How much responsibility do we have to follow our leaders?
Should this extend to the degree that we should obey those who preside over us even when we know that what they are telling us is wrong?
There is a great difference of opinion within the Church today on this very subject, to the extent that recently a large Sunday School class that the author attended, was literally split down the middle, with one side claiming that: “We should follow our leaders, no matter what they ask us to do, even if we know that what they are asking us to do is wrong,” the other side stressing the point that: “We should only follow our leaders in righteousness, as they follow the Lord.”
This article will look into the principle of individual accountability, and will see that it is not something that has been brought about solely in this last dispensation, but has been a principle of the Gospel from before the foundation of the world, inextricably linked with one of the most important doctrines of all – FREE AGENCY.
In the Book of Moses, there is reference to the pre-existence, and to a discussion that went on there. This event that occurred had everlasting consequences, and gives us an insight into the plan that Satan felt would be a “sure-fire” way of achieving exaltation for all of the spirit children of our Heavenly Parents:
<blockquote>1 And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying–Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor. 2 But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me–Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. 3 Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down; 4 And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice. (PoGP:Moses 4:1-4)
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The high-lighted pieces in the scripture above gives us valuable insight into part of Satan’s plan. i.e. SATAN FELT THAT BY STOPPING MEN’S FREE AGENCY, HE COULD REDEEM ALL MANKIND.
Heavenly Father’s plan meant that we are all individually accountable for our own actions. We are the ones who must be blessed or punished for our own actions, nobody else has the God given right to claim that they have the authority to give us the permission to sin. Remember the Article of Faith:
<blockquote>We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam’s transgression. (Articles of Faith 2.)</blockquote>
If we do wrong, and do not repent of that wrong-doing, justice will take its course, no matter who tells us otherwise. Brigham Young, Prophet of God, confirmed this:
<blockquote>”If a bishop or any other officer in this Church shall counsel the people to violate any of the laws of God, and to sustain and build up the kingdoms of this world, I will justify them, and the Lord will justify them in refusing to obey that counsel.” (B.Young. J.D.12:164)</blockquote>
It is imperative that we remember that no man can be saved in his sins (Alma 11:37), and also that no unclean thing can enter into the kingdom of God.
But, what is real sin? Can a person sin unknowingly and be punished for that lack of understanding?
The Book of Mormon states that:
<blockquote>”He that knoweth not good from evil is blameless.” (Alma 29:5)</blockquote>
But when we combine this scripture with D/C 131:6 we realise that we cannot use this scripture as an excuse at the judgement bar:
<blockquote>”It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.” (D/C 131:6)</blockquote>
We have to find out what is right and what is wrong, and live our lives in accordance with that knowledge.
<blockquote>”A man sins when he violates his conscience, going contrary to light and knowledge – not the light and knowledge that has come to his neighbour, but that which has come to himself. He sins when he does the opposite of what he knows to be right.” (Orson F. Whitney. Saturday Night Thoughts, p. 329)</blockquote>
Remember that which will save us:
<blockquote>Men will be saved in the last days as in former days, according to their faith and willingness to receive the word of God, and walk in it. (F. D. Richards. J.D. 1:321)</blockquote>
But, surely we can rely on the Prophet of the Church, or the Apostles, or our Bishops to teach us correctly those things that we need to do?
We have often heard that there is safety in following the brethren. Surely as the Lord’s representatives upon the face of the earth they will tell us what the Lord wants us to hear… won’t they?
We have often heard that we will be blessed for following the prophet, or any of the brethren, even if what they tell us is wrong, isn’t that so?
These sort of questions are often asked of those who “dare” to question that which the Prophet has spoken. This belief in following the brethren without question, has even permeated down to local levels, where some Bishops, Stake Presidents and even some Priesthood holders without any callings, expect and even require others to follow them, sometimes using their “Priesthood” to coerce, control or sometimes even force weak minded brothers and sisters into agreeing to do things that they might know are wrong.
The Lord recognized that this situation might occur, and through the Prophet Joseph Smith spoke these words:-
<blockquote>34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? 35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson– 36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. 37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. 38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God. 39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. 40 Hence many are called, but few are chosen. 41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; 42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile– 43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; 44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death. (D&C: Section 121:34-44)</blockquote>
We recognise then, that if anybody tries to exercise control, dominion or compulsion by virtue of the Priesthood, then that person will forfeit that very same Priesthood.
Asking or telling somebody to do something that is wrong by virtue of the Priesthood, is exercising that Priesthood in a large degree of unrighteousness. Remember that the Lord said that any degree of unrighteous is enough to lose the Priesthood. (see verse 37)
But, I hear you say, surely a Priesthood holder might not realise that what they are telling somebody to do is wrong.
Maybe verse 42 in the above quotation explains this. That PURE KNOWLEDGE should be used in conjunction with the Priesthood.
Pure knowledge comes from God by His Holy Spirit (D/C 121:26), and it is as important that the recipient of the message should know that it comes from our Heavenly Father, as the person through which the communication originally came. Brigham Young, amongst others stressed this point many times very effectively:-
<blockquote>We must have that living witness within us. We need the light of the Holy Spirit continually, day by day, as you have been told hundreds of times. How easy it would be for your leaders to lead you to destruction, unless you actually know the mind and will of the Spirit yourselves. That is your privilege. (B.Young. J.D.4:368)</blockquote>
again:-
<blockquote>What a pity it would be if we were led by one man to utter destruction! Are you afraid of this? I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by Him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purposes of God in their salvation, and weaken that influence they could give to their leaders, did they know for themselves, by the revelations of Jesus, that they are led in the right way. Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not. This has been my exhortation continually. (B.Young. J.D.9:150)</blockquote>
again:-
<blockquote>I cannot be satisfied with myself, neither can I be satisfied with this people, unless they live in the enjoyment of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, having the testimony of Jesus within them. When they live in that manner, they are prepared to judge of all matters that come before them; they are then capable of discerning between truth and error, light and darkness. They can then readily discover the things that are not of God, and distinguish them from those that are. This is the only way for you to know that your leaders are leading you in the path that leads to heaven. Without taking this course, a people or nation is liable to be led astray by their leaders, and thereby be prepared to be destroyed; but when the people understand for themselves – when they know and understand the things of God by the Spirit of revelation, they are not only satisfied but safe. (B.Young. J.D.5:2)</blockquote>
and again:-
<blockquote>I wish to impress upon the minds of the Saints the importance of so living that they will always know the voice of the Good Shepherd. When they hear the voice of the Spirit of inspiration – the power of God, through any person, let the feelings and sensibilities of every one who professes to know anything of the things of God, be in a state to know and discern between that which is of God and that which is not. I have exhorted the brethren, all the day long, in this way. My whole study is employed and my whole soul is drawn out to induce this people to live their religion. How often has it been taught that if you depend entirely upon the voice, judgment, and sagacity of those appointed to lead you, and neglect to enjoy the Spirit for yourselves, how easily you may be led into error, and finally be cast off to the left hand? (B.Young. J.D.8:59)</blockquote>
once more:-
<blockquote>I have often said to the Latter-day Saints – “Live so that you will know whether I teach you truth or not.” Suppose you are careless and unconcerned, and give way to the spirit of the world, and I am led, likewise, to preach the things of this world and to accept things that are not of God, how easy it would be for me to lead you astray! But I say to you, live so that you will know for yourselves whether I tell the truth or not. That is the way we want all Saints to live. Will you do it? Yes, I hope you will, every one of you. (B.Young. J.D.18:248)
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But shouldn’t we have confidence in the brethren who lead the Church? Shouldn’t we be satisfied with that which they say and do? Isn’t questioning a lack of faith?
The same Prophet of God who made the remarks above, said this:-
Some may say, “Brethren, you who lead the Church, we have all confidence in you, we are not in the least afraid but what everything will go right under your superintendence; all the business matters will be transacted right; and if brother Brigham is satisfied with it, I am.” I do not wish any Latter-day Saint in this world, nor in heaven, to be satisfied with anything I do, unless the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ, the spirit of revelation, makes them satisfied. I wish them to know for themselves and understand for themselves, for this would strengthen the faith that is within them. Suppose that the people were heedless, that they manifested no concern with regard to the things of the kingdom of God, but threw the whole burden upon the leaders of the people, saying, “If the brethren who take charge of matters are satisfied, we are,” this is not pleasing in the sight of the Lord. Every man and woman in this kingdom ought to be satisfied with what we do, but they never should be satisfied without asking the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, whether what we do is right. When you are inspired by the Holy Ghost you can understandingly say, that you are satisfied; and that is the only power that should cause you to exclaim that you are satisfied, for without that you do not know whether you should be satisfied or not. You may say that you are satisfied and believe that all is right, and your confidence may be almost unbounded in the authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ, but if you asked God, in the name of Jesus, and received knowledge for yourself, through the Holy Spirit, would it not strengthen your faith? It would. (B.Young. J.D.3:45)
But if we cannot place our trust implicitly in our leaders, then who can we trust?
Let’s turn to the scriptures for a while and see what they say:-
34 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm. (BofM:2 Nephi 4:34)
5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. 6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. 7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (OldT:Jeremiah 17:5-8)
Isn’t it plainly obvious, that we should trust in the Lord, as He is the source of truth and light, and we will never be deceived if we know Him and His will concerning us.
But, I hear you say, surely the leaders of the Church are more worthy to be able to know God than we are? Joseph Smith answered this very question:-
“Search the scriptures – search the revelations which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to His glory nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependant on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation. No; for when men receive their instruction from Him that made them, they know how He will save them.” (T.P.J.S. p.11-12)
In fact if we depend or rely on our leaders we will never become Gods in the Celestial Kingdom!
If you are cheated out of your crown at last, who has cheated you? These questions may apply in different ways. They may apply to the business operations of the world, as well as to the grace of God in the heart, and the salvation of the soul. It is to the latter I wish them more particularly to apply. Who has influence over any one of you, to cause you to miss salvation in the celestial kingdom of God? I will answer these questions for myself. If brother Brigham and I shall take a wrong track, and be shut out of the kingdom of heaven, no person will be to blame but brother Brigham and I. I am the only being in heaven, earth, or hell, that can be blamed.
This will equally apply to every Latter-day Saint. Salvation is an individual operation. I am the only person that can possibly save myself. When salvation is sent to me, I can reject or receive it. In receiving it, I yield implicit obedience and submission to its great Author throughout my life, and to those whom He shall appoint to instruct me; in rejecting it, I follow the dictates of my own will in preference to the will of my Creator. There are those among this people who are influenced, controlled, and biased in their thoughts, actions, and feelings by some other individual or family, on whom they place their dependence for spiritual and temporal instruction, and for salvation in the end. These persons do not depend upon themselves for salvation, but upon another of their poor, weak, fellow mortals. “I do not depend upon any inherent goodness of my own,” say they, “to introduce me into the kingdom of glory, but I depend upon you, brother Joseph, upon you, brother Brigham, upon you, brother Heber, or upon you, brother James; I believe your judgment is superior to mine, and consequently I let you judge for me; your spirit is better than mine, therefore you can do good for me; I will submit myself wholly to you, and place in you all my confidence for life and salvation; where you go I will go, and where you tarry there I will stay; expecting that you will introduce me through the gates into the heavenly Jerusalem.”
I wish to notice this. We read in the Bible, that there is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars. In the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, these glories are called telestial, terrestrial, and celestial, which is the highest. These are worlds, different departments, or mansions, in our Father’s house. Now those men, or those women, who know no more about the power of God, and the influences of the Holy Spirit, than to be led entirely by another person, suspending their own understanding, and pinning their faith upon another’s sleeve, will never be capable of entering into the celestial glory, to be crowned as they anticipate; they will never be capable of becoming Gods. They cannot rule themselves, to say nothing of ruling others, but they must be dictated to in every trifle, like a child. They cannot control themselves in the least, but James, Peter, or somebody else must control them, They never can become Gods, nor be crowned as rulers with glory, immortality, and eternal lives. They never can hold sceptres of glory, majesty, and power in the celestial kingdom. Who will? Those who are valiant and inspired with the true independence of heaven, who will go forth boldly in the service of their God, leaving others to do as they please, determined to do right, though all mankind besides should take the opposite course. Will this apply to any of you? Your own hearts can answer. (B.Young. J.D.1:312-313)
This is probably one of the most unequivocal statements on this very important principle and is well worth reading over again and again to understand it in it’s entirety. The scriptures totally back up its sentiments. There is no scripture that recommends that we follow our leaders in unrighteousness. If that were so, Joseph never would have bothered to pray about which Church to join, he would have been able to have been saved by following his unrighteous leaders!
To contemplate the logic behind the statement that we will be blessed for following a leader if he tells us to do something wrong, is ludicrous in the extreme.
As Joseph was translating the Bible under the inspiration of the Lord, one scripture that emphasises this principle came to light, spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ himself:-
40 Therefore, if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: or if thy brother offend thee and confess not and forsake not, he shall be cut off. It is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands, to go into hell. 41 For it is better for thee to enter into life without thy brother, than for thee and thy brother to be cast into hell; into the fire that never shall be quenched, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 42 And again, if thy foot offend thee, cut it off; for he that is thy standard, by whom thou walkest, if he become a transgressor, he shall be cut off. 43 It is better for thee, to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Therefore, let every man stand or fall, by himself, and not for another; or not trusting another. 45 Seek unto my Father, and it shall be done in that very moment what ye shall ask, if ye ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive. 46 And if thine eye which seeth for thee, him that is appointed to watch over thee to show thee light, become a transgressor and offend thee, pluck it out. 47 It is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God, with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. (NewT:I.V.Mark 9:43-47)
I think that the above quotation is self explanatory, and confirms that we should stand up for truth and righteousness whatever the consequences, even if those who lead us tell us to do wrong, or else hell fire is the outcome!
It isn’t always popular following the truth, but we should be willing to do it at all costs, even if there is no-one else around us who is willing to stand up with us and be counted. Joseph Smith felt this way, and said:
“It mattereth not whether the principle is popular or unpopular, I will always maintain a true principle, even if I stand alone in it.” (T.P.J.S. p.332)
In the Doctrine and Covenants, one of the most glorious visions in this dispensation confirms that if we are deceived by men, and follow not God, we shall inherit the Terrestrial Kingdom, and not the Celestial:-
61 Wherefore, let no man glory in man, but rather let him glory in God, who shall subdue all enemies under his feet. 62 These shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever. (D&C: Section 76:61-62) 75 These are they who are honourable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men. 76 These are they who receive of his glory, but not of his fulness. 77 These are they who receive of the presence of the Son, but not of the fulness of the Father. 78 Wherefore, they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun. (D&C: Section 76:75-78)
The only quotation that is given that opposes all the statements that have been made is one by Heber J. Grant:-
“My boy, you always keep your eye on the President of the Church, and if he ever tells you to do anything and it is wrong, and you do it, the Lord will bless you for it. But you don’t need to worry, the Lord will never let his mouthpiece lead the people astray.” (Marion G. Romney. Oct 1960 Gen. Conference)
What a strange quotation! If the second part of the statement is true, then the first part of the statement should never have been made. All that the first part of the quotation has done has been to confuse people, and to give them a statement that is entirely opposed to that which has been revealed by all the prophets that have ever lived and is totally contrary to scripture.
The second part of the statement, that: “the Lord will never let his mouthpiece lead the people astray,” is again opposed to scriptures. (The Lord even said to the Prophet Joseph Smith to watch himself unless he falls. (see D/C 3:9-11))
The declaration seems to be based on a statement that was made by Wilford Woodruff reported in the Deseret Evening News 13th October 1890, which states: “The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of the Church to lead you astray.” This statement, on its own, seems confusing, and again, is opposed to all that which has been said before. But if we look to a previously made, similar statement by the Prophet Wilford Woodruff, we see what he was meaning, and obviously what he should have said.
“God will not permit me, or any other President who holds the keys, to intentionally lead you astray.” (W. Woodruff. Deseret Evening News 13th April 1889)
As has been mentioned, again and again, this is the whole reason why our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and others have continually proclaimed the importance of finding out what is true for ourselves. Prophets are men, human beings, capable of making mistakes, we shouldn’t follow those mistakes, but we should follow the truth, which has been confirmed to us by the Spirit of God.
Isn’t it amazing, how one statement, possibly mistakenly made, has caused so much confusion amongst members of the Church, even to the extent that certain people are being excommunicated for reserving the right to question, and not to follow blindly.
Samuel Richards, in the Millennial Star in 1852, said the following:-
“We have heard men who hold the Priesthood remark, that they would do anything they were told to do by those who presided over them, even if they knew it was wrong; but such obedience as this is worse than folly to us; it is slavery in the extreme; and the man who would thus willingly degrade himself, should not claim a rank among intelligent beings, until he turns from his folly… Others, in the extreme exercise of their almighty (!) authority, have taught that such obedience was necessary, and that no matter what the Saints were told to do by their Presidents, they should do it without asking any questions.
When the Elders of Israel will so far indulge in these extreme notions of obedience, as to teach them to the people, it is generally because they have it in their hearts to do wrong themselves, and wish to pave the way to accomplish that wrong, and wish to use the cloak of their authority to cover it with, lest it should be discovered by their superiors, who would require an atonement at their hands.” (S. Richards. Millennial Star 14:594)
I think an appropriate way to end this article is with a quotation by President George Q. Cannon, and may his blessing rest upon us all.
“Brethren and sisters, live so that each of you can go to the Father and ask and receive from him the blessing that you need. He has said, “Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm. “Do not build upon man. Do not lean upon him, but lean upon our Father in heaven. Seek unto him; implore his blessing; ask for light and strength from him; humble yourselves before him, and confess your sins; be of a broken heart and contrite spirit, and he will visit you with his Spirit, and bestow upon you gifts such as you have never yet received.
That you may do this, and that we all may do it, that we may be eventually saved and exalted in the kingdom of our Father, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus. Amen. (G.Q.Cannon. J.D.19:111)
From Volume 1, Issue 2 of LDS Truth Seeker magazine.
