Here are some examples of statements of a belief in limited agency: “I cannot do that; it is too hard.” “It’s just the way it is.” “My dad was like that and I am the same way.” “I was raised that way.” “There are certain things you just can’t change.” “I was born this way.” “It’s just in my DNA.” “Most people never change.” “I cannot change my circumstances.”

Restrictive or limited agency is never taught by our Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ in any of the standard works of scripture. There is no mention in holy writ of limits or restrictions on the principle of moral agency. The only time agency is limited is— again—through the consequences of sinful decisions.

Many years ago, the sins of a young man were brought before the First Presidency. President Clark in reviewing the young man’s conduct said, “the trouble with this kind of fellow, ofttimes, is that he thinks he is the only person in the world that has human nature.”⁴ May we never forget that as part of the plan; the natural man, the weakness of the flesh, biological urges, or human nature will always tempt our agency.

Here is a simple personal example of limited agency. My son Blake, fresh from serving a full-time mission, believed what he taught as a missionary; he knows with God nothing is impossible. He has nearly perfect discipline in his life. You might even call it perfect agency as he was exercising his faith and discipline in powerful ways that improved his life. He relies upon God and Christ for strength, help, forgiveness, and direction.

We had a discussion one day about my desire to lose weight. I was about 25-30 pounds overweight and had tried dieting numerous times and failed. As we discussed my efforts and my desires, Blake could not understand how I could not lose weight. Blake believed that if you want something that is good, wholesome and righteous, you just chart a plan, ask for God's help and you achieve what you desire.

He was flabbergasted that I couldn’t just follow the simple pattern of spiritual goal setting and achievement and exercise agency to succeed. I finally shared with him my statement of limited agency as I said, “my desire for food is greater than my desire to lose weight.” This was an accurate statement, but I really was expressing the doctrine of restrictive or limited agency