Blind Obedience?

"...none are required to tamely and blindly submit to a man because he has a portion of the Priesthood. We have heard men who hold the priesthood remark that they would do anything they were told to do by those who preside over them—even if they knew it was wrong. But such obedience as this is worse than folly to us. It is slavery in the extreme. The man who would thus willingly degrade himself should not claim a rank among intelligent beings until he turns from his folly.

A man of God would despise this idea. Others, in the extreme exercise of their almighty authority have taught that such obedience was necessary...

When Elders of Israel will so far indulge in these extreme notions of obedience as to teach them to the people, it is generally because they have it in their hearts to do wrong themselves.

(Franklin D. Richards, Millenial Star, Archive Volume 14, Number 38, p. 594-595)

What a pity it would be if we were led by one man to utter destruction! Are you afraid of this? I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by Him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purposes of God in their salvation, and weaken that influence they could give to their leaders, did they know for themselves, by the revelations of Jesus, that they are led in the right way. Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not. 

(Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 135)

Do not, brethren, put your trust in man though he be a bishop; an apostle, or a president. If you do, they will fail you at some time or place, they will do wrong or seem to, and your support be gone, but if we lean on God, He never will fail us. When men and women depend on God alone, and trust in Him alone, their faith will not be shaken if the highest in the Church should step aside. They could still see that He is just and true, that truth is lovely in His sight, and the pure in heart are dear to Him. Perhaps it is His own design that faults and weaknesses should appear in high places in order that His saints may learn to trust in Him and not in any man or men! Therefore, my brethren and sisters, seek after the Holy Ghost and his unfailing testimony of God and His work upon the earth. Rest not until you know for yourselves that God has set His Hand to redeem Israel, and prepare a people for His coming.

(Pres. George Q. Cannon, Deseret Weekly, March 7, 1891. pg. 322, No. 11 vol. XLII, a discourse given in Manti, Sanpete County, Utah on the evening of February 15, 1891).

This was good counsel then. It is good counsel today.

Ironically, if you follow this wise counsel, you may find yourself excommunicated from the Church. If you don't follow it, you may find yourself cut off from God. (PS. Don't be like those other lemmings who find out there are problems within the Church and then start trying to get themselves excommunicated as a "badge of honor" either...)

You be obedient to God. Listen to men, evaluate what they say, but in the end it is you knowing God and following His voice alone that will save you in the eternities.

The main point is, do not follow ANY man, I don't care what position he holds. You follow the voice of God to you - even if it tells you to go the opposite way. Obviously, make sure you know God's voice from your own thoughts, those of familiar spirits, and just plain peer pressure. If God orders something, he's going to pay for it. If someone says they have a message from God and it actually is, then God will give you that seal of His approval.