--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: That they (the powers of heaven) may be…" description: "\"That they (the powers of heaven) may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambit..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1f1/joseph-smith-45843_children_that-they-the-powers-of-heaven-may-be-co_1604237.jpg" --- # That they (the powers of heaven) may be conferred upon us… ![“That they (the powers of heaven) may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens…” quote by Joseph Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1f1/joseph-smith-45843_children_that-they-the-powers-of-heaven-may-be-co_1604237.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1f1/joseph-smith-45843_children_that-they-the-powers-of-heaven-may-be-co_1604237.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1f1/joseph-smith-45843_children_that-they-the-powers-of-heaven-may-be-co_1604237.jpg) > “That they (the powers of heaven) may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved” [Joseph Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joseph-smith/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Divine displeasure follows when humans attempt to dominate others or act unjustly, causing spiritual withdrawal. **In simple terms:** Misusing power angers the divine. Key Takeaway Practice humility and justice toward others. Themes spirituality justice authority humility divine will Mood solemn instructive Type scriptural didactic When to use this quote - leadership - parenting - governance - community building Key Concepts theocracy ethics moral responsibility Questions to Reflect On - What power dynamics need re‑examination? - How can you foster equitable relationships? A Different Perspective Human frailty can lead to unintended harm despite good intentions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Children](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/children/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Spirituality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spirituality/) ## Related quotes > [ “But he \[Stephen\], full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scotty-smith/but-he-stephen-full-of-the-holy-spirit-gazed-into-heaven-and-saw-the/) [Scotty Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scotty-smith/) > [When I behold the heavens as in their prime, And then the earth (though old) still clad in green, The stones and trees, insensible…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-bradstreet/when-i-behold-the-heavens-as-in-their-prime-and-then-the-earth-though/) [Anne Bradstreet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-bradstreet/) > [By prayer we couple the powers of Heaven to ou helplessness, the powers which can capture strongholds and make the impossible, possible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ole-hallesby/by-prayer-we-couple-the-powers-of-heaven-to-ou-helplessness-the/) [Ole Hallesby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ole-hallesby/) > [I fear that there are too many priesthood bearers who have done little or nothing to develop their ability to access the powers of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/russell-m-nelson/i-fear-that-there-are-too-many-priesthood-bearers-who-have-done/) [Russell M. 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