Chosen and Choice
by Melinda W. Brown
Many years ago, I heard Rosemary Wells, one of my favorite children’s book authors, speak at a literary conference. As part of her answer to a question about the secret to her success, she shared a metaphor that has stuck with me ever since. She explained that a great idea, similar to a great opportunity, is like a little bird: “When it flies into my head, I need to catch it and get right to work making a home for it or it will fly down the road to Kevin Henkes’ home instead.” (Kevin Henkes was a good friend of hers and an equally charming children’s book author.)
My experiences, not just with writing but also with living, have proven Rosemary’s theory again and again. Opportunity often knocks but rarely lingers. And while it might initially appear to choose us, in fact, the real choice is ours.
I’m reminded of this idea each time I read section 25 of the Doctrine and Covenants about Emma being “an elect lady.” In modern times, we use elect more commonly as a verb than an adjective, but in Joseph and Emma’s day, it was used to describe someone who had been chosen but not yet inaugurated, consecrated, or invested in a position of authority. In other words, it signified someone being offered a choice opportunity.
Chosen and choice are two big ideas in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and both are heavily dependent on the fundamental principle of agency. In Elder David A. Bednar’s memorable talk, “The Tender Mercies of the Lord” (General Conference, April 2005), he explained the crucial way agency impacts our opportunities:
“To be or to become chosen is not an exclusive status conferred on us. . . . God does not have a list of favorites to which we must hope our names will someday be added. He does not limit ‘the chosen’ to a restricted few. . . . Rather, you and I ultimately determine if we are chosen.”
We “ultimately determine if we are chosen.” There is a critical element of self-selection among “the chosen” or “the elect.” Like Rosemary recognized, capturing an opportunity requires action–or it might just fly on down the road to someone else who is ready and willing to accept the challenge, put in the effort, and do the work.
Often, scriptural accounts read as if individuals are being told what to do, rather than asked; that perception is likely influenced by our perception of scriptural language. Closer examination, enhanced by personal experience, reveals that individuals are more often offered choice opportunities. This is certainly the case with our patriarchal blessings; those related promises are conditional upon our using our agency to actively align our will with God’s. Both examples–scripture accounts and patriarchal blessings–share a few key common elements: choice opportunities are accompanied by wise warnings and encouraging words.
In Emma’s case, in addition to being Joseph’s partner, the Lord would like her to “expound scripture,” “exhort the church,” write and learn “much,” and make a collection of sacred hymns. But He does not expect her to undertake such daunting tasks solo. In addition to Joseph’s support, she’ll have the power of her covenants, as well the comforting strength of the Holy Ghost.
She’s also offered encouraging counsel to sustain her through her efforts. She’s urged to be brave and refrain from complaining about what she does not yet know or cannot yet see; she’s advised to be generous with her gratitude of others and to be meek and humble.
As the concluding verse makes clear, these blessings and suggestions apply to each of us as we accept and undertake choice opportunities that come our way, as well. Like Emma, we can rely on the power of our covenants and the companionship of the Spirit; we can courageously move forward, even into the unknown, grateful for the assistance and support of our fellow travelers.
The Lord invites us to help build His kingdom, to serve our sisters and brothers, and to come unto Him; but He is asking, not telling–the choice is always ours. As Mormon declares in Helaman 3:28-29, “the gate of heaven is open unto all [and] whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God.”
We have been elected to assist in the work but participating requires us to actively accept God’s invitation and do something. As Elder Christofferson wisely recommended, we must “go to work so that there is something for God to help us with” (“Free Forever, to Act for Themselves,” General Conference, October 2014). We have been chosen but the choice is ours.
Melinda is the author of Eve and Adam: Discovering the Beautiful Balance (Deseret Book 2020) and is online @brave.like.eve. She’s passionate about reframing mortality’s challenges as powerful opportunities for growth. She lives in Utah with her husband, and they both wish they could spend every day with their two darling grandbabies.