‘In Counselors, There Is Safety’
Gordon B Hinckley
Is there a better example of what a counselor should and can be than President Hinckley? He served as a counselor to 3 prophets spanning 13 years and often had the burden of the first presidency on his shoulders due to the failing health of the prophets he served.
I was serving as a bishopric counselor for the fourth time when President Hinckley gave this talk in 1990 and so I remember it well. Here are some highlights;
"There are several cardinal principles with reference to counselors. In the first place, the presiding officer selects his own counselors…It is imperative that the president himself select his counselors because theirs must be a compatible relationship. He must have absolute confidence in them. They must have confidence in him. They must work together in a spirit of mutual trust and respect. The counselors are not the president. In certain circumstances, they may act in his behalf, but this is a delegated authority."
"He is an assistant to his president. He does not assume responsibility and move out ahead of his president….each counselor is free to speak his mind on all issues… However, it is the prerogative of the president to make the decision, and it is the duty of the counselors to back him in that decision. His decision then becomes their decision, regardless of their previous ideas."
"The president, if he is wise, will assign to these chosen assistants particular duties and then leave them free to perform, requiring from them accountability for what happens."
"A counselor is a partner. A presidency can be a wonderful relationship, a friendship where three brethren, working unitedly, have a close and satisfying fellowship. Such a partnership provides a safety valve. The wise writer of Proverbs tells us that “in … counsellors there is safety.” (Prov. 11:14.)"
"A man or woman thinking alone, working alone, arriving at his or her own conclusions, can take action which might prove to be wrong. But when three kneel together in prayer, discuss every aspect of the problem which is before them, and under the impressions of the Spirit reach a united conclusion, then we may have the assurance that the decision is in harmony with the will of the Lord."
"A counselor is a friend. Presidencies should do more than counsel together. Occasionally, but not to excess, they and their spouses should socialize together. They should be good friends, trusted friends. in a very real sense."
"A counselor is a judge. He is a lesser judge than the president, but he is nonetheless a judge in times of disciplinary councils."
Read the entire talk here:
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