The Lord, the Prophet, the Twelve and Safety

Provident Principles and Practices
© David Edwards, 2008

PRINCIPLES: Elder Henry B. Eyring, in his talk entitled “Safety in Counsel” (Ensign, June 2008, p. 4-9), states that the Lord greatly desires our safety and will protect those who accept His protection. The Lord speaks to us through prophets, warning us as needed, and providing the path for us to take that will lead us to safety.

Latter-day Saints who heed the counsel of the Quorum of the Twelve will find security and refuge in that counsel. The Lord has chosen them, and Church members who support and stay close to the Twelve will find safety in these actions. Although individual members of the Twelve may make mistakes, the combined voice of the Twelve will never be wrong. Those who oppose the counsel of the Twelve put themselves in grave danger. (See Spencer W. Kimball, Conference Report, April 1951.)

Latter-day Saints will never be led astray by the President of the Church, the First Presidency, or the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve as a whole. These brethren will not speak in opposition to the will of the Lord. (See Joseph Fielding Smith, Conference Report, Apr. 1972.)

Sometimes the counsel given by general authorities may not seem to square with our personal, political or social perspectives. However, our safety depends on following that counsel. The President of the Church is someone to whom we need to pay particular attention. (See Harold B. Lee, Conference Report, October 1970.

“Wherefore . . . thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. For by doing these things 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.” D&C 21:4-5

PRACTICES: In these, the last days, perilous times will come. There is safety only in following the Lord Jesus Christ. He will protect us as we heed the voice of His servants, the First Presidency of His Church, and the Quorum of the Twelve. These, as a group, the Lord will never permit to lead us astray. As we follow their counsel, the Savior will protect us against the powers of darkness.

Photo Credits: www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/05/images/20080529-2_utah-515h.jpg (modified in Paint to focus on one person at a time)