The Lord has outlined the purpose and goal of mortality: “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). His plan – the plan of salvation – decrees that the Father’s children will pass through mortality, where they can exercise their agency and be tested “to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them”(Abraham 3:25).

“The choices the children of God make in the exercise of their agency are made in the face of opposition,” explains Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In The Lord’s Way, he contrasts the ways of the Lord with the ways or methods of the world in resolving such issues as these:

• What is the relationship between learning by study (reason) and learning by faith (revelation) – and when should each be used?
• What is the difference between the proofs of science and the signs or miracles that the Lord has told us we should not seek?
• How should we care for the poor among us?
• Why should we avoid contention?
• When are we justified in participating in litigation?
• Why should we refrain from faultfinding and evil-speaking, and how should we resolve differences with others, especially leaders?
• How does church discipline differ from civil or criminal procedures?