Section 114

Elder David W. Patten was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who was shot in the stomach as he attempted to free three members of the church who were taken hostage by a mob in Missouri.  He became the first to be martyred in the Missouri conflicts.  Unfortunately, several members of the Twelve and other church leaders were, at this time, in open rebellion against the prophet and the church.  The Lord explains that their positions were to be filled by others.

This teaches me that I can--and must--choose to follow and sustain my leaders. It is not my job to correct the church leaders or try to fix the church.  I have faith in the inspired leadership of the church—the men and women who sit in council together and do their best to be in harmony with the Lord’s will. It is my responsibility, when I don’t agree with a policy or procedure in the church, to sincerely make my opinion known to the Lord, to seek his wisdom and counsel through the Spirit.  I can meekly and humbly express my opinions to my family and dear friends when moved upon by the Holy Ghost.  But I must not let the spirit of contention, pride, or an “I’m better and superior in my opinions than the anointed servants of the Lord,” blind our minds, embitter or hearts, and keep us from fully receiving the covenants and ordinances of salvation and eternal life.

Again, I declare with all my heart that I believe that the sitting prophet, Thomas S. Monson is the Lord’s chosen spokesman on the earth.  I sustain him and all the others who lead this church in righteousness. When President Monson passes away I will fully sustain the next prophet, for I believe God in his foreknowledge chose those whom he calls to fill church positions here, long before the foundations of this earth were laid.