Authority Quote by Sam Smith
![“[I]t is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the Church, or any one, to receive instruction for those in authority, higher than themselves . . . if any person have a vision or a visitation from a heavenly messenger, it must be for his own benefit and instruction; for the fundamental…” quote by Sam Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6fc/sam-smith-2934_authority_i-t-is-contrary-to-the-economy-of-god-fo_2414345.jpg)
“[I]t is contrary to the economy of God for any member of the Church, or any one, to receive instruction for those in authority, higher than themselves . . . if any person have a vision or a visitation from a heavenly messenger, it must be for his own benefit and instruction; for the fundamental principles, government, and doctrine of the Church are vested in the keys of the kingdom.”
About This Quote
The quote asserts that personal revelations belong to the individual and should not dictate church governance, which is reserved for ordained authority.
In simple terms: Personal visions are private, not for church leadership.
Key Takeaway
Respect hierarchical authority in religious matters.
Themes
authority
revelation
church governance
spiritual hierarchy
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
advisory
When to use this quote
- personal spiritual experiences
- leadership decisions
- doctrine formation
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
theocracy
divine communication
institutional control
Questions to Reflect On
- How should churches balance personal revelations with institutional doctrine?
- When is it appropriate for individual visions to influence collective decisions?
A Different Perspective
May limit personal spiritual insight and discourage communal discernment.
![“But his Lordship [tells]us that God is wholly here, and wholly there, and wholly every where; because he has no parts. I cannot comprehend nor conceive this. For methinks it implies also that the whole world is also in the whole God, and in every part of God. Norcan I find anything of this in the…” quote by Thomas Hobbes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9db/thomas-hobbes-1127_believe_but-his-lordship-tells-us-that-god-is-wh_2417886.jpg)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)
