How does making right choices help us make more right choices?

Jason answered…

Making the right choices is never easy, but doing the right thing becomes as natural as breathing the more you do it. All of a sudden you will wake up and realize your life has changed for the better and you make choices naturally that once you had to thnk about. Like the flywheel effect, the more choices you make that are right the easier it becomes until the right choices come as natural as breathing.

Emily answered…

Mormons often get asked if it's hard to follow all the "rules" we have. But I have to say that it's incredible how much easier it really is to make the right choices than to make wrong choices. I think the main reason why is because God wants us to be happy. He only commands us to do that which will bring us happiness and joy. In the moment it might seem harder to walk out of an inappropriate movie or to stand up for something we know is right, but it is so worth it. When we make the right choices, the Lord promises us peace--not as the world giveth, but as He gives John 1427, Bible. When we have that peace, we can feel the Holy Ghost, who helps us resist temptation and keep what's most important in focus. Really, choosing the right actually liberates you and makes you more free.

When I got my first job at age 15 I decided that I would keep the Sabbath Day holy by not working on Sundays. In order to keep my commitment I had to use all of my days off for Sundays and find people to trade shifts with me. I basically had no other days off for the whole summer, and a lot of my coworkers thought I was odd, but choosing not to work Sundays allowed me to make the choice to go to church every week. Choosing to go to church allowed me take the sacrament each week. Choosing to take the sacrament helped me feel clean and strengthened my testimony of my Savior. This allowed me to make the choice to go to the temple later on. Going to the temple helped me choose to be sealed to my husband when we were married. Each good choice helps you choose to do more good and wonderful things that bring so much happiness.

Gigi. answered…

I have learned that making a right choice does more than just help me feel good about myself. A right choice has "eternal implications." Our Father in Heaven knows our thoughts and our mind. He blesses us when we make right choices. I have experienced this many times. When I make the decision to do what is right, my faith increases. My testimony grows. I grow nearer to my Savior. I am always blessed when I make right choices. OK, it isn't always easy to do the right thing and of course I sometimes mess up, but Heavenly Father never fails me!

Tori. answered…

It's cumulative. When you make a right choice, you increase the Light by which you may judge truth and error. I'm speaking figuratively AND literally. Our Spirits are full of Light when we are doing and living right with the Lord. As we apply more "right-ness" to our lives, we increase the Light that comes into our lives. When we have more of something we draw more of that thing into our lives. Like attracts like. Jesus told us so numerous times and in numerous ways. For instance, "By what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you," is an example of like attracting like. So, when you may right choices, you are empowered by the greater Light that is within you to choose Right more frequently because you are attracting more RIGHT to your life.

Unfortunately, because there must needs be oppositition in all things, the same is true in reverse. So, make sure to avoid knowingly choosing wrong to be rebellious!!!!

Val M. answered…

Sometimes people think that following Heavenly Father's commandments puts limits on how they are able to live their life. In reality keeping the commandments gives us more freedoms in life than disobeying our Heavenly Father. Those who drink, smoke, do drugs, or view pornography are hindered by their addiction to whatever their vice may be. As they choose to make daily decisions they must be sure to incorporate those addictions into their day, whereas a person without those addictions has complete freedom. As you notice the reasoning behind your freedom, you will be more inclined to make right choices in your life, allowing yourself to maintain your freedoms.

Sarah answered…

By making right choices we put an armor of righteousness around us, and it allows a greater measure of the Spirit of the Lord to be with us, thus making it easier to make other right choices. Each right choice that I make helps me to maintain my faith and hope in Jesus Christ, which motivates me to follow His example.

Kyle answered…

When we make right choices, we feel very good. We come to find out that when we want to continue to feel good, we do more good things. When you do something wrong, you never feel good about it, so you stop doing it. It's just like when we have really good ice cream, we always want more. Always do good things, because you will continue to want to feel good.

G. Smith answered…

I like how the Book of Mormon puts this issue:

12 Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.
13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

(Book of Mormon | Moroni 7:12 - 13)

This is a profound thought, and it broadens the influence of Christ substantially. Anything and everything that incites the least bit of goodness or service to God is sent by Christ. He is actively, even aggressively involved in calling to all people, everywhere. And, Satan is likewise engaged. There is no neutral ground in this world. Christ does not act just through prophets, or just through scriptures—anything that edges people even a little bit toward Him is under his influence and intent.

Christ works in the Church of Jesus Christ, but he works through other churches, other faiths, and even among those of no faith at all. His is a pervasive, continuous invitation all around us.

16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.
17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

(Book of Mormon | Moroni 7:16 - 17)

If something pushes you toward Christ, in even the least degree, then it comes from Him. If anything draws you away from Him, then you ought to abandon it. As we keep saying, Jesus is all that matters—everything focuses on Him, and it all comes down to Him.

These scriptures also clear up a major misunderstanding for much of Christian history, though we often don’t realize it. A key doctrine ever since St. Augustine was the “depravity of man.” This doctrine—especially as extended by Martin Luther and John Calvin—held that because people were fallen and evil, they were completely unable of doing good on their own. Only Christ’s grace could enable them to make even the smallest step toward goodness.

Mormon teaches a different doctrine here. Rather than considering men and women completely unable to make even the smallest steps toward goodness under their own power, Mormon teaches that good things “persuade to believe in Christ”; and Satan aims to “persuade men to do evil.” We are in the middle, and pulled by influences in both directions. What is the outcome of this pulling? The Book of Mormon continues:

18 And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same judgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged.
19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.

(Book of Mormon | Moroni 7:18 - 19)

You can know for yourself through the light of Christ—given to every man—and if you choose to “lay hold upon every good thing,” this will bring you closer to God.

So, unlike how some see it, we understand mankind to be genuinely free due to an unconditional gift of grace from God through Christ—we are balanced, as it were, between two poles, and can go either way. We can, of our own nature and choice, be drawn in either direction and can yield to the persuasion of both sides. That leads to acts, and if we choose good acts (“lay hold on every good thing”) this can bring us into a covenant relationship with Christ.

That covenant relationship can transform us, and remake us in His image. Thus, right choices allow Jesus to alter us and remould us (even if only a little bit). That makes it that much easier next time to act as He would act--because we both know His voice a little better, and we approximate His nature and character a bit further.

Court answered…

When we do something good, we just feel good. Those positive emotions make us want to feel those good things more often, so we keep doing good things. It's just a snowball effect.

Brian answered…

 In a general sense, we all know the difference between right or wrong. Between our consciences and the training we received by concerned adults in our lives, we know what is right or wrong. So why then do some choose to follow those feelings of right and others seem to race toward the wrong? To understand this, we must first understand the first and foremost gift given to mankind, 'agency'.
Agency is the ability given us by our Heavenly Father to choose for ourselves how we will behave. This agency then allows us to be tested to see if we will do all things our Father in Heaven may command us.
When we decide for ourselves to make right choices, we strengthen our characters by developing an integrity of soul. We feel a good feeling that we wish to grow within us. As we make right choices, we then wish to make more right choices that we may continue to feel that good feeling provided by the Spirit. Sometimes the decission may be a difficult one to make. It may be that others are trying to persuade us to do what we know to be wrong, or it may be that we will suffer some indignity for our right choices, but regardless of what the consequences may ultimately be, when we stalwartly choose the right, we strengthen our characters, our stance becomes a little firmer, our gaze a little farther reaching, and we find that we become better people who wish to do better things.

Jim M. answered…

I often like to quote from an unknown source: "A smart man learns from his own mistakes, but a wise man learns from others mistakes." I believe one does not have to make all the mistakes possible before learning that some choices are better left unchosen. There are some addictions, for example, that require only a short term exposure to them and you are "hooked" and it becomes extremely hard to free yourself from this physical enslavement.
I feel that once a person constantly makes good choices, he realizes that it just makes sense to stay on that path. I have never known a person who was happy about being a "slave" to a bad habit. There are so many positive things in life to be experienced, why limit yourself by letting bad life choices hold you back from achieving your full potential? You can never feel really good about doing a bad thing.

Kevin answered…

When asked this question I am reminded of a quote my mother had on our fridge growing up: "That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do, not that the nature of the thing has changed, but that our power to do has increased." I don't know who said this, but I have found it to be true in my life. As we resist temptation in our lives, it becomes progressively easier to continue to resist temptation.

Jason answered…

When we are faced with a decision we usually will act in the way that we have acted before, simply because despite everything we take into account about a circumstance it's easy to say, "Well, I've already done it before, I might as well do it again." This is why breaking a commandment even once is too much; it opens the door to rationalization. On the other hand though, when we make a correct choice, the next time we are faced with that decision, if we have no other strength or testimony to make it, we can say, "well, I might as well chose the right again; I already did once." This can continue to build and eventually, form into a habit, then a standard that others will notice and respect.

What's more, we don't have to make decisions alone. Whenever we are faced with a decision and we need strength, we can pray to our Heavenly Father for help and he will answer. He will make a way for you to choose the right (1Nephi 3:7; The Book of Mormon). As we make correct decisions, we receive strength from our Father in Heaven and build our faith so that we can lean on it later, if needed, to continue to choose the right.

Laura answered…

I learned that when I have faith in Christ, I am better able to recognize His faith in me. I have struggled to feel my worth as a person, but through prayer I began to feel God's love for me. As I put forth the effort to follow His commandments, particularly the Word of Wisdom, I have experienced an amazing transformation, inside and out.

Karen answered…

One right choose generally leads to a testimony of that decision which gives a person greater faith to follow God in the next decision.

Thomas answered…

When we make a correct choice the Holy Ghost will help and guide us even more. On the contrary, when we make poor decisions we distance ourselves from the Holy Ghost and are then less capable of hearing the "still, small voice" of the Spirit. The more bad decisions we make the harder it becomes to turn ourselves around and make good choices. But the more correct choices we make the better we are able to hear the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Stacie answered…

Choosing the Right is one of our mottos around the church. When you choose the right it brings you closer to our Father in heaven and that makes it easier and almost effortless to continue to make correct choices in day to day life. When your life is in harmony with the gospel and you're choosing the right, you're joy is increased, which also makes it easier to make more of the right choices because everybody likes to be happy.

Samantha Nicole answered…

I feel like the more i turn to heavenly father the more he is open to me and the more the right choices i tend to make. There have been times in my life when i havent felt as close and it seems at those times it was harder for me to make decsions and feel like what i was doing was right but the more i look at things in an eternal perspective the more reassurance and comfort i feel

Ann answered…

Every choice has a consequence. When I make a wrong choice the consequences hurt, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. And when I make a right choice the consequences help. Every time I choose to do something that helps me, I get a little bit stronger, smarter, and kinder! That makes it easier to make better choices that bring those same good consequences.

Malinda answered…

When you are completing a maze and you make a wrong turn you cannot make any more right turns until you go back a fix the mistake.

Choices are the same way. If you are disciplined through high school and get amazing grades you have a selection of colleges. Not so good grades limit your options. Really bad choices lead you to an education provided by the department of corrections.

While I was in high school I wasn't concerned about having a selection of colleges. I knew which one I wanted to go to. However, during my sophomore year of college I had a poor GPA. When I found out I needed a 3.0 or better to get into graduate school I decided to re-evaluate my efforts. I wasn't sure if I could bring my GPA up. With a goal in mind and was able to pull of the grades need to make up for the poor grades and graduate with options for graduate school.

Right choices allow for other right choices, with more options.

Joleen answered…

 When I make the right choice, admittedly not always the easy one yet the right one, this sets up the next decision I need to make to follow that proper decision. One step at a time we are living these journeys of our lives. This becomes not just a 'one at a time' decision but a total life style choice.

Kari answered…

As a simple example: one night my sister wouldn't eat her dinner, so she wasn't allowed to leave the table. After she sat there for a while, I explained to her that the reason eating her dinner was the right choice was because if she ate it she could leave and go do something else she needed or wanted to do, but if she kept refusing to eat, she wasn't allowed to do anything else in the world. The right choice is the choice that lets us keep making choices. When we make a wrong choice, our choices become limited until we must do a particular thing, and we have no choice. The goal in life is to always choose what will give us the greatest amount of "next" choices to make.

Michelle answered…

 Making right choices help us to make more right choices, as we see the blessing of making right choices. Each of us want to be happy, and as soon as we discover that making right choices makes us truly happy, then we just want to keep that feeling with us so we make more right choices. Also, I find that once I have decided to make choices and to follow through, it becomes easier to make right choices. Once you start the process of making right choices it is easy to keep the momentum going.

Gary Bronson answered…

In the corporate work place, living what you know is right will always keep you in the right. Maintaining your integrity and being honest is very important. Although you will be challenged at times, as you are honest it is easier with each following decision.

Austin answered…

In my journey back into the light I have found that for every right decision i have made my desire to make more correct decisions has been elevated. Honestly sometimes the most simple things are the ones that help us the most. Now i admit it wasn't overnight that i felt the happiness of the gospel infiltrate my callused heart, but i truly believe that obedience to gods most basic principles such as prayer, scripture study ,and keeping the sabbath day holy enabled me to have the will and strength to continue on my quest for forgiveness. The more i strive to live the gospel the easier it becomes to continue making right choices and inversely the more i disobey commandments and make poor choices the easier it is to make mistakes objects in motion tend to stay in motion that being said i pray every day that i may continually move closer everyday to the savior one right choice at a time

Jessi answered…

I may be the youngest in my family, but I am actually the first to graduate high school out of three children. Also my mother did not complete college nor did my Grandmother or my female cousins. It is interesting though because since I have been at college my Mom is going and so are some friends who said I have taught them that an education is important. My eldest brother is also going back. You see my decision to make the right choice of getting an education and staying out of trouble has affected others because they follow my example. You really never know who is watching what you do until you make a choice. Good or bad someone is always seeing what you are doing. It helps us to make more right choices because we are examples whether we like it or not. Thus for me at least it makes me make the right choice because I think of others and what would I want my loved ones to do. For the Gospel making right choices leads to more because it is like a fire almost. Once it warms you you never want it to leave and so you will do what you can to keep it there so you make them for the joy and for the blessings that follow.

Jordan answered…

It's truly quite amazing! making a right has a snow ball effect most of the time. As we try to do good we feel God's love and we know that he is pleased when we make right choices and the more we feel his love and influence in our lives, the more we desire to continue to have it.

Tyler answered…

In a sense its like excercising, at first it can be hard but it allows us to do more with our potential as we progress, where as sin traps, ensnares us and brings down.

Alex answered…

I firmly believe that by making small right choices each day, other right choices become easier to make. It's like a habit. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. I believe that by small and simple things, do great things come to pass. But also by small and simple things do great things fall apart. If we are not focusing on each small choice each day, then we will one day realize that we are far from where we intended to be. This is why small right choices each day are so vitally important! By making right choices, we also allow the Spirit more influence in our lives. And when we have that uplifting influence more abundantly in our lives, we have a greater power to make more and more right choices!

David answered…

 It is a snowball effect. Just a like snowball rolling down a hill, it will keep gathering more and more snow. When we see that living by the Gospel brings happiness, then the desire to live by more of the truth will come. When we know one commandment from God really brings happiness, we have a desire to find if all the commandments will bring us happiness. That's how I came to know that the Church is Jesus Christ's church. I lived one principle taught by the Church, and found it to be true. So next I lived another and another principle and before you know it, I was living almost all of the principles and teachings of the church. They were all true! Sometimes it took a time for me to see that it was right and true, and other times I wanted to give up, but I kept going back to those first things I learned that were true and remembering that if I got an answer the first time, I'll get an answer the second time. I am still learning even today. 

Nolan answered…

As President Thomas S. Monson said, "It is easier to keep the commandments 100% of the time than it is to keep the commandments 98% of the time". When we flirt with temptation and see how close we can get to the edge of the cliff without falling down, we put ourselves in those dangerous positions where the adversary can easily pull us over. We need to continuously strive to build our faith and will power by reading our scriptures, praying, and going to church. Choose the Right when a choice is placed before you.

Jacqueline answered…

You get into the habit of making right choices and you're able to feel more confident in yourself, earn respect from others, and sometimes without even noticing you're influencing other people to make right choices, and that itself should motivate you to make right choices in your life.

David Grant answered…

the Holy Ghost which dwells in those who have been baptized is the spirit of God. Things that are of God are good. When we make good choices God rejoices and His spirit is more prevalent in us. we feel happier and we have a desire to make better choices. For example when i went to a football game for my high school some acquaintances were going to paint up before the game. i decided to join them. as we headed out of the parking lot music played in the truck that took the goodness out of my heart. i felt aweful. like i had just stole from my parents and that day they told me how much they loved me. so i had two choices, i could get off the truck before it left the parking lot or i could let this feeling of guilt dwell in me. at the stop sign, i jumped off the truck. as soon as i made the decision my heart was full and happiness resided with me once again. because i made the right choice the spirit was with me again. to continue to have that good feeling i knew the choices i must make. thus right choices become easier. the gospel is easier to live 100% of the time than it is to live 99%.

Brad answered…

It's like stairs. It would be really hard to jump up a whole flight of stairs, just like it might seem really hard to do something like serve a mission or do something big to help another person. But when you do what it right it's like taking a step up. As you continue to take steps, doing a little more than you did last time, until eventually you're only one step away from where or who you want to be. Satan uses the opposite tactic. He knows you won't jump down a flight of stairs, so he tries to get us to come down one step at a time, until we're where we never wanted to be in the first place.

Katrina answered…

I will never forget the day I got married in the Temple of the Lord. That was a very important decision I was making, and I knew that it was going to affect the rest of my life. Because of my marriage in the temple, I am now sealed to my husband and family for eternity. Not only that, but I made important promises to the Lord in the temple to be righteous, and because of that, I feel a stronger commitment to choose the right, be honest with those around me, and keep all of God's commandments.

Nathan answered…

I have a story about when I made some good choices they in turn led me to make even more right choices, so when I was in High School, I was one of about 20 induviduals that were LDS as well as me in a school of about 1800. Naturally the people there did not know a lot about how the church actually was, they all had their speculations, but thats all they were. I made a decision one day to try to be a good example of how this church actually is so that the people at my school could have someone who actually is a part of the church to show them what it is really like. After this decision I also decided to stop swearing so much, and I decided to try to get along with my family and siblings better. Because of this I decided to do more and more things that in my mind are good things, and all of these because one day I decided to be a good example of how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints really is.

Donovan answered…

I feel that making choices is like anything else that you learn to do. The more that you do it the easier it becomes in the future. If one wants to make right choices in big decisions for the rest of your life, you need to start today by making right choices on little decisions.

Kaylie answered…

It is easier to be righteous 100% of the time, rather than 98% of the time. The reason for this is that if we never give into the temptation to do something we know is wrong, it will be easier to say 'no' the next time. If you say, 'just this once' to that temptation, it will be much harder to not say that when the opportunity presents itself again.

Mel answered…

I have found that the sooner in life you make a decision about something that will affect you down the road, the easier it is to follow through with that choice when it comes time. The more right choices you make, the stronger your resolve to do right becomes. Making right choices brings a peace to your mind and heart that you want to keep with you for as long as you can.
Our Church leaders have asked us not to date until the age of 16. About four months before I turned sixteen I went on my first date. I was so sick! Sick to my stomache because I knew that I had not made the right choice. Apparently I didn't learn my lesson the first time around, and I went on another date before I turned sixteen. Same thing happened! I did not, and could not enjoy either date because I knew I had not made the right choice. I went home early the second time and learned my lesson. It didn't seem like a big deal to me at the time, but now that I have kids I more fully understand the consequences of those wrong choices, and hope that they don't make the same mistake I did!

Margaret answered…

When we make a good decision, more choices are opened to us. When we make a poor decision, our options are narrowed.
Growing up, I made the decision to get good grades in school. I'm so glad that I did, because this helped me get into a good college. Now that I'm here, every day I see that my options for the future are endless. If I hadn't gotten in to this school because of my grades, I would have very limited choices of what I could do with my life.

Kaden answered…

I believe that making right choices now will help more righ choices in the future. I like to think of it like a snowball. The little snowball starts rolling and getting bigger and bigger. With each right choice we make, we start to make more right choices as our faith grows much like the snowball.

Justin answered…

When we choose the right we feel at peace and usually are able to see the blessings that enter our life. This gives us courage to continue making good decisions.

Brian answered…

The best example I can think of is related to the Word of Wisdom (the part that tells us we shouldn't drink tea, coffee, or alcohol). This was a hard part for me, I have not found any evidence that tea is bad for you, coffee's benefits or detriments are debatable, and alcohol is more often than not bad for you. However, despite my doubts, living by the Word of Wisdom has influenced other parts of my life, the self-discipline and strength gained from abstaining from these (I work in a coffee shop, it was hard not to want to have a Caramel Macchiatto or tea when you're around them all the time) has given me the strength to get things done even when I am too tired or don't want to, because I am more able to rise above my initial instincts and press onward.

Heidi answered…

Making right choices has a ripple effect in our everyday lives. The Holy Ghost will only be with us when we're in the right places and making the right choices. And when the Spirit is with us, it will be easier to make those right choices.
For example, if I'm in a place where the Spirit can't reside, such as a party with drugs and alcohol, I may not have the strength I need to resist the offer of a drink. But, if I had decided not to go to the party in the first place, I would most likely have the Spirit with me, so even if I was offered a drink at some other time and place, I would be more likely to decline because the Holy Ghost will be there to tell me no.

Also, when we get into the habit of making the right decisions, it gets easier and easier, and eventually it becomes natural to us. Temptation will come to us every day, but our habits are what will take precedence.

Lastly, making the decisions long before is always the best option. I was taught at a young age the importance of following the Words of Wisdom, and I've been offered alcohol on many many occasions, but it was never an issue for me because I made the decision when I was probably six years old. I made the right choice when I was a child, and it has stuck with me and helped me to continue to make right choices.

Melinda Orton answered…

Making choices, whatever they may be, can be very difficult. I have found that when I make a choice to do something, it is easier to make that choice again the second time, and every time after that becomes easier and easier. That is true of right or wrong decisions. However, when I make the right choice, God blesses me, and I do not feel any guilt. It is because of this that making the right choice is actually easier because I know good will come of it and I will feel at peace.

Beth answered…

Sometimes it feels like making right choices, keeping the commandments, is hard. But I promise you that if you will make the effort to "choose the right" you will see a huge difference in your life. Making right choices brings happiness. The more right choices the happier you will be. When you start a pattern of choosing to do what is right it slowly becomes part of who you are and then it just become natural, and easier, to do what is right.
Even if there are struggles in your life you can carry peace and joy around inside of you because you know you have done what you should; what was right. That peace and happiness, and the desire to have it in our lives, helps us to keep making choices that are right.

O'Ryan answered…

It's sort of like "practice makes perfect", if you don't start making right choices then you don't get in the habit of continuing those good choices. Same thing if you decide to make a wrong choice, eventually it becomes a habit and it get harder to quit the further you get into it.

Allie Elisabeth answered…

When I make correct decisions, I know that I've done the right thing--because a lot of times, the Holy Ghost testifies of it to me. I feel that calm peace, or I hear that still small voice literally whispering to me that I've done the right thing. When I make choices that lead to experiences like that, I only want to feel that more. Feel like I've done something right. It's infinitely better than making a wrong or stupid choice, and then regretting it afterward. Even though through the Atonement we can repent, I'd rather just not make bad choices in the first place.

Alexandria answered…

Right leads to right. It leads to more opportunities. It leads to more options. It leads to more freedom. Doing good makes you feel so joyful, happy and at peace that you want to experience that again, so you're naturally led to that which is right, which will cause those feelings to return.

Kathy answered…

When we make right choices we draw nearer to the Spirit and strengthen our relationship with the Savior. Having the Spirit close makes it easier to feel his influence and make more right choices.

Haley answered…

I know that by when I have made a righteous choice, for example to abstain from from drug and alcohol use, I have been able to feel the Holy Ghost. Promptings of the Holy Ghost have directed me to ways I can better myself through more righteous choices such as daily prayer and scripture study.

Lesly! answered…

When we make right choices, things go right and we feel happy and people around us feel happy as well. And because we are happy and every one is happy, we would want to continue to have that happy feeling so we would make more right choices! That's how I feel. It's a chain for me! I like making other people happy!

Brooke. answered…

A friend of mine once remarked to me about the incredible way that the best things in life have, of always being just an option. I can think of no better way to describe the freedom afforded by choosing "the right".

I think everyone values their ability to choose. As children (and as teenagers, and as adults) we sometimes resent it when someone else tells us what to do or how to do it. Making poor or "wrong" decisions often leads to a limitation of some kind on our ability to do other things. For instance, telling a lie means that from here on out, to avoid detection, you must maintain the lie as truth, and are forced to worry about it or even to act according to its dictates. You are no longer free to admit you made a mistake, because now you'll have to admit two mistakes, and that's worse than one, so your options for feeling at ease with yourself become fewer with every step you are forced to take to defend that initial lie. In time, the lie may become your master.

Consider too the case of addiction. It works for innocent addictions as easily as harmful ones, so let us consider my strong liking for chocolate. When I let my craving dictate my action, I risk forming a habit of eating any available chocolate, even if it's sub-par. Forget not feeling free to deny myself chocolate even if I know it's not a kind I fancy- I am not even free to enjoy it for its own sake, because I am simply satisfying the craving. Chocolate-eating is, of course, probably not a "wrong" choice. If anything, it is a pleasant or neutral choice, but bear this in mind for Act Three:

The very best things/choices are never reflexive or addictive. All those things that seem above and beyond just "being a good person," like praying or studying your scriptures, YOU must do, with all YOUR volition, EVERY time. The benefits abound, but they don't condition you. You are always free to choose to reap them. Thus, choosing what is right gives us the most freedom, on every level.

Merritt answered…

Heavenly Father works by small and simple things. By small and simple things great things can come. By keeping the small commandment I gain strength to keep the bigger commandments. It feels good to be doing the right thing and that just gives me encouragement to continue onward. Making good choices has brought much peace and harmony to my life.

Troy answered…

It took me longer than most in life, but it finally dawned on me that our lives and even our very character is defined by the thousands of small and large choices we make each day. Prior to coming to that understanding, I had always subscribed to the notion that 'you only live once', which led to selfish and careless choices I would later regret. The older I got the more I recognized that the person I wanted to be, wasn't quite who I was becoming.

"It’s ironic that choosing what often seems easiest—sin, pleasure, laziness, selfishness—makes our life more difficult in the long run."

For me, making the difficult choice to quit alcohol, in many ways, set a foundation that made it easier for me to make many more positive choices for my future; choices that I wouldn't have made or wouldn't have been available to me if I would have kept drinking. Right choices get easier as we see and feel the positive benefits that comes from making them.

I hope to instill in my kids the discipline to make right choices, the wisdom to recognize the benefits, and the faith to resist the shouting influences of the world, by seeking the still small voice of God's Spirit that prompts us to do good continually.

Heather answered…

When I make right choices, I realized the simple joy that comes from doing what I know I should. It helps reinforce that while there may seem to be a lot of "rules" being a member of a church like mine with high standards, those guidelines really save me from a lot of sorrow, heartache and hassle. Even if my life isn't perfect just because I strive to make right choices, I see that I am happier having done so. Especially when I contrast my life with those around me that have made poor choices. Over time, it is really easy to see the difference that making right choices has made in my life, and it only makes me want to try to do even better!

Natasha answered…

If there is one thing I have learnt about this life, it is that making the right choices is never easy, but always for the better. The church teaches us to be righteous with all things in our lives, to 'Choose the right.' When faced with difficult decisions, we pray for guidance from the Holy Ghost, a gift given to us after baptism. We're taught to keep an eternal perspective and always strive to be worthy and keep our baptismal covenants. We know that with making right choices, we will face opposition, (2 Nephi Chapter 2) but when we keep to the right path and endure, staying strong in those right choices, we will be eternally blessed and get to where we need to be, back with our Heavenly Father.
Having that knowledge and eternal perspective helps us to exercise our agency, in keeping on making the right choices on a daily basis, as well as the blessings received when we do so.

Carleen answered…

Making the right choice can be very difficult at times. However its a streamline effect, once you do it then it gets easier every time. A singer's voice doesn't get strong if she/he doesn't practice. We become stronger every time we practice, whether it be a talent/skill or just making the right decision.

Greg answered…

Making a right choice leads to further right choices in an upward spiral. By making right choices and knowing that I am following God's commandments, my self esteem increases. As my self esteem increases I develop a greater sense of self worth, which makes me want to continue to make more right choices.

Gibran answered…

It is just like anything else in this life. Practice and repetition help us improve and master all things.

Tracy answered…

One good deed leads to another. It can become contagious and it is habit forming. You stay positive, give thanks daily for your life and the days events and the Lord will continue to bless you.

Leanne answered…

When I strive to keep the commandments and live a good life, I feel good about myself and it becomes easier to live righteously because I have experienced the blessings and feelings of peace that come with it. While I still experience hardships and trials, I know that if I continue to live as I have been taught, I will be able to overcome everything that comes my way, and I will become stronger and blessed for my efforts.

Scott answered…

In the Book of Mormon, there is king named Benjamin. He gave us an incredible promise about making right choices. In Mosiah 2:41 (Book of Mormon page 151) he says, "I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness." When we follow the commandments, we are blessed, so we want to make some more right choices so that we can have more blessings. It's as simple as that!

Meridith answered…

Sometimes the best way for me to understand something is to look at the inverse situation. Once you say yes to, oh let’s say smoking, it's much easier to say yes the second time, and then the third, etc. It is the same way with making a good choice. The next time you still have strength from the time before. If you continue the 'right choice' trend, your choices become a habit. Soon making the right choice comes as instinct.

Katherine answered…

 When we make one right choice it becomes easier to keep making right choices. Which in turn gives us blessings from our Father in Heaven.
For example, I made the right choice when I joined the church last August, which lead to me receiving my calling to work with the Young Women. This has blessed me because I get to learn and grow in the faith right along with them and get to them and some of their families. As well as getting to teach them and help them learn and work with and get to know the other Leaders.

Salem answered…

I once recieved a ticket as a youth for letting my car insurance expire. As my mom and I sat with the judge to show him my valid proof insurance, it came to our attention that the date actually was expired. One the dates looked looked like a 6 versus a 0. In any case, it became clear we were actuLly in the wrong and on the hook for an expensive ticket. The judge had actually dismissed the ticket when my mom decided we needed to be honest and point out to the judge that we were in the wrong. I thought she was crazy, but she wanted to be honest. The judge smiled thanked her for being honest and dismissed the charge anyway.

Ever since then, it has been easy to continue to be honest and face the consequences, because I learned that in most cases, things will work out for the best. Even if the charges aren't dismissed, honesty has made me happier than the alternative.  

Jacob McAbee answered…

As we choose the right, God pours out blessings that can't even be imagined. He loves us so as we choose the right, he blesses us as much as he can.

Pat answered…

As a parable, imagine a clothing store owner finds a lady naked and partly beaten in the field. He offers to take her to his store and let her pick out 1 free outfit to go to the police in. If she picked a mini skirt, she is now stuck with that as her only clothing. If she picks out a modest dress, then it will be easier to continue to be modest as it is her only choice. If I had never chosen to drink alcohol, my life would have been much easier. When people choose to participate in addictions, they lose their agency and become a slave to their addiction. They can not simply stop their addiction. By making right choices, we keep our agency, we continue to grow spiritually. We learn to recognize right choices with the help of the Holy Ghost. With my addictions, I chose to get help. I chose to stop. And with continual growth which was mostly from the Addiction Recovery Program, I was eventually able to stop participating in my addiction. The continuation of bad choices takes away our agency. The continuation of good choices, lets use keep our agency, and learn to grow more spiritually. The more we grow spiritually, the less we want to participate in bad choices. It's almost like every good choice is a boost of strength. There will always be temptations. But if we continually make good choices, we will be strengthened against bad choices. In overcoming an addiction, if you are continually making good choices, then the desire for the addiction will become less, and eventually you will not want to participate in it, and eventually it can even become an offensive idea. I have overcome my addiction and have to admit that it was by making good choices. those choices included admitting that I had a problem, going to get help, etc. But eventually I became strengthened and no longer wanted to partake in my addiction. A good choice might also be to change your friends, so that you hang out with friends who don't participate in that addiction.

Lynn answered…

When we make a right choice, the Lord is please with us. He will bless us. We can have the Holy Ghost to comfort us and to teach us. As we are taught by the Holy Ghost, he will help us to make more right choices. Thus one choice can lead to a cascade of right choices and happiness.

Pomai answered…

With every important decision I have to make, I consult my Heavenly Father through prayer. I know that I can seek His help and find answers through Him. And I know that when I make a righteous choice I can have peace, whatever the outcome may be.
When my husband and I were shopping for our mini van we were led to a small local dealership. We prayed about having the Spirit to be with us as we were there considering a huge purchase. When we arrived at the dealership the service was a little sketchy. We took the van on a test drive and knew that it was meant to be. We put a deposit down and then went home to pray some more about it. We were reassured over and over again that this was the right move to make. We went back 5 days later and purchased our mini van. One of our fears was that the van didn't have a clear title although it said it did. But KNOWING that we had prayed and received confirmation that this was the right thing to do we knew that whatever the outcome was of the van, we would be safe and taken care of. That is the blessing of knowing that when we make righteous choices we find peace. And we then in turn are inclined to make more righteous choices.

David answered…

I think that when it comes to making decisions, there are some that are normal, some that are natural and some that are right.

Sometimes they coincide and sometimes they don't when they don't- making the right choices can be difficult. When we make the right decisions it helps build character and makes us better people, which is a main purpose of life. As we continue to make the right decisions we become stronger and it becomes easier each time.

Allan answered…

When I met Laura I was an inactive member of the church, she let me know that I didn't need to be perfect I just needed to try. That was easy thing for me to understand. Then as began trying, it became easier to make better choices.

Nicholas answered…

God, the father want us to be worthy. we have to follow the God's commandments and laws. Our Heavenly father knows everything which is bad and good. he is testing us to see how are we doing. i know He is watching us. how can we know which is bad or to be worthy. the only way is the prophet by god. the prophet can tell us what do we need to follow it. it is how to be worthy also follow the spirit. i love to folllow the spirit because it is His work. he can help me to making right choice.

Daniel answered…

Life is a path, or a trail. I really like Robert Frost's poem about two paths in a forest that diverged. It is not a poem with regret, but a statement of how when you make a choice you choose the path you will take. So, when we take the path of right choices we are ready to make more right choices. However, when we make wrong choices, we are on the wrong path, and have to work hard to be able to get back to the right path. If you are on a trail you know that you either need to go back to where you made your wrong choice and start back on the right trail, or bushwhack or cut through the forest to get back to the right path. Unfortunately in life there is no going back. We cannot go to the past, so we must work to get to the right path. So, it helps us by staying on the right path.

I also really like the saying sew a thought, reap an action, sew an action, reap a habit, sew a habit, reap a character, sew a character, reap an eternal destiny. By making right choices we develop habits that will continue to help us make more right choices, and by making wrong choices we develop habits of making wrong choices.

Angie answered…

"Thoughts become words, words become actions, actions become habit, and habits become lifestyles" I feel that when you make one right choice it leads to more right choices.

Michael answered…

I'm a skiier, so I think it best to answer this question with a skiing metaphor. Say your on the mountain, and you've just started your run. Towards the beginning, you have less momentum, and it's harder to turn. However, as you make your way down the hill, you build up speed and fall into a rhythm, and it becomes much easier to maintain control. Choosing the right has the same effect. Frequently choosing the moral high road builds "spiritual momentum." Then, when life suddenly throws metaphorical rocks, trees, or toddler ski schools into your path, it's easier to manuver around them.

Venus answered…

With me being in church, I promised Heavenly Father I was going to be obedient with the commandments and stand as leader for those around me. After all I am a first-generation pioneer, I need to be a leader now not a follower. I remind myself every day of the people who came before me on their own as well. They lived each day enduring the challenges of family, every day life, and faith. When they fell down, they got back up and kept it moving. I tell myself I need to be as strong as them and stand as an example to my family of a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

My family has noticed a change in me, I’ve become more understanding and forgiving. The gospel has helped give me these qualities. By being patient and sweet, people see the goodness in me and wonder where does it come from. They see this bright smile and hear such a cheerful giggle, it just makes them smile. The brightness is the Savior’s love coming through me. Without fail, me living a righteous and faithful life will establish great values which help shape my life and become a standard for my family and future

Tim answered…

When you make a right choice, you just know inside it was the right thing to do. Such as helping someone or being honest. Once you experience that just one time, it's a feeling that sticks with you and nothing else brings as much peace or contentment as doing that over and over.

David answered…

I know that for me, it was not always easy to just "make the right choice." I didn't grow up in the typical Mormon household, and because of that, I had to consciously make choices that others might have just done because it was second nature. The first example of this was when I chose to go on a mission. Once I decided to, it was easier to continue making the kinds of decisions that I might not have otherwise--like reading the scriptures every day, praying, attending church, and even getting married. Even now, the more often that I find myself making good decisions, the easier it is in the future for me to choose the next "right choice."

Quinn answered…

 When we make choices, we already had a desire or motive behind that choice. For example I don't like getting into trouble so I try to make choices that would keep me out of trouble. As I continue to make those choices, such as not doing drugs, it becomes easier to make other right choices when opposition steps in.   

Marissa answered…

I believe making right choices lead us to making more right choices because once you make a right choice you feel good about yourself and it encourages you to keep making those right choices. Also, I believe making right choices leads you to a better outcome in your life. Making a right choice one after another can lead you to having great feelings towards yourself and towards those around you and it can put you in a better mood throughout the day.

Terrence answered…

Each choice has a domino effect. Each right choice has lead to another right choice. At times the right choice has not been the easy or convenient choice, but after the dust has settled the consequence from a correct choice has always lead to something better.

Joshua answered…

When we make a good choice, we can often see the benefits the come from it. That encourages us to make more right choices. As we keep making right choices, our lives get better and better. When I look back on my life, I can see how some of the simple choices I made have had such a great impact on my life. Simply things like praying daily have improved my life by leaps and bounds. It's encouraged me to be keep working on making the right choices every day.

Tim answered…

You know that feeling you get when you know you have done something good? I love that feeling. I crave that feeling. When I choose the right, the Spirit of God confirms to my heart and mind that I am on the right track. It's kind of like when one of my daughters looks up at me after accomplishing something on which they have been working very hard. They receive a look of approval, a word of praise, a kiss on the cheek to let them know they are on the right track. Right choices are contagious. When you see someone who is so happy by serving and making the world a better place, it is hard not to join in the fun.

Ezekiel Orro answered…

When we make a desicion, everything, has a good consequence or a bad consequence.

Now at times, there may seem that we make more bod choices than good, however, if we take a look at these mixtures of bad and good choices, Now when I say bad, I don't mean misbehavior can all lead to a fantastic good consequence.

I've found it challenging to make good choices, however at the end of the day hindsight is always 20/20 vision. I am glad for the gift that we have of agency, because when I've used that agency for good, especially as a missionary, I've been able to touch the lives of others.

Olivia Hall answered…

When once metioning to a non-member friend that It was time for me to go to seminary, she said,"Ha ! Have fun with that ! Sucks for you !" And I replied," No actually, I have my free-agency and I can choose weather I attend seminary or not, and It is my choice to go." My friend was left speechless and not knowing what to say, and I without thinking, just beared my testimony to her of free-agency and my choice to do what I knew was right. Since then, she's inquired a few times about different things we do and why we attend all the different meetings we dowith sacrament, seminary, mutual, etc., and I have been more than obliged to tell her the importance and significance of each.

Michael Alan answered…

We each receive light and truth when we are born into the world. When we receive the commandments, we receive more light and understand more truth. When we disobey the commandments, we lose light and understand less truth. Keeping the commandments is the only way to know and understand the things of God. As we seek to become more like God, it is important that we use the light that we have been given to recognize and obey truth. This is necessary if we are to receive all that God has promised.

Claire answered…

Growing up as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints isn't easy because their a many difficult choices we have to make. When I was younger, I was very involved in athletics, specifically a competitive soccer team. We traveled all over the state playing in tournaments and league play. We won state championships and a regional tournament and became nationally ranked number one. As we grew older, league play was switched to Sundays. As a child I was taught to observe the sabbath day and keep it holy. Sunday is a day of rest when we attend church and worship our Father in Heaven. Although it was a very difficult decision, their was no doubt in my mind that I made the right choice when I decided not to play soccer. It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make and I felt a huge sense of loss. Even now I get discouraged because I see my friends and teammates that I played with being recognized because they are playing at D1 universities all over the nation, some on full-ride scholarships. I know that I would have had those same opportunities and realize it was a lot to give up. However, I still know that I did the right thing. When I am faced with challenges these days I look back on that decision I made and remind myself that I was able to give that up for something more important. Since it was such a hard choice I tell myself that I can always choose the right no matter how hard. Knowing that I am able to do hard things and give up something I was so passionate about motivates me to continue to choose the right so that my sacrifice would not be in vain.

Spencer answered…

When you make a right choice you feel good. And you get a desire to feel that way again so you do more things right. It’s like a simple law of physics when an object is in motion it stays in motion. So when you are making right choices you are more likely to make more right choices down the road. it is extremely simple the hardest part I think is making the first right choice but it can be done, no matter how far down the wrong road you may be there is always a way back through Jesus Christ. It may not be easy but it is so worth it, you will be happier and you will feel better about yourself and the direction you are going. So starts right know in making the right choice and always remember Christ can help you no matter how far down the wrong road you may be.

Brent answered…

I am a firm believer in the philosophy that we have total control over our actions, but we have absolutely no control over the consequences of our actions. This can apply to actions both good and bad. When we do good things to other people, it can carry on to others and we might never know where this cycle will end. I once heard, "You can count the seeds of a single apple, but you can never count the apples from a single seed." If we don't use our apples for good purposes, then the seeds will go to waste. When we plant seeds of right choices, we will have opportunities to plant more of those seeds. By choosing the right, we will never fear for others to criticize. We will never have to worry about guilt of making poor decisions. This is true freedom, and brings lasting happiness and joy.

Tatiana answered…

Making right choices seems, like so many other things in life, to be habit forming. Once we tell the truth, maintain our cool with frustrating people or stand up for someone who is being mistreated we feel a great feeling inside knowing that what we did was directly in line with what we believe to be right. Then we have more incentive to keep making those right decisions even if it is hard.

Herberlene answered…

Sometimes, making the right choices aren't always easy. However, with the Lords help and prayer, we can overcome all obstacles. As you continue to choose the right and make it apart of your everyday life, it will become a habit and it will just happen naturally.

Jacob answered…

When I was a teenager I decided to accept the miracle of forgiveness. I worked on myself, with the help of others, and found great peace of mind, personal contentment, and self esteem.

I decided to serve a mission and was not content to just believe the Joseph Smith story; I needed to know for myself.

I prayed deeply.

But, before I received my answer I learned that obedience would assure me an answer to my prayers.

I also realized, by sacred experience, that I needed this witness not just to be an honest missionary. I learned that the answer to this prayer would also validate all that is performed in Temples.

Armed with a solid "How" and a firm "Why" I walked into my very first teaching experience as a young missionary. And I realized that day that a testimony is gained in the bearing of a testimony! How wonderful our God is!

He let me walk right to the edge of the light and even a step into the darkness. And then, in a powerful way: He illuminated the room, those who heard my message, my companion, and yes--me too!

In 4 short years I went from belief to knowledge. That's how it works, one correct choice at a time. I have continued to make right choices over the last 20 years, repenting quickly when I have failed--and have grown increasingly closer to God.

As I look back I see now that these choices came as a result of following the Prophets. The President of The Church, and those who support him in his ministry, have the true message, and will lead us towards happiness here and in the eternities.

That's really what it's all about; joy. Making right choices brings joy. Making wrong choices has never brought joy; never will.

Justin answered…

As I see the blessings and benefits of my actions I realize that my actions were righteous and I want to make more correct choices so I can have more blessings and more joys...

Tino answered…

When you make right choices, you feel peace & happiness. It helps me to make right choices because I want to continue to feel peace and harmony in my life. The Lord has said in Doctrine & Covenants Section 82:10 "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise." So, by making right choices, the Lord is required to bless me.

Lindsey answered…

One of the hardest things for me was to start being active again. I had got into a routine and was comfortable; but I knew it was wrong. I remember the first time I made the right decision to avoid something unclean. I felt an overwhelming feeling of; "I just did that. I can do that again!" Once I made the right decision the first time, the 2nd wasn't so bad. Each decision I made became easier to make because I was more confident in my dealings with man. I knew I was making the right decision therefore I knew it benefit me and create a happier enviornment. I was brought closer to Heavenly Father through choosing the right and became proud of the decisions I knew I could make.

Susan answered…

When we make right choices we are in a good place, without the burdens of wrong choices, to continue to make more right choices. Good choices allow for a freedom, wrong choices add incumberance.
When we make wrong choices, we get crooked with things and start to make excuses or cover for ourselves and this leads to other wrong choices.

Jason answered…

The more we become like Jesus Christ, the more we feel the joy of a righteous life. Christ, as the only perfect person to have ever lived a perfect life is the One I strive to emulate. The closer I come to Him the more I want to become even more like Him, by choosing the right.

Cody answered…

I don't have a particular story in mind, but I've had general experience with this in life. Making right choices builds faith in ourselves and in the guidance that we get. And with most of our decisions that we make about what to do with our time or how we treat the people around us, we always get discerable feedback. We know when we've done something right or wrong and we know what kind of affect we have on others. When we hold ourselves accountable to what we're doing, we'll see what makes us have joy in our lives and continue to do those things, as well as avoiding the not so good decisions.

Kim answered…

I feel this is an easy one....it's like a habit, the more you do it the easier it is. Someone once told me if you do something everyday for 3 weeks you will develop a habit of doing it....so make right choices everyday for 3 weeks and you will make a habit of making right choices:-)
But seriously, I find that the more I make right choices the easier it gets to make right choices..