One of the dangers of having rulers called by God, is that sometimes there is a tendency among those over whom the ruler is called, to deify the leader based on the position they hold. Some claim or act as if such “high” callings bring the rulers perfection, makes their opinions into law, and their every word into doctrine.
The danger that comes with applying such a mystique to a position in the church, is that it can lead to a loss of faith and corruption of testimony when the truth of the ruler’s humanity and imperfections become painfully clear. That is not to say that their calling is void, nor their position meaningless, only that their humanity and imperfections remain with them in their ruling, which as Elder Holland taught, must be extremely frustrating to a perfect God.
The standard for discerning truth from God’s imperfect but dedicated rulers is that as set out in D&C 68:4; “And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost. And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.”
The key in that verse being what they speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost. Thus a ruler’s spirit lead, and spirit confirmed declarations are indeed the word of God, and as such can be trusted. However, all other declarations, comments statements, can be viewed with caution, as Elder Widstow, (speaking of Joseph Smith’s comment about a prophet speaking as a prophet or as a man) stated; “That statement makes a clear distinction between official and unofficial actions and utterances of officers of the Church. In this recorded statement the Prophet Joseph Smith recognizes his special right and duty, as the President and Prophet of the Church, under the inspiration of the Lord, to speak authoritatively and officially for the enlightenment and guidance of the Church. But he claims also the right, as other men, to labor and rest, to work and play, to visit and discuss, to present his opinions and hear the opinions of others, to counsel and bless as a member of the Church.” (Evidences and Reconciliations, 1:182.)
Humility is also key to the balance, as Moroni, who recognized that some would focus on weaknesses rather than strength, urged; “Condemn me not because of mine imperfection, neither my father, because of his imperfection, neither them who have written before him; but rather give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been.” Mormon 9:31
As imperfect humans, struggling to know and teach the mind and will of God, while surrounded by relentless and growing lists of duties and responsibilities, the Godly ruler simply cannot possibly know everything about every situation. Thus they need the sustaining support of other righteous individuals, they need our sustaining votes, backed by prayers, patience, tolerance and even at times our sharing of suggestions and experiences that we have had. Remember that it was the intelligence gained by a faithful servant that saved the life of a busy Helaman from death at the hands of the Gadiantons. Similarly, it was Paul’s nephew, whose personal information lead to Paul’s preservation from martyrdom in Jerusalem and his eventual journey to Rome. Righteous rulers rejoice in the concept of councils, because they, above all others, know their limits, and find great wisdom, understanding, and fresh perspectives, within the council system, which they can then take to God for confirmation, by revelation, as to how to best act.
Thus we owe a duty to those appointed over us, to humbly, yet clearly, express in the proper forums, what we know, what our experiences have taught us, and any promptings or direction we have received from the Holy Spirit. I love the powerful words of the humble Moses, (who in response to the angry reports that there were some in the camp of Israel, who had not been appointed, but were actually prophesying), stated: “Would to God that all the Lord’s people were prophets” I cherish the truth that it was the humble, lovingly expressed, words of a servant of the mighty and powerful Naman, that curtailed his angry pride, clarified his thoughts, and lead him to complete healing. I would to God that we all might be such servants.
On the other hand, it is important that we do not let our pride and the inescapable human frailties of those whom God has appointed over us, blind our eyes or shut our ears to their counsel and teachings, as Elder Widstow further taught: “unofficial expressions [of a prophet] carry greater weight than the opinions of other men of equal or greater gifts and experience but without the power of the prophetic office. …The unofficial views and expressions of such a man with respect to any vital subject, should command respectful attention.” (Evidences and Reconciliations, 1:183–84.)
Thus, when it comes to the Lord’s appointed rulers, we must maintain a delicate balance. Never attributing omniscience, perfection or infallibility to the office holder, while still always honoring and respecting the position assigned to them by God and appreciating all that their goodness, and service provide. On occasion where a ruler’s actions or conduct corrupt or dishonor the position, then that conduct must be made known to those with stewardship over that ruler. Contrary to common notions, the sustaining of church leaders by raising of the hands was never meant to be a rubber stamp. Similarly, the act of opposing in a sustaining vote, along with the reporting to the appropriate leaders the reason for the opposition, are actually solemn and sacred obligations of all saints. I believe God will hold accountable those who join with the group to sustain a leader while possessing knowledge of possible serious offenses or moral issues that should have been made known.