My name is Jaeger Perkins and I am a priest in the Lone Mountain Ward. I am honored to be able to speak to you on this Sabbath day. I was asked to speak on having the courage to choose the right. When we came to this earth we were blessed to be able to receive the gift of agency, which means that with everything, it is our own choice. When making decisions, it is important that we have the courage to choose the right. Each decision we make can either bring us up, or tear us down. It can shape the coarse of our life and reflect on our character. .
I believe President Monson put it best when he said "Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed: the courage to say, "No," the courage to say, "Yes." Decisions do determine destiny." I love that quote. He makes it perfectly clear that courage is needed. The definition of courage itself is "to not be afraid and to have strength when doing that which is right." .
Perhaps one of my favorite examples of courage is the story of the 2,000 stripling warriors, who answered the call to action to defend the Nephites and their families when their righteous fathers could not. Helaman led the young and inexperienced army, who went forth with great courage, and faith in the lord. They fought many battles and while many of them were injured, not a single one was killed. The 2000 Stripling Warriors had the courage to risk their lives to defend their families. They had the courage to put their faith into the lord and he would protect them. They had the courage to choose the right. .
Brothers and Sisters, just as the 2000 stripling warriors were, we are all enlisted. We are all enlisted in the great fight of these latter days. Our modern day fight is not one on a battlefield full of blood, sweat, tears, swords and shields, but it is a battle of righteousness. It is a battle where everyday that we step outside our doors we are tested.