When Satan Gives You a 'Revelation' That You Don't Need to Follow Your Church Leaders
Let me preface this article with something really important: THIS IS NOT about masks or COVID-19. Whereas the story is about COVID-19 and masks, the doctrine and application are universal to any time someone 'receives a revelation' to disobey the leadership of the Church regardless of the topic.
It is easy to follow our church leaders when we agree with them. When we support the Constitution we love quotes from President Benson extolling its virtue and calling for us to defend it. When we are pro-life we cling to quotes from the brethren supporting our beliefs. But what happens when we are asked by the brethren to do something we don't agree with? What happens when their counsel challenges our politics or social views? That is when it is hard to follow our leaders. I had that happen to me this weekend. On Friday, July 10th, 2020 the Utah Area Presidency used official church communication channels to send an official church email, on official letterhead stating “We ask all Latter-day Saints in the Utah Area to be good citizens by wearing face coverings when in public.”
I believe COVID-19 is real, but I also believe in the data showing that it is far less deadly than what the media is reporting, and I think a far bigger danger than COVID-19 is the rights we are losing to overreaching government. I personally have not been wearing a mask, and I do not like wearing one. And I have been 100% against a mandate to wear masks.
Within that context, when I opened up this letter from my Area Presidency. My heart dropped. I was being asked to do something I did not want to do. At first, I entertained the idea of what would happen if I was to disregard this counsel when the Spirit brought the words of Harold B. Lee to my memory and testified of their truth. "You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord Himself, with patience and faith, the promise is that 'the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory'"
After receiving my confirming witness that this was from the Lord, I went downstairs and explained the situation to my wife. She texted her family. Her mom, who has lung cancer, said that she was going to need some help making a facemask with thin fabric as it is hard for her to breathe with her lung cancer, one of the family members rebutted that obviously, she is exempt, but she replied that the example of obedience was worth the price.
I was almost brought to tears to see their valiance in keeping their covenants and sustaining their priesthood leaders. After all, that is the litmus test for the Celestial Kingdom, to be valiant in one's testimony. I immediately bore testimony online and shared the Area President's directive with my friends on social media testifying the need to follow our leaders. But what happened next both shocked and saddened me. Active members refused, refuted, and flat out claimed to receive revelation that this was not of God.
I want to address four lies that people are telling themselves and others regarding receiving personal revelation that the Area Presidency is wrong. (Note, it does not matter the topic that the Area Presidency has addressed, be it refugees, masks, abortion, immigration, medical marijuana, gay marriage, etc; these are lies Satan reuses whenever Saints want to ignore their leaders).
#1. "I prayed and received a revelation that I don't need to follow this."
Satan loves to give false revelation. He is enabled to give false revelation when we have a false understanding of how personal revelation works! Within general Christianity, there is no prophet, every man can receive revelation on how to act and what is truth. This has led to over 10,000 denominations teaching both sides of every doctrine. Your preacher says abortion is wrong, but you decide it is right, simply join another church, or start a new one! After all, your personal revelation is the ultimate authority. But this is not how personal revelation works within the Church.
Within the Church, you only have the right to receive revelation within your stewardship. The Church Leaders are given the right to receive revelations for their areas of authority. The Bishop has been given the stewardship to receive revelation for the Ward by the Stake President. The Stake President has been given stewardship over the stake by the Area Presidents, and the Area Presidents are given stewardship over the Area by the Quorum of the Twelve and First Presidency, who hold all keys to receive revelation for the whole world. Joseph Smith taught, “It is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the Church, or anyone, to receive instruction for those in authority, higher than themselves.”
If there is not a specific command by your priesthood leaders, then you are to seek out by personal revelation what to do. But when the Church Authorities speak, the debate is over. We have made covenants to obey them, WE DO have a right to ask for a CONFIRMATION that our priesthood leaders are acting in the name of the Lord, but regardless of whether or not we receive that confirming witness, we are never excused from our covenant to obey. As related in General Conference, “Any kind of obedience is better than any kind of disobedience.” or "We are too often afraid of what is called blind obedience, but obedience to God is always right — blind or otherwise.” Elder Eldred G. Smith Patriarch to the Church (Conference Report, October 1970 Page 16). (For more on obedience, and debunking the common Brigham Young quote used to justify disobedience see this article: Blind obedience is better than disobedience. But obedience based on faith is not blind!)
I was recently asked if I believed people could receive revelation that the Area Authorities were wrong. I replied, "NO!" If you understand the principles that govern personal revelation and the order of heaven you will learn you are never entitled to such a revelation, and if you receive it from 'a spirit', then it is certainly not the Holy Spirit, but rather an evil spirit and it is a false revelation. And beyond a false revelation, if you then proceed to proclaim what you've received as truth, then you are now the textbook definition of a false prophet. President George Q. Cannon warned about those who disobey the prophet as being a sure sign of apostasy.
"Whenever you see a man disobeying the counsel of the Lord through the Holy Priesthood, you may know that unless he repents, he will apostatize. It is a sure sign of apostasy. A man may be an Apostle, a Seventy, a High Priest, an Elder or a Bishop, yet if he tries to divide the people and persuades them to disobey the Prophet of God, he will surely fall, unless he repents with all his heart. The Lord asks us to obey Him. He tells us how to do so. He does not ask for blind obedience, because He gives His Holy Spirit to all who ask for it to show them that it is right to obey."
George Q. Cannon “Satan Hates a United People," Gospel Truth, Vol. 1, pp. 210–11 (italics and bold added).
The Ensign when dealing with members in the 1980s who claimed to get revelations that the First Presidency was wrong said the following: "But what if an individual feels his “confirmation” does not support the First Presidency statement? When the Apostle Paul was approached by members espousing their own interpretations, he resolved their dilemma by asking: “You saith I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided?” (1 Cor. 1:12–13)."
English translation? Jesus Christ is not going to give you revelations counter to the prophet. He is not divided. That is Satan giving that revelation, not Christ. Does having a difference of opinion means I am an apostate? No. But if you go around publishing your differences on social media attempting to get others to follow you rather than the prophet you are in apostasy. Again to quote President George Q. Cannon. He commented upon the extent to which counsel may be ignored or resisted:
“A friend … wished to know whether we … considered an honest difference of opinion between a member of the Church and the authorities of the Church was apostasy. … We replied that we had not stated that an honest difference of opinion between a member of the Church and the authorities constituted apostasy; … but we could not conceive of a man publishing those differences of opinion, and seeking by arguments, sophistry and special pleading to enforce upon the people to produce division and strife, and to place the acts and counsels of the authorities of the Church, if possible, in a wrong light, and not be an apostate, for such conduct was apostasy as we understood the term. We further said that while a man might honestly differ in opinion from the authorities through a want of understanding, he had to be exceedingly careful how he acted in relation to such differences, or the adversary would take advantage of him, and he would soon become imbued with the spirit of apostasy, and be found fighting against God and the authority which He had placed here to govern His Church”
George Q. Cannon (Deseret News, 3 Nov. 1869, p. 457).
If you wish to dive into this topic deeper I highly recommend it, here are some resources.
An article I wrote regarding the rules that govern personal revelation: Two Guiding Principles of Personal Revelation.
An article my wife wrote about being the exception: "Are You the Exception or Just Disobeying? 6 Ways to Know if You Are the Exception"
And a verbatim write up of a handout that was given to my stake by Elder Geral N. Lund about personal revelation.
This Ensign Article: The Latter-day Saint Perspective specifically deals with members who are claiming false revelation that the First Presidency is wrong.
And these three talks:
President Boyd K. Packer, Personal Revelation: The Gift, the Test, and the Promise
President Russell M. Nelson, Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives
Elder L. Tom Perry, We Believe All That God Has Revealed
"If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn to receive revelation." Russell M. Nelson
#2."It is just the Area Presidency, if it was the prophet I would obey."
When the Area Presidency speaks, they are speaking out of the authority that the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have given them. When a member murmurs and says, "I want the prophet to tell me this before I will obey" it is effectively taking an "I want to talk to your manager" attitude with the priesthood. And least you think that you are excused because this is not an explicit "thus saith the Lord" style commandment, the Lord addressed that in D&C 58:26&29 "For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward... But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned."
Sadly, even if the prophet was to tell them what to do, many would likely still not listen, how do we know this? Because they are rejecting the priesthood chain of authority already by rejecting the Area Presidency that the Prophet has put in place. After all, the Lord taught us that when we receive or reject those who are sent we are really receiving or rejecting the sender. "For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me" D&C 84:36
When the Lord wishes to talk to us about our local issues, he uses our local leaders. It is extremely prideful for us to think we deserve the prophet to address our local issues. If you lived in Ghana then the only time the Church would speak on a local issue would be through the Area Presidency. Could you imagine the Saints in Ghana saying that they want the Prophet to address their local issues? No! They understand the order of heaven employs the priesthood chain of authority! D&C 1:38 teaches that "whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." Our Area Presidencies are the Lord's servants in this part of the vineyard. The Area Presidencies are the representatives called and set apart by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and should be received as the servants of the Lord that they are!
2021 Update. In August 2021 the First Presidency did ask us to wear masks. Almost all those who I saw murmuring about the Area Presidentcy asking us to wear masks are now murmuring against the prophet.
#3. "I am using my agency."
Yes, you have your agency no one is forcing you to keep your covenants. But be warned, there is a kingdom for those who are described as not being valiant in the use of their agency in following Christ. Just because you have agency does not mean God will not tell you how to use it, every commandment is instructions on how to use your agency. You are always "free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil” (2 Nephi 2:27).
I discuss the topic of agency and how Satan uses a corrupted view of it to justify sin in this article, "Abortion and Agency and the two lies Latter-day Saints are believing. Also of value might be this article, Five Major mistakes Latter-day Saints make with politics, where point #4 addresses agency in detail.
#4 "This is just a policy of man."
A complaint my father raised about this policy was that it was simply due to political pressures and that this was not the Area Authorities acting as priesthood leaders but as men.
Ignoring the fact that this argument implies that the Area Presidency was using official church communication channels, to send a letter telling members to do something that was their personal opinion and that this letter went to every single member of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles! And that they did nothing to reign in this rogue Area Presidency! The root of this argument is that the source of the question invalidates the revelation. So what if the Governor of Utah asked the Area Presidency to issue this request? Do you really think they would issue this official commutation simply because they were asked without seeking confirmation from the Lord that it was acceptable? Does it matter that Emma was the source of the question that sparked the Word of Wisdom? Could you imagine the early brethren saying, "Oh the only reason God told Joseph that we should abstain from Tobacco was Emma, so we can ignore it." No, that thought is utter foolishness. It does not matter where the genesis of the question that sparked revelation came from, what matters is that the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have called these men, and stand by them. And unless they publically correct them for something they do, we have a covenant duty to sustain, stand by, and obey those who hold stewardship over us.
It does not matter.
It does not matter if what our church leaders have asked us to do makes sense, our duty is to obey. As Joseph Smith put it, “When the Lord commands, do it.” It is easy to obey when we understand, but it is hard when it is an act of faith. Surely Naaman thought washing in the River Jordan made no sense, but he obeyed and was blessed. Surely the Israelites thought smearing blood on the door to cause the destroying angel to pass over them made no sense either! But it does not matter what we are asked to do, if we obey then we will be blessed. We are dealing with a God that can turn water into wine! He can and will turn our obedience into blessings and miracles. In the words of Russell M. Nelson, “My experience is that once you stop putting question marks behind the prophet’s statements and put exclamation points instead, and do it, the blessings just pour."
Aaaaaaahhhhh.... Such beautiful words.
THANK YOU!!!!
I cannot tell you how much I love this! It hits on every reason that is being used not to follow the instruction given in the Area Presidency's letter and makes me feel so good about my decision to obey. I only wish I dared to share it! I've shared a few thoughts about this on Facebook already and they were met with a lot of resistance and many people I love were offended and felt like they were being judged or called out personally. I wish I'd posted this instead of the things I did but I feel like posting this in addition to my previous posts would not be well received!
I agree with some of what you say here but disagree strongly with one thing. We do not covenant to obey the leaders. We covenant to obey God.
If you believe that the church is lead by men inspired by God then is there really a difference? To assume differently would open yourself up to the possibility that the church is apostatizing. You covenant to obey God who has said, "whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same" (Doctrine and Covenants 1:38).
Obeying our leaders is a precursor to making temple covenants. In the interview we are asked if we sustain the prophet, apostles, other general authorities and local leaders. We might not explicitly covenant to obey our leaders but we cannot make temple covenants without obeying our leaders so it’s virtually the same thing.
Amen sister.
@Amelia,
And yet God has asked us to obey the leaders. Is not following our covenant to obey God extend to when he ask us to obey the leaders he has called chosen and appointed?Has he not said that if they will lead us astray he would remove them? To not have faith in our leaders is to not have faith in God and what he has promised regarding leading us astray
@Jeremy, This is crux of the whole matter and unfortunately you've landed on the wrong side it seems. Yes, there is a huge difference between following Christ and following men called to positions of authority within the church. When our leaders are inspired, then we obey because it comes from God. But you presume and preach that a church leader will never make a mistake in what they tell others to do, acting in their calling. The doctrine is utterly clear on this point, mortal men make mistakes all the time, especially those in leadership positions, including prophets and apostles. We do not believe in infallible leaders. The scriptures teach this, Joseph Smith emphasized it often and Brigham Young has many incredible quotes to that effect which I urge you to review for starters. You made a covenant to follow Jesus Christ alone and no one else... that following is only possible through the Gift of the Holy Ghost as your guide, which testifies of Christ. We find no scripture instructing us to "follow the prophet", but a host of them instructing to follow Christ or his spirit. Following a prophecy or an inspired utterance is not the same thing as following a prophet (or area authority), for the one is following Christ whereas the other is following a man... this is a very important distinction. We are taught, and certainly you were too, that we must confirm everything through the spirit. If the prophet speaks, we listen and then take that to the Holy Ghost for confirmation. Why? Because what the prophet said may or may not be inspired, so you have get it from the spirit to be sure, and there are no exceptions to that rule, we are lead by Christ and his spirit (via the Gift of the Holy Ghost), the very gift given at the time we make a covenant to follow the savior. Check out Deut. Chapter 18, starting around verse 17... Finally you say that if our church leaders might be wrong on occasion then that opens the possibility that the church is apostatizing... well yes and no... we do have a promise that the gospel and priesthood authority will not be taken from earth, that does not mean there will not be dissensions within the church, nor does it guarantee that a leader will never be mistaken. Are you not aware how many Bishops and Stake Presidents, and sometimes an Area Authority, have been excommunicated? Have not some apostles been excommunicated in this dispensation? Do you maintain these men were perfect in their callings and that following them is our duty? Finally the word sustain does not mean to follow or to obey... but to provide what is needed for (something or someone) to exist, continue, etc. In other words, we support our leaders in their weakness, in their errors, in their mistakes and blunders... it does not mean we obey them... no man can have two masters... do you obey Jesus Christ or do you obey mortal men...
I do not know if your Area Authority was inspired or not and I will not question what the Holy Ghost told you to do, but I will tell you as far as masks and (presumably) vaccines go, it appears I received something very different than you did. If some people in your area say they were led by the spirit to disregard that particular email, I'd think carefully on that.
I agree completely. Thank you for posting this. The Prophet has promised us that this virus will end, but I can't help but wonder if we are being tested first and that the Lord is watching to see if we will be obedient in something quite simple. Maybe the quicker we obey, the sooner this will end. Thanks again.
It may seem that I am splitting hairs, but I think it's important to consider the difference between "obey" and "sustain". I am under covenant to obey the Lord by keeping His commandments and to sustain His appointed leaders. If his request is uncomfortable, I should, as my covenants require, decide how I can sustain him on the matter. I feel your enthusiasm and commitment to sustain your area authority, but think that you are taking a leap in accusing those who are grappling with his request to wear masks as covenant breakers. You made your peace on the subject--allow others the time to do the same.
--a Midwestern mask wearer
I have struggled with this. My LDS doctor has told me to wait. I have severe allergies to medicine. Without long term effects known He would like me to wait for my own protection. I also have prayed about this and have gotten the answer to wait. I don't feel I am disobeying. I knew there are others out there that feel and have the same situations
There can be exceptions to prophetic counsel, they are rare, and they follow rules including not broadcasting it to others among other things, but they can happen. My wife is actually writing an article about the process right now and hopes to publish it this weekend. So look out for that.
@Jeremy, Be careful what you are professing.
Our Prophet and Apostles have been fervently admonishing us to "Hear Him" for ourselves, and that out "very survival depends on it."
One size never fits all, and we must follow The Prophet by Hearing Him, and The Holy Ghost, for personal
revelation.
One day our communication systems with no longer work, we will be unable to access counsel from our leaders, and we had better be able to "Hear Him".......our very survival WILL depend on it!
Moroni 10:3-5 "And By The Power Of The Holy Ghost, Ye May Know The Truth Of All Things."!!
Yes, we must hear Him, which is why it is VITAL to learn to discern true revelation from false revelation. If communications ever were cut off, the time to learn how to tell real revelation from Satan's counterfeits is passed. Yet communications are not cut off, and many members hold themselves up as false lights to their 'followers' setting their words above that of the prophets claiming to receive revelations that authorize them to do so. This by definition is apostasy.
@Jeremy, I'd hate to not broadcast my exceptions based on the calm, reasoned rhetoric you and the media have shared over the past 2 years
Ya dangerous rhetoric of following the Prophet... You are totally ok to broadcast the claim to receive revelations telling you to disobey the prophet. Just be aware there is 0 scriptural evidence for a revelation like that. But the story of apostasy often starts that way.
@Sharon Candied,
I do believe the prophet has also called on us to listen to medical professionals so if you have a unique condition that your medical professional urges some caution I also do not believe that is disobedience but I think the article is more about the people who make excuses because they don’t want to
@Laura, I don’t think they are accusing those struggling with it, but those who have already decided and are set on it. I also struggled with the mask thing when it started and my intent in trying to find what I should do which eventually lead to me accepting masks. I don’t feel condemned for not jumping on board day one because I had yet to receive the personal revelation I was seeking which caused me struggles, but I eventually did. I don’t think they author intends to speak against those like us who struggle but do seek personal revelation and seek to follow our leaders direction.
I shared this post from a friend's share, and am surprised by some of the negative reactions I'm getting! I agree with everything you say in here. It's brave to post something like this and not back down. I considered deleting it from my page because people are simply grasping the wrong points and getting upset, but I'll keep it up because this is truth!
I compliment your insights and faith, and feel like-minded in what you've said. My followup doesn't negate what you're saying, but too quickly we hear the directives about wearing a mask and don't finish the sentence "when social distancing is not possible." I happily wear a mask when I can't social distance, or am in a setting (stores, restaurants, etc) it's less likely social distancing can occur. So please don't judge me as noncompliant or unfaithful for not wearing a mask in public where social distancing isn't an issue 🙂
Oh I totally agree and am sorry I was misunderstood. My wife and I go on walks almost every day and we don't wear masks while doing so for that very reason.
@David P, I think people who understand the point the author is making will realise will understand it is not people like who that are being called out
Oh this is going to ruffle the feathers of some people I know - one point that you could mention that applies - if you have responded positively to 15 questions asked of you recently in the last 2 years, specifically #4 with regards to this situation "Do you sustain the other General Authorities and local leaders of the Church?". It would be contrary to what the leaders have asked of us.
I have written my friends a lengthy response to this a small portion of it I post here mostly to see if it works (and it will if this is a WordPress site)
"To quote Boyd K. Packer, 'You are safe following your leaders.' "
Maybe; but again it depends on circumstances. In the end, each person is responsible for his or her life, choices, actions. You cannot delegate that to someone else. It is WAY too easy to excuse oneself by saying, "But the bishop said!" and maybe he did say.
An example worth considering is the men that killed the Fancher Party; the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Are those men innocent? Are they "safe" because they followed their leaders? What would I have done? Obedience IS my nature! I actually have to be on guard for excessive obedience.
I believe that the principle of seeking answers directly from God implies that a duty to do so exists. The men at Mountain Meadows could have, perhaps should have, sought confirmation from God whether this was a right thing to do, the will of God, and we know with some assurance that it was not since Brigham Young sent a rider with a message to leave the settlers alone.
How different would be the history of Utah, and the history of the church, have been had even a few of these men prayed to God and learned that they were to disobey their church leader of the moment.
Examples are rare, but they exist. If obedience seems wrong to you, heed that feeling, seek God in prayer. Perhaps your circumstance is not like someone else's circumstance and that someone else, but not you, should obey this or that. Remember however that your revelation is for your stewardship; you can choose to do or not do, but presenting your decision to others may exceed your stewardship.
You are always safe in obeying the prophet, for we know that he will not be allowed to lead us astray.
If a bishop or stake president is asking you to do something that is contrary to the teachings of the prophet or the doctrine of the church, then you bet you shouldn't follow them. That is why revelation to seek confirmation is so important. Brigham Young sent a rider with a message to leave the settlers alone, but it came too late. President Nelson has had ample opportunity to refute the letter sent out, yet he has not. That is another reason why I feel safe in following the counsel given by my area presidency.
Thank you so much. THIS is exactly how I feel on the matter.
@Michael 2, I also think it’s interesting to note that if a leader is truly leading one astray the lord will revoke there authority. If he has not revoked there authority I still think obedience is the way
Just curious, where do people that can not wear a mask fit into your opinion? Many people can not wear masks due to heart conditions, asthma, COPD, mental issues, anxiety, restricted breathing, damaged lungs, etc. Are you saying that if they have been advised to not wear one due to their health that they are following Satan?
Not at all! There is a difference between claiming to receive revelation that the area presidency is acting unrighteously or falsely, and receiving revelation on HOW you can follow the counsel given by the area presidency because you desire to be obedient. One is a declaration of receiving revelation contradictory to your leaders and receiving revelation in harmony with your leaders that you keep personal.
This is like Word of Wisdom requirements and exceptions, me thinketh. It might help to avoid being where social distancing is unlikely to be assured.
I am prompted that this is not the hill He would have me die on. This trend of rights violation by government is far from over in my humble opinion.
But, like Alma the Elder's group leaving the waters of Mormon, headed for Nephite lands. They were put under the Wicked Priests' tyranny for a season, EVEN being denied vocal prayer under threat of lashings. After trying their faith to an extreme level, the Lord led them out from under the tyrants nose without violence. They were even warned when their oppressors were getting close and moved on unexpectedly- without even seeing their pursuers. It was this group that revived the Nephites for a whole generation.
@Glen, I really like the idea that this is not the hill to die on. I feel much the same, to let this hill go so that I can fight for the hill of Zion when it comes
I definitely agree that faith in church leaders and willingness to follow the Lord's counsel is vital to salvation. But I do have a deep and sincere question: what about the Mountain Meadows Massacre? Haight was a stake president, Lee had recently been a branch president. And sometimes bishops will abuse youth, especially, when they come into their offices. There are a few obvious instances when church leaders at a local level have asked for things that are very, very wrong. How do we reconcile those circumstances in faith? Will we still be blessed for obedience, even if obedience seems like sin?
If they are asking you to do something that obviously goes against doctrine previously taught by the church, then it is totally appropriate to reach out to the next leader up and seek guidance. I never said that stake presidents or bishops are infallible because they definitely can be. But in cases such as this where is not challenging what we already know about the gospel to be true, but is only challenging our politics, we need to be humble enough to follow.
How are you certain that the mask is merely a political issue? And you’re saying that we must go up the ladder of church leaders every time we disagree with our local leader? That’s a lot of emails and calls and meetings. Seems a lot easier to get down on our knees and ask God. But to each his own.
What I am saying is that we are not entitled to be the exception every time guidance that we don't like comes from a leader of the church. We are supposed to seek revelation on how to apply the guidance personally (and then not share publicly unless appropriate--and it normally isn't) how we are supposed to apply that revelation. If God did not want it followed by essentially every member within the jurisdiction of that given leader, then he would not give that leader the revelation/approval to share with those they are called to serve. There are certain times when what a church leader is doing seems to go contrary to the gospel, in which case, yes, I would hope you would reach out to the next leader up to find clarity. But besides those circumstances, you are absolutely right: the answers people seek regarding masks or other things should be found on their knees praying. But they should be asking "how should I follow this guidance personally" rather than, "do I really have to or can I be the exception?"
I enjoyed the article. My question is where is the information from the area presidency found. I don’t recall receiving that one and would like to share it with my family.
Here is a link to an article that has the whole letter:
https://www.deseret.com/faith/2020/7/10/21320807/mormon-covid-19-pandemic-masks-church-latter-day-saints-in-utah
The letter itself was only sent to members in the Utah area, so unless you have someone forward it to you, this is the best place to read it.
I like your support and your reasoning. We all need to listen, and ask for our own confirmation that this is right. God will never let the leaders of His church lead us astray. Follow them.
Very good article .. it helped to strengthen my understanding and strengthens my testimony that we are led by the Lord through His prophet and church leaders. And we don’t need to question or doubt, but rely on the confirmation of the Spirit and go forth in faith, and not waver!
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I enjoyed this article! Great stuff in here!!! Appreciate your words.
Appreciate the thoughtful approach.
Thank you
I thought the area authority would be giving revelation for Utah, not for the whole church. Am I wrong about that? I live in Tenneseee. I have heard the numbers have gone up in Utah, so I think I that makes sense. But what about the areas where it hasn't gone up.
The letter was only addressed to those in the Utah area, and you are not expected to follow its counsel. You are right, if all saints were asked to wear a mask, then it should come from the prophet/first presidency.
Here in Eastern Washington the problem came in to being when local members were quoting Utah's Area Presidency and then condemning those of us who had legitimate medical reasons why we couldn't wear masks.
I tried to explain that what they were quoting as "near doctrine" was something that was given to the members of the church in Utah -- our area presidency never made a similar statement. All we had to go on was the comments made by the First Presidency in "being sensitive and being good neighbors". We did our best to follow this concept.
That is a twofold problem. 1st, it was not your Area Authority therefore it does not apply to you. 2nd, there was condemning involved, fellow members have no right to condemn their fellow men. EVEN IF it was your area authority!
Then came the next issue for us -- when members of our unit started quoting how the Prophet has asked us all to get the vaccine.
No, the prophet explained that, after consulting with his physician, he and his wife decided to get the vaccine.
What I heard the prophet directing us to do was to make our own inquiries; to consult with OUR doctor and to make our own decions.
Years ago, someone was proclaiming the words of President Packer and that we needed to follow those directives. Problem: Elder Packer was talking with his kids at a reunion on issues he felt to discuss with them. A friend of a friend found out about that discussion decided it was binding on the church as a whole. When prophets speak over the pulpit, in an official church publication, it is a different matter than listening in on a private family council and then declaring it doctrine.
Correct, a prophet is a prophet when he is speaking as a prophet. When he is writing books, giving lectures, firesides, or devotionals he is a very wise man, but not necessarily a prophet. I personally try to use materials that have been reviewed and approved by the correlating cancel to ensure their doctrinal veracity.
@Elmer C. Jorgensen, I agree. Many who don’t want the vaccine fail to speak with there doctors or follow there advice, but in cases where that is not the case I am more understanding of not receiving it
I have been blessed with 2 revelations and did what I was asked to do. This brought me blessing. Amen
Just read your post of July 13 regarding the Area Presidency and masks. I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment. My wife and I have been more diligent about wearing masks since reading the message from the Area Presidency in the Desert News ... which leads to an important question: Is the Deseret News an official outlet for "official" church communication from our leaders? I fear there might be some official confusion here. I am a priesthood leader in Ivins, Utah, and have seen nothing from the Area Presidency in my email of official correspondence from the church since June 24. I have checked on churchofjesuschrist.org in the Official Communication Library and there is nothing from the Area Presidency regarding masks. I attended church last Sunday expecting to hear a letter read by our bishop but there was no mention. We have yet to hear anything from our local area authority or stake presidency regarding the Area Presidency's counsel either. This is very puzzling to me in light of your post and would appreciate your thoughts on what constitutes "offical communication" from church leaders ... and perhaps who get is and who does not!
I'm not sure why some saints in Utah found the email easily and others did not, but both my wife and I, as well as numerous other family members in different areas in Utah, received the letter and it had the church's official logo on it. Deseret News isn't official church news, but the Church Newsroom isn't going to officially report every email sent our my area authorities, or else we would have a lot of unapplicable content to sift through while trying to prepare our sacrament meeting talks or do our morning studies. Does that make sense?
The people in my ward are loving and tolerant. If we disagree with one anothers thoughts, then we know they have been granted grace by our Savior to grow in that area and we can love and assist them on their journey.......or perhaps, low and behold, they are right and I am wrong. It happens all the time with each of us. Condemning is far from the teaching of Christ. Some choose to wear mask to church while most do not. This difference does not stop any fellowship among our members. Satan enjoys bickering and watching members lift themselves above others they do not understand. I vote for kindness every time.
Would you care to address the concept of how the local area does not give revelation or policy for other areas. This is no differenr from a bishop getting up and saying that after careful prayer the stake has decided to spend the 2nd hour all month talking about fasting... and then calling yoir brother, who lives in another stake, and telling him he is apostate if he does not do what your stake decided was needed for its local needs this month.
Of course, the Utah area presidency was speaking for the Utah Area, and nowhere else. If the world was supposed to follow this counsel, then the prophet/first presidency would have signed the email and it would have been sent out to everyone.
I live in Saint Johns Arizona
I ran into a different but similar situation. We have a 24th of July celebration her every year. Not just one day but 5 days of rodeo, b-ball, volleyball, ice cream socials, dances family ward campfire dinners and more..
Because of Covoid the church said that they were not going to do this this year.
Now I totally understand why this world wide church didn’t want to do this and I supported that!But as a small business owner in a small town this was financially very bad! Like that’s the best week of the year for most businesses.
So I got together with other likeminded individuals and we went got insurance plans event’s got sponsors etc.
Everything was going well lots of people were excited about it even members were supporting us.
Then one Sunday we had two big sponsors pull out. They were on the high council and had just had a meeting. Some things were said and they felt they could no longer sponsors and I should talk to brothers so and so.
No communication came out no big statement, but what had been said was that the church asked us not to do the 24th and in an effort to follow his council we will not support this other activity because it is just replacing what we stoped.
That was it
I was floored angry, talked to my bishop, who is over the rodeo, masked for council, called the member of the stake president and asked what was said and what was so wrong etc.
After two day I came to many of the same concussions that you made and I formally walked away! I let everyone come to their own conclusions because that’s our agency.
Yes I felt like a smuck for getting this off the ground as a community and then walking away!
But it also have been very faith building.
I support my local and all leaders! Even if I don’t agree! I am not a blind sheep! But nor am I of little faith!
@Chip Eisley, I also think it good to note that the lord will provide for obedience including monetary if that is what we need, as he has provided it many times before in scripture and more
I came across a link to your post (WHEN SATAN GIVES YOU A ‘REVELATION’ THAT YOU DON’T NEED TO FOLLOW YOUR CHURCH LEADERS) on Facebook and enjoyed reading through your post. You made good points and were right on. However, I figured I'd bring one thing to your awareness. I later read the "About Us" section and saw that you were claiming you're a "Mormon." Maybe you should consider changing this to state that you're a Latter-day Saint or a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Don't forget the prophet also asked us to stop referring to ourselves as Mormons--just like your post says, it's from the prophet and not just the policy of man.
My "About Us" section says "I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, and I’m a Latter-day Saint! I know it, I live it, and I love it. I have lived all over the country (TN, VT, ME, SC, GA, UT), I was recently married in 2019, I have a passion for serving others where ever I can and look good doing it. Follow along as I share my thoughts, my adventures, and my testimony."
What page are you referring to? I would love to make sure it is updated.
In CA if you have a medical reason you don't have to wear a mask, but you are supposed to wear a face shield. She may want to look into that as a way to not be hampered. That way she is still following the law, but also taking into account her medical disabilities.
I found it interesting that D&C 84 was one the prophet recommended the sisters read in preparation for April conference. Verse 97 was my answer in all of this. Righteousness includes obeying local laws (isolation, even wearing the abhorent masks). We are told in that verse that plagues can be cut short by our righteousness!
Thank you writing this. I had just had a similar conversation with my son in law regarding masks.
So, I too have strong opinions about the validity of this virus, it's origins, the efecacy of mask/scarves/bandanas, and all the hype surrounding this.
Now, here is where I get stuck!
My Bishop doesn't have stewardship over Your ward. The same as Your area President doesn't have stewardship over My area.
I don't need to understand WHY. I will do what the Lord wants me to do. I have already decided to honor that covenant. But I DO need to understand that the direction comes To Me through the proper priesthood channels. If the 1st Presidency and the rest of the brethren have forwarded this guidance, then it will come to ALL the Church, not just a particular Area.
You're right Ronald! The area presidency for Utah can - and is - only speaking for those in the Utah area. Anywhere else, the specific letter is not applicable to them, but the principle to obey is.
AMEN!!
I had some of the same feelings when I first read the letter from the Area Presidency. I had no problem wearing it to church if they asked us to do it, but I hadn’t been wearing a mask in public. I read your article and my whole perspective changed. I doubt any of us enjoy wearing a mask; in fact we hate having to. Like you said, it is a test to see if we will be obedient to what the leaders tell us to do. I am saddened by the response of a lot of LDS people. They have lots of reasons why they don’t have to obey.
Thank you mylifebygogogoff! I've always found your articles to be instructive, almost edgy and very valuable for internal constructive criticism. My husband and I have kind of been on the opposite ends of the mask wearing perspective and I didn't know how to put into words how I felt and didn't want to be the starter of contention as that is a struggle for us much of the time anyway. When I read this, it was exactly how I felt and was able to share it on facebook and pm it to my hubby's phone. Thankfully he said, that was a good article and he even liked it on my page. Yay! Great advice! Thanks again!
Thank you this is just how I feel! You put this so eloquently and bore testimony with strength. I appreciate your courage to make a stand for truth.
Thank you for this. I also would like to point out that the Area Presidency seemed primarily to ask us to use face masks "to be good citizens". In other words, not even for the medical benefits which are debated hotly. To be good citizens.
I think it's funny that we pride ourselves on our compassionate meal giving and service projects.. Anyone who gets sick, gets laid off, has a baby, has cancer: we're there with a meal or with a rake and shovel-- at the very least cookies. If true religion is service to our fellow man as Christ has said, should we not serve our fellow man by "being good citizens", and doing everything in our power to slow the spread of illness, even if we don't know for sure how effective that is? At what point does trying to help slow the spread not become worth it? When only 10% less people are getting infected?, 50%?
If you could maybe possibly save one person's life by doing something very simple, like looking at a brass serpent on a stick, or wearing a face mask in the grocery store, shouldn't you do it? Are we really that proud?
I truly feel that the reason is Spiritual through temporal obedience. Even if the masks, under normal circumstances, have no or a negative effect. The lesson is obeying the laws of the land. How hard it must have been for the saints to cease plural marriage, even after Official Declaration 1. The political pressure was immense, and many felt the Prophet was "caving". Those that obeyed and ceased, flourished, those that did not, apostatized over their pride.
thank you.
I hate wearing the mask but do it anyway to go to store.but will do so more willingly now. I know the prophet knows exactly what's going on more than we do
This was a thoughtful article
Thank you for sharing your insight! It has become a controversial topic among some members in CA. With all sorts of arguments, even scientific proof is no longer valid! We are still in the dessert being asked to look at the serpent to save our lives. The simplicity of the task! Only some will obey.
There are so many comments that I could make to this. I need my own blog to do that. But the main thing we need to promote is Love, compassion, support and unity.
AMEN, AMEN and AMEN!!!!
The sad thing I have found is how many members who already agreed with the mask mandate Before the letter came out then used the letter as a weapon against those neighbors and fellow ward members who they knew had been struggling with the contradictory and non conclusive evidence on masks. There have been some legitimate sources that cast doubt on their efficacy and even suggested possible negative effects of using them especially for children. Many of the comments toward others on social media or neighborhoods newsletters from the members who had received validation for their mask wearing by the letter were some of the most self righteous and hurtful things you could imagine. They came across as quite pharasaic and judgmental. Not at all how a follower of Christ should respond.
If can’t follow this counsel of wearing a mask, (which is a simple thing to do) WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN WE ARE ASKED TO DO SOMETHING DIFFICULT?
GOD HAS GIVEN US THE GIFT OF DISCERNMENT...WE HAVE GIFTS AS WELL SO WHEN YOU FEEL THAT SOMETHING ISNT QUITE RIGHT OR ANYTHING...IF IT SEEMS ODD ..USE YOUR GIFT OF DISCERNMENT...pray about what you read or hear...WHAT I SEE LATELY IS CHAOS THAT THE DEVIL USUALLY BRINGS IN OUR WORLD...WE NEED A PROPHET TO HELP US USE OUR GIFT OF DISCERNMENT...once in awhile in your life there are going to be times when we wonder....I believe in wearing a mask to spare myself and others how hard is that...it isnt....also keep ourselves at a distance...i read somewhere that some people get it once...then they get it again which makes me wonder if it ever leaves the body ...then i heard that there is a long haul covid 19....it can last because of the symptoms going on after its suppose to be over. so until i know for sure...i will listen to my prophet and do what seems right and common sense....
I greatly appreciate your article and insights. Thank you so much for your efforts in writing this. As a church member I do have some honest and sincere questions so I would welcome any additional answers or insights. I apologize for the length of this in advance but feel to try to fully explain.
When the mask mandate came out I felt the same way....that valuable liberties were being taken by government overreach for a virus that in comparison to the risk I felt the reaction was very overblown and that secret combinations were being brought to light. I was also concerned that it seemed in comments on articles that those voicing the concern over freedom would be attacked with statements labeling the person as being "selfish" or "not loving their neighbor." I just thought we should also be a constitution loving people as it was inspired by God.
So when the direction came from the area presidency of mask wearing I suppose I was a bit surprised but I do try to wear a mask when I am out and about.
After the direction about masks came out from the area presidency though I had a deep concern enter my mind so I called my mother who is a life-long member to get her thoughts on the matter.
My concern at this time was with the new covid vaccine that I felt was being pushed so strongly in the media and which I felt very badly about getting personally. My mother also has a chronic immune problem and also felt personally this vaccine would not be good for her to take as it is still quite experimental and could cause her additional damage. My question to her was, "What if the Area Presidency said that we should all get a vaccine?" At the time my mother's response was that for something like that she felt that would be something that would need to come from higher up such as the prophet. (Which it now has)
However, my question is concerning where the line is between receiving personal revelation for yourself or your own stewardship and following everything a church leader may say because when we become a church member we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost which helps give us personal guidance and direction and can also warn us of danger. Also, one of the truths we learn through the restored gospel is that we can pray to our Heavenly Father just like Joseph did to receive answers because the heavens are open to us too.
This has actually left me quite confused. I am willing to follow the prophet and receive a vaccine but I am left wondering why I felt I was being warned so strongly against receiving it waaaaay before anything about it came out from the prophet and brethren and I also know of others who have had the same feeling regarding it. In other words I have felt that my own personal revelation has been not to get it and to not have my daughter get it either as I don't want either of us to be guinea pigs. (my personal stewardship) and I must admit that if it came from the Area Presidency it would be very hard because my own personal revelation would have already revealed to me otherwise before they even gave counsel. Does this mean I can't trust my own personal revelation and have been deceived by Satan this whole time? Also, I have a loved one that has already been vaccine damaged so while they may ask for us to do something there is no way they can know every varying individuals circumstance of whether or not that is best for them. Also, I wonder if it is possible (not with the prophet who won't lead us astray) but with other church leaders that sometimes their own personal leanings or preferences on various subjects can get in the way? Just some of my ramblings and honest questions because I feel somewhat lost as to why I have felt warned not to take it and my ability to follow through and receive personal revelation for myself and my own family and if I've already felt I've received that personal revelation even before an Area Presidency were to come out and say something what am I to do?
Great question, I've thought a lot about this myself and here is my personal opinion on the matter:
I don't think that we will ever be told that we should get the vaccine by anyone speaking as our church leaders. The prophet, though openly encouraged people to consider getting the vaccine when it is available, never implied that we are supposed to receive it. I believe that is because, while the vaccine can be very beneficial to many, there are those that shouldn't get it for various reasons. That is why missionaries are still allowed to serve missions without receiving vaccines, but they are able to serve in more places if they are willing/able to get them. Those that aren't supposed to get vaccinated aren't meant to serve their missions in those places that require it, else the Lord would make it clear to them *personally* that they need to get vaccinated and protect them from any harmful effects that they otherwise might have had. The church will never make vaccines part of the doctrine of Jesus Christ, but they do stand with it as a powerful tool we have on this earth to wipe out diseases. This is something that is too individualized in how to follow the guidance that it will never become a commandment. Again, this is my personal opinion, but so far it has shown true.
When we do receive direction from one of our church leaders that seems contrary to our personal revelation, we are supposed to seek revelation on *how to apply the guidance personally.* If the answer you receive is that you are the exception, it will most likely follow these criteria:
1. Revelation like this hardly ever happens
2. Would come with the instruction to not share the revelation publicly
3. Only comes to those who are willing to follow the council out of faith
4. Is something you would still probably feel the need to consult with your bishop about
If all of those criteria are met and your bishop sees wisdom in the direction you feel prompted to take, then you can feel good about being the exception. Though those are a lot of ifs that need to be met and in a scenario where revelation would have to be announced that isn't likely, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. Take peace in the fact that you are willing to do whatever the Lord tells you to do, that you currently are aligned with the Lord's will, and that if those two ever seem contrary with each other you have personal revelation and guidance from church leaders (as well as the criteria above) to guide you to the right decision.
Hope that helps!
I'm very sorry to leave another comment but I hope you will understand in asking these things that I am not trying to be willfully rebellious to my leaders but I am sincerely seeking to understand things.
During a Relief Society lesson we were once told the following story. I'm trying not to slaughter it too bad but the jist of it went something like this. There was a man that was a church member and he was going to take a new job that would've been a really good job but then his priesthood leader came to him after finding out and said that he had received revelation that he should not take this job and should continue with his schooling. The man followed the counsel of his leader and according to the story it did end up being a good thing for this man to continue with his schooling instead.
But I admit when I heard this story I personally didn't feel that it sat quite right and perhaps I am still ignorant in certain areas but if I were to apply the story to myself...what if after much prayer or fasting in making a major decision such as taking on a new job that would present a better financial opportunity for our family, I felt I received personal revelation that I was to take this job but then the Relief Society President came to me and said she had received revelation that I should not take this job but continue with schooling instead. What if I followed her revelation even though I felt I had received my own personal revelation to the contrary and it ended up being a disaster by adding more financial pressures and debts for schooling to an already stretched family situation. What then would be the point in even receiving personal revelation? And just because someone may hold a higher position in the church are we supposed to disregard our own personal revelation on a matter if they claim to have received other revelation contrary to what we feel we have received? I hope that makes sense.
There was a similar situation during President Woodruf's time -- when he issued the Manifesto. The government had declared an end to polygamy, but many of the saints rejected that because they felt it conflcted with God's laws; which it did. But my point is,President Woodruf explained that if the saints continued to go against these laws that we were in danger of losing the temples.
I personally do not believe that masks are effective -- for some who are at risk, but otherwise, I know that it has a determinental effect on my health and that of my family - and so, when in locations where mask wearing is required, we do our best to comply, but we take into consideration some of the legitimate health risks and we do what we need to to avoid compromising the health of family members (we have no symptoms and have not for the past year).
But I am aware of the Prophets call to be good citizens and we do our best to be such. I do suspect that much of this is driven by the fact that we have already seen demonstrated the swift actions taken against religous groups which appear to be in definance of government mandates. But when it comes down to it, we need to follow the Brethren.
To date, our area presidency has not issued such a directive, though we have some members who are convinced that because they saw a headline saying "church leaders tell members they must wear masks" that the Utah Area's leadershp was speaking for the world in general. And so that has been a source of conflict. One of the beauties of the church is that there are different areas with leadership in place and the church can respond to local needs as well as general ones.
The main problem with the masks is that putting them on, wearing them, and taking them off is a ceremony that divides people against each other. Satan is the father of contention and wants this division. Faithful members of the Church should be completely blind to whether somebody is wearing a mask or not.
We must not be too judgmental. One church member following the Spirit's guidance may submit to the government's actions and be blessed for following church leaders. Meanwhile, another church member following the Spirit may disobey the government's actions (such as worshipping at church when the government closed the church) and the faithful will be blessed for keeping the commandments in the scriptures to help correct the government. We should not be so quick to judge.
Abinadi the prophet accepted King Noah's wicked command and was burned. But Alma the Elder fled against the government's command; Alma was considered a bad citizen for his disobedience. He disobeyed the king, and taught the gospel as an outlaw, and those who believed were accused of a "rebellion." Some of God's greatest works were performed by outlaws. Consider also David when he was anointed to be king but King Saul condemned him to death. David fled, but then was commanded to lead his followers to save Israel from the Phillistines even as an outlaw. It is clear that sometimes governments disobey God. Closing churches or preventing people from going to church is an example of a direct violation of God's laws--yet we simultaneously must understand that the prophets are responsible for protecting us from the governments, and so they closed our churches before many governments required this. But we should never judge the prophet's actions for this.
When Nephi was a young man, he was instructed by the Spirit to kill Laban. Was Nephi breaking the commandment, "Thou shalt not kill"? Or was he following the Spirit that commanded him to kill a man? What would a church leader say if somebody took justice in their own hands like this? Completely reckless, I'm sure they would say. God will judge.
It is not our stewardship to claim that other people are listening to Satan when they follow their own personal revelation. Yes, an individual may be instructed to wear a very thin mask, or no mask at all, or two masks, or get a vaccine, or not get a vaccine. But their personal revelation applies only to them (or their children/stewardship).
For example, I may say, "The Spirit directed me that I should not wear a mask because as a medical doctor it is my duty to speak the truth when the government oversteps its bounds. I must not bear false witness, and with my knowledge wearing a mask in the community while I am asymptomatic promotes a lie about mask efficacy as a preventative measure for asymptomatic individuals." I may also say, "We must not allow masks to become idol worship. When we see another person, we should not judge them evil for whether or not they are wearing a mask. We should see them as a child of God." In fact, that is exactly what I have been wanting to tell people who worship masking on Sundays with rituals of donning, displaying, and doffing masks, instead of worshiping Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. However, I may not say, "God has told me that because you are/aren't wearing a mask, you are sinning." We must not so quickly assume that people are listening to Satan. All of us are trying to get through this. Let's get through it without judging each other.
The prophet received a revelation that we should begin more home based church and less at the meeting house, before any COVID concerns existed. This should be enough evidence for all of us to know the Lord is guiding His prophet.
When somebody approaches me with friendly words with disregard to who is wearing a mask or not wearing a mask, then I know they are inspired of God, regardless of whether they are wearing a mask. But when somebody approaches me and claims I am doing wrong based on whether or not I am wearing a mask as their first words to me, then I know they are not inspired by God for the time being. Satan is the father of contention. Let us leave judgments of a person's apparel to God, who knows better than us and whose thoughts are higher than ours. Let us learn to be kind once again.
Said Brigham Young: “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. … Let every man and woman know, by the whisperings of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not.” (JD, vol. 9, p. 150.)
Civic standards for the Faithful Saints, Ezra Taft benson April 1972 GC
Soooo. Was Brigham a fallen prophet then? Cuz ☝
Nice try, but I've written an entire article debunking the manipulation of that quote. Click here for it.
In a nutshell, this quote is actually out of context and a cut-and-paste hatchet job. Brigham Young was not decrying those who obey blindly suggesting that they should not obey their leaders, but rather that we should learn to obey out of testimony so we can more fully support our leaders! Here is the actual quote from Brigham Young, the bolded part was removed:
"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."
Now, let's humor you, say a Church leader DID decry obedience. Which they have not. But let's say one did say it was ok to go against the Prophet. According to President George Q. Cannon, it would be a SURE SIGN of apostasy.
"Whenever you see a man disobeying the counsel of the Lord through the Holy Priesthood, you may know that unless he repents, he will apostatize. It is a sure sign of apostasy. A man may be an Apostle, a Seventy, a High Priest, an Elder or a Bishop, yet if he tries to divide the people and persuades them to disobey the Prophet of God, he will surely fall, unless he repents with all his heart. The Lord asks us to obey Him. He tells us how to do so. He does not ask for blind obedience, because He gives His Holy Spirit to all who ask for it to show them that it is right to obey."
George Q. Cannon “Satan Hates a United People," Gospel Truth, Vol. 1, pp. 210–11 (italics and bold added).
I wear my mask because I know it is the safe thing to do. But after all that I have gone through when the church decided to go with Prop 8 and the emotional pain that it brought to me and family. I use my free agency and prayer to do what is best.
My husband and I have been struggling with this concept on a newer issue. The point where I get stuck is this: when is the council a commandment and when is it just a good idea to consider and pray about?
We came to understand through reading Saints Vol. 2 that those who were always on the prophet’s team and supported him in all things never ended up falling away. I really love this example of the people in our church history. The prophet simply cannot ever be ill-intentioned or else he will be moved out of his position by God.
So then, does that answer the initial question by saying, “It doesn’t matter if it’s a ‘commandment’ or not”? If the prophet says it, do it? I really want to be humble enough to see it that way if that’s how their words ought to be taken and acted on.
If you have any good reading material from the leaders that answers this, please share!
My mind is so black and white that commandments are a comfort zone of understanding and obedience.
Look to the staff and live is not hard it's pretty easy.
Everyone has a cross to bear. For some looking to the staff (following the prophet) on abortion is easy, but for others it is hard. For some it is easy about refugees, for others it is hard. Just thank the Lord for the ones where it is easy for you, and know full well that sooner or later you will find it hard.
Blunt and to the point, nicely said, polite, and utterly correct. Thank you for the article and staying faithful yourself!
If we all continue to do this, we will all see each other in heaven.
This is a time of sifting the wheat from the tares, being faithful helps us become wheat, and not turn into tares.
Keep up the good work everyone! Stay faithful! The blessings to come are worth more than our own selfish desires!
Thank You, Perfect. Well Said. Much appreciated.
You do realize there is a difference between the two:
It does not matter if what our church leaders have asked us to do makes sense, our duty is to obey. // As Joseph Smith put it, “When the Lord commands, do it.”
I do believe God has asked us to obey the laws of the land, but it doesn't mean that the laws of the land are always correct. There might be a time when the church will tell us otherwise if the laws of the land are extremely corrupt. For instance, in some country, the laws of the land makes abortion ok. It doesn't mean we need to follow it to a T. It also doesn't mean that the Lord supports abortion. We need to fight for the rights of freedom. Right now, if we obey the laws of the land, the Lord might not tell us otherwise because the Gospel has to move forward and by the church rejecting the laws mandating people to wear masks and be vaccinated, it could mean putting the brakes on the church moving forward. But it doesn't mean that its right. I assume those that comply with this will either be protected or perhaps it might a time where the Lord asks some to sacrifice their lives for the good of the Church moving forward as Christ sacrificed his life for us. But there might be nothing wrong for people to fight against giving up our freedom to a corrupt government like we would for abortion. So we cannot judge anyone who goes in one direction or the other. We just need to follow what we feel is right for us.
Honestly trying to come to grips with this, as I have been since the letter was sent referencing vaccines, masks, etc.
I don't want to argue whether or not the letter was wrong, but rather whether such a directive from the Prophet could be wrong, and what my obligation is if it is wrong.
To the first question of whether the Prophet can be wrong, the statement has been cited that the Prophet will never lead us astray. I have never interpreted this to mean that every single thing the Prophet ever says is 100% correct. If the Church can be compared to a train on its way to the celestial kingdom, then my interpretation of that statement is that the Prophet will never derail the train. He will not stop it or put it in reverse. But he may slow it down or speed it up. He may rattle it a bit, and he is still not leading the Church astray.
Another analogy might be to compare the Prophet to someone leading a group through a forest. He may not always take the easiest path, he may not choose the shortest path, he may choose a path that's rocky and causes you to stub your toe or sprain your ankle, but if he gets you to your destination, were you ever led astray?
A final analogy might be an airline pilot. Flying a plane means being off course 97% of the time (or something like that) and constantly correcting. It would be laughable to expect a pilot to fly a perfect course, and yet does that mean the pilot took you astray?
We know that only Christ was perfect, therefore the Prophet is fallible. How fallible can he be? I don't know. I know that as he connects with the spirit and counsels with other leaders he becomes less fallible. I follow the Prophet, even though he is fallible, because to paraphrase Dan Jones, "I'd rather have an imperfect prophet than no prophet at all."
If we can agree that the Prophet is not perfect, then what of the second question? If the Prophet directs us to do something that is wrong, should we still do it?
Again, I don't want to get pulled into an argument over whether the Prophet is or isn't wrong in this or any other particular matter, that's not the point. For the sake of argument, just imagine that he is wrong about something that he asks the membership of the Church to do.
It would obviously be incorrect to go about trumpeting to the world that the Prophet is wrong on one thing and therefore the Church isn't true and we should all do whatever we want in all things.
On the other extreme, I could choose to disobey quietly and privately, so that no one else notices, but even in this it seems I am on dangerous ground. Consider this excerpt from a talk by Henry B. Eyring:
Another fallacy is to believe that the choice to accept or not accept the counsel of prophets is no more than deciding whether to accept good advice and gain its benefits or to stay where we are. But the choice not to take prophetic counsel changes the very ground upon which we stand. That ground becomes more dangerous. The failure to take prophetic counsel lessens our power to take inspired counsel in the future. The best time to have decided to help Noah build the ark was the first time he asked. Each time he asked after that, each failure to respond would have lessened sensitivity to the Spirit. And so each time his request would have seemed more foolish, until the rain came. And then it was too late.
Every time in my life when I have chosen to delay following inspired counsel or decided that I was an exception, I came to know that I had put myself in harm’s way. Every time that I have listened to the counsel of prophets, felt it confirmed in prayer, and then followed it, I have found that I moved toward safety. Along the path, I have found that the way had been prepared for me and the rough places made smooth. God led me to safety along a path that was prepared with loving care, sometimes prepared long before.
End quote.
However, to further complicate the matter, what if the Prophet is asking me to do something I not only see as needless, or incorrect, but harmful?
Naaman was commanded to wash in the river Jordan. This may have seemed needless or silly, but there was no harm in it. Building an ark could have seemed like a whole other level of silliness, but still, there was no harm in it. The test for Abraham, when commanded to kill his son, was of an entirely different sort.
We know God is perfect.
We know God sometimes asks us to do things that not only do not seem to make sense, but which are "obviously" harmful, like killing one's own child.
We have precedent for doing things that seem harmful when God commands it. We have precedent for doing things that seem silly and unnecessary when the Prophet commands.
My struggle with the letter about COVID is that it doesn't appear to necessarily be a commandment, nor necessarily inspired. It could just be "wise counsel" that seemed so logical and clear to the brethren that nobody thought to question it or seek the Lord's input. I don't see any indication in the letter or other directives that God told President Nelson to tell all the members to wear masks.
So what am I supposed to do if I believe or "know" that following this directive is not merely useless, but harmful? Should I still follow it, believing that even though this is something harmful, God will turn it to something good? Or should I say, "Well, the Prophet is wrong on this one, so I'm not going to do this one thing, but I know he's still the Prophet and I will continue to listen and obey to other directives and counsel in the future and when I struggle I will seek to understand and to get the spirit to help me know what to do."
Appreciate any thoughts.
Thanks!
I think your scriptural examples are beautiful and would say to follow your own advice that you gleaned from them and know that you will never go wrong by following the Prophet. Granted, at the time of writing this, President Nelson has already made the announcement that it is up to local leaders now how to best manage Covid policies, but I do think that anything that comes through official church communications, signed by the first presidency, can be considered inspired. These men are not men who would put their opinions in a place where only direction from the Lord should go.