There is much interest, of late, on the workings of the Latter-day Saint mind. Whether those inquiring are sincere or sensation seekers, we are often asked similar questions. One that comes up frequently is whether or not we are blind in our obedience to our leadership. Did you know that President Brigham Young wondered the same thing?
Creating "searching questions" is one of the reasons for the vibrancy of LDS life, but have we ever been less thrilled when the questions come from our 15 year old? In his book Reaching Up for the Light, (Salt Lake City, Deseret Book, 1990. pg. 115) Elder James E. Faust gives us a quote from President 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, 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 revelations of Jesus, that they are led in the right way? 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.'(Journal of Discourses 9:150.)"
Excellent quotation!
ReplyDelete