The Peril of Placing Personal Opinion Above the Church

Individual independence and the exaltation of personal opinion above the collective judgment of the church are grave perils that lead to spiritual deception and the rejection of God’s appointed channels of lightChL 9.2+2. When an individual regards their own judgment as supreme, they place themselves in a position where they are liable to be overthrown by the enemyAA 163.2+2.

The Danger of Self-Confidence and Intellectual Pride

The tendency to trust in one's own finite judgment rather than respecting the counsel of experienced brethren is a form of self-exaltation that offends God3T 417.1+1. This spirit of independence often borders on arrogance and creates disturbance in the harmony that should exist among believers1MCP 274.2+1.

• Spiritual Pride: This is the most dangerous form of pride and often manifests in those who have had great light but failed to walk in it1888 710.3+2.

• Independence from Counsel: Neglecting the wisdom of those God has appointed to lead is equivalent to rejecting the means God has ordained for the strength of His peopleChL 9.2+2.

• The Pharisaical Spirit: Like the Pharisees, those filled with spiritual pride often mount the judgment seat to criticize others while remaining blind to their own defects Luke 18:11GMM January 7, 1914, par. 4.

The Authority of the Church and General Conference

While God gives every individual a mind and expects them to be thinkers, no one is justified in maintaining private independence against the voice of the highest authority on earthPCL 105.1+1.

• Surrender of Private Judgment: When the judgment of the General Conference is exercised, private opinions must be surrendered to maintain unity and prevent anarchyGRC 52.1+2.

• Unity in Action: As soldiers in Christ’s army, there must be a concert of action rather than meaningless, independent movements1MCP 266.2+2.

• The Voice of God: Disregarding the special authority and power invested in the church is a dismissal of the voice of God HimselfPCL 44.1+2.

Correcting the Spirit of Superiority

True holiness is characterized by a lack of boastfulness and a deep sense of personal insufficiencyLS80 211.3+1. To overcome the snare of placing personal ideas above others, a thorough conversion of the heart and a humbling of the soul are required3T 417.1+2.

• Seeking Harmony: Workers should compare ideas and form plans together so that the work can move forward as a symmetrical whole14MR 34.1+1.

• Value of Others: Those in positions of leadership must credit their brethren with some sense and ability, allowing them room to exercise their own judgment and discretionChL 37.1+2.

• Focus on Christ: When eyes are fixed on the purity of Jesus, human opinions and wisdom appear as foolishness 1 John 3:1812MR 375.2+1.

By laying aside all pomposity and narrow selfishness, believers can reach the state of heart-blending unity that Christ desires for His people John 13:357LtMs, Lt 8, 1892, par. 12+1. If anyone chooses to follow their own impulses and disregard the plain warnings of the Spirit, the result is inevitable injury to the cause and ruin to their own soulCCh 95.7+2. Let everyone instead ask with a broken heart, "What must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:301SM 111.1+1.