William Shakespeare | To Act Or To Be Acted Upon

To Act or to Be Acted Upon? — Agency, Faith & Fitness

What if Shakespeare’s most famous question got a little Book of Mormon twist—and a fitness upgrade?

William Shakespeare gave the world the unforgettable question, “To be, or not to be?” In this fun, vintage-inspired design, that famous phrase meets one of the Restoration’s most powerful teachings about agency: “to act for themselves and not to be acted upon.” —2 Nephi 2:26.

The result is a clever collision of Shakespearean drama, Latter-day Saint doctrine, and the mindset behind physical fitness: Are you going to act, or are you going to let yourself be acted upon?

We Are Meant to Act

In 2 Nephi 2, Lehi teaches a foundational truth about the plan of salvation. Because of Jesus Christ, opposition, and the gift of agency, we are not merely passive objects being pushed around by circumstances. We are agents unto ourselves, with the capacity and responsibility to choose.

Elder David A. Bednar has repeatedly taught this principle. He explains that some things are designed to act, while others are designed to be acted upon—and that we have been blessed with the capacity and power of independent action.

That principle applies beautifully to discipleship and to fitness.

You can't control every circumstance in life. But you can decide whether you'll pray today. You can decide whether you'll study the scriptures. You can choose to repent, serve, forgive, and follow Jesus Christ.

And you can choose whether you get off the couch and move.

Agency Requires Action

Physical fitness provides a surprisingly good laboratory for learning about agency.

You can buy the running shoes. You can join the gym. You can download the workout app. You can even put a motivational quote on your wall.

But eventually, you have to act.

No one can do your push-ups for you.

No one can run your miles for you.

No one can perform your squats, lift your weights, or develop your endurance for you.

Progress requires action.

The gospel works the same way. We don't become stronger disciples simply by knowing what we should do. Faith becomes powerful when we act in faith.

Elder Bednar has emphasized that gospel learning requires action. Rather than passively waiting for spiritual experiences, we prepare, seek, ask, and then act in faith.

That principle applies to spiritual strength and physical strength alike: strength comes through exercise.

Agency Isn't “Doing Whatever I Want”

Latter-day Saint agency isn't simply freedom to do whatever we want. True moral agency involves choosing good, accepting responsibility, and using our freedom in ways that lead toward Jesus Christ.

The same idea applies to taking care of our bodies.

Physical fitness isn't about worshiping muscles, chasing a particular appearance, or turning exercise into an obsession. It's about stewardship, discipline, resilience, and using the physical abilities God has given us to serve Him and others.

Sometimes acting means hitting a new personal record.

Sometimes it means taking a walk.

Sometimes it means choosing the healthier meal.

Sometimes it means getting back up after missing a workout.

And sometimes the most important rep is simply the one you decided to do.

So channel your inner Shakespeare, grab your scriptures, lace up your shoes, and ask yourself:

To act—or to be acted upon?

When it comes to faith, discipleship, and fitness, the invitation is wonderfully simple:

Choose to act.

Choose faith. Choose discipline. Choose movement. Choose Christ.

Because weak things can become strong—but somebody has to take the first step.Product: Next Level Apparel N6210 Men's CVC Crew

Next Level Apparel N6210 Men's CVC Crew

• 4.3 oz.,

• 60% combed ringspun cotton/ 40% polyester jersey

• Colors have a slightly heathered look

• Pre-shrunk for reduced shrinkage

• CVC blend

• 1x1 baby rib-knit set-in collar

• Shoulder to shoulder taping

• Tear-away label

• Side seamed