Trusting in the Arm of Flesh, Chapter 1 of Holy Priesthood Volume 5

Trusting in the Arm of Flesh, Chapter 1 of Holy Priesthood Volume 5

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Trusting in The Arm of Flesh

Next to the committing of sin, there is no more fruitful cause of apostasy among the Latter-day Saints than when we put our trust in the arm of flesh. (Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, p. 31)

February 1996

PREFACE

Within the LDS Church the instruction is all too frequently voiced to “Follow the Brethren” or to “Follow the Prophet.” There have been countless speeches, conference reports, panel discussions, pamphlets and entire books and manuals on this theme. But do we understand what this really means? Do we know the real implications and consequences of following such advice. It is like the acceptance of the word humongous, which someone started and many now use, but it’s not even found in the dictionary. It becomes generally accepted just because of frequent usage, not because of correctness.

Since so much emphasis and importance is placed upon our obedience to this expression of “Follow the Brethren”, each of us should certainly have a clear understanding of exactly what this means. Where did the term originate? Has the Lord ever given such a commandment? To what extent are we required to follow these Brethren? Are there times when we are justified in not following them?

Is this a geographical matter? Do we “follow the leaders” physically to the Rocky Mountains, or do we “follow the leader’s” advice and stay in foreign countries?

Is this a social call? Should we dress and act like them? Do we invest in similar financial programs, learn their professions, and mingle with the same kind of people?