Positive outcomes occur when "moral agency" is accompanied by "moral discipline," according to Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve.

"Moral discipline is the consistent exercise of agency to choose the right because it is right, even when it is hard," he said during his Sunday afternoon conference address. "It rejects the self-absorbed life in favor of developing character worthy of respect and true greatness through Christlike service. The root of the word 'discipline' is shared by the word 'disciple' suggesting to the mind the fact that conformity to the example and teachings of Jesus Christ is the ideal discipline that, coupled with His grace, forms a virtuous and morally excellent person."

Many societies have failed to foster moral discipline. They have taught that truth is relative and that everyone decides for himself or herself what is right. Concepts such as sin have been condemned as "value judgements."

As a consequence, said Elder Christofferson, "self-discipline has eroded, and societies are left to try to maintain order and civility by compulsion. The lack of internal control by individuals breeds external control by governments."

Most of the world has been experiencing an extended and devastating economic recession. "It was brought on by multiple causes, but one of the major causes was widespread dishonest and unethical conduct, particularly in the U.S. housing and financial markets."

Reactions to such behavior have focused on enacting more and stronger regulation; this approach leads to diminished freedom for everyone, Elder Christofferson observed.

"It is only an internal moral compass in each individual that can effectively deal with the root causes as well as the symptoms of societal decay," he said. "Societies will struggle in vain to establish the common good until sin is denounced as sin, and moral discipline takes its place in the pantheon of civic virtues."

Moral discipline, he added, is learned at home. "While we cannot control what others may or may not do, the Latter-day Saints can certainly stand with those who demonstrate virtue in their own lives and inculcate virtue in the rising generation."

Teachings at home should focus on instilling faith in God in that rising generation. "We must declare the essential need to keep the commandments of God, and to walk uprightly before Him in soberness or, in other words, with reverence. Each must be persuaded that service and sacrifice for the well-being and happiness of others, in love, are far superior to making one's own comfort and possessions the highest priority."

Elder Christofferson said he has heard some parents say they don't want to impose the gospel on their children, thinking that they are allowing children to exercise their agency.

"What they forget is that the intelligent use of agency requires knowledge of the truth, of things as they really are. Without that, young people can hardly be expected to understand and evaluate the alternatives that come before them."

All will experience temptation, he added. One can follow the Savior's example and give "no heed" to temptations. "Perhaps our moral discipline, if we cultivate it, will have an influence for good and inspire others to pursue the same course. We may thereby have an impact on future trends and events."

Watch video of this talk and other conference talks at ksl.com