.

Think about it in the context of our discipleship. We study the scriptures, we attend Book Clubs, we wrestle with difficult questions in Bible Study Groups, and we engage in the quiet work of missionary discussions. These aren't just academic exercises; they are training grounds for choice. Every time we pause to ask, “What does the Spirit feel right about here?” or when we use Davee’s AI Investigator role to walk through a challenging doctrinal question, we are practicing making the best choice.

From Test to Way of Life

The Elder explains that life can be viewed as a test, but if we stay the course—if we commit to choosing best—that test doesn't just end; it becomes our way of life. This is the beautiful transition from *doing* good things to *being* a person who naturally gravitates toward good.

This is the heart of the covenant path. It’s about making the choice to receive the gift of the Spirit, the gift of knowledge, and the gift of helping others do the same. It’s about realizing that every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Our calling isn't confined to the field or the temple; it’s woven into the fabric of our daily decisions.

If you’re feeling the drag of the mundane, if you feel like you’re moving on autopilot, I invite you to pause. Ask yourself: What two words would I want my posterity to live by? What choice today moves me closer to those words? Maybe it's simply choosing to study the scriptures for 15 minutes, or maybe it's choosing to have a difficult, honest conversation with a friend.

Let’s keep honing that muscle. For those who are feeling the call to deepen their understanding, I highly recommend diving into the insights available in the Social Scripture Study layer within LivingBook. It connects us to the wisdom of others and helps us see the pattern of divine choice across generations.

Listen to the full episode for more thoughts on plotting our course toward our divine destination.

Keep making those conscious choices, disciples. The Lord knows the strength you have when you choose Him.