In your hands or that of any other person, so much power would

"In your hands or that of any other person, so much power would, no doubt, be dangerous. I am the only man in the world whom it would be safe to trust with it. Remember, I am a prophet!" These words spoken by Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement, carry a profound and challenging assertion about the nature of power, trust, and authority. Joseph Smith, in this declaration, positions himself as not merely a leader or visionary, but as a figure divinely entrusted with the power to lead—a power that, in the hands of others, could be destructive. He asserts that only he, because of his role as a prophet, is worthy of such trust. This statement calls upon us to reflect on the intersection of divine authority and human nature, and the dangerous potential of unchecked power in the world.

In the ancient world, the theme of power and its dangers was often explored by philosophers, particularly those who sought to understand the nature of leadership and justice. Plato, in his work The Republic, discussed the philosopher-king—one who was both wise and just enough to wield absolute power for the good of the state. Plato argued that power, when placed in the hands of one who lacked wisdom or moral integrity, would inevitably lead to corruption and the destruction of the state. Just as Plato warned, Joseph Smith’s statement reflects an awareness of the dangerous potential of power and the necessity of moral integrity in those who are given the authority to lead. Smith, like the philosopher-king, believed that his role as a prophet made him uniquely qualified to handle the great responsibility entrusted to him.

The ancient Romans, too, understood the peril of absolute power. The Roman Republic—with its careful system of checks and balances—sought to prevent any one individual from gaining too much power. Yet, the rise of Julius Caesar and his eventual assumption of the title dictator perpetuo (dictator for life) marked the end of the Republic and the beginning of imperial rule. Caesar’s concentration of power in his hands led not to peace, but to a series of civil wars, culminating in his assassination. Like Joseph Smith, Caesar believed in his own divine right to lead, but the danger of his unchecked power ultimately led to the downfall of the system that had made Rome great. Smith’s warning echoes this ancient fear: power, if not wielded with divine guidance and moral clarity, can corrupt and destroy.

Joseph Smith’s prophetic role was central to his claim of unique authority. He believed that he was chosen by God to restore divine truth to the earth, a truth that had been lost or corrupted over time. His confidence in his role as a prophet led him to assert that he alone could be trusted with the power to lead his followers. This notion is not without precedent in religious history. Consider the example of Moses, who, in the Hebrew Bible, is seen as the chosen leader of the Israelites. Like Moses, Joseph Smith believed that his authority was divinely sanctioned, and thus, only he could be entrusted with such a weighty responsibility. Moses, when given the Ten Commandments, acted not just as a lawgiver, but as a mediator between the divine and the earthly, a role that was marked by his deep faith and adherence to moral principles.

Yet, despite Smith’s assertion of divine trust, the concept of power and trust remains a delicate one. The very idea of one man holding such absolute power, whether claimed as a prophet or not, invites scrutiny. History is filled with figures who, despite their charismatic authority and visionary status, led with tyrannical rule, causing suffering and division. Adolf Hitler is a stark example of the dangers of unchecked authority, believing that he alone held the right to reshape the world. His leadership, built on a belief in his divine mandate, led to unspeakable atrocities. While Joseph Smith may have seen himself as a divine instrument of peace, the potential for misuse of power remains a cautionary tale across all of history.

The lesson that Joseph Smith’s words impart is the recognition of the responsibility that comes with authority and power. Whether we lead in our families, communities, businesses, or nations, we must understand that the potential for corruption exists whenever power is concentrated in one individual. True leadership requires moral integrity, humility, and a willingness to submit to a higher moral law, whether we recognize that as a divine calling or simply as a guiding principle of justice and fairness. It is not the title or the claim of authority that grants legitimacy, but the wisdom and humility with which power is exercised.

In our own lives, we must ask ourselves: How do we wield the power and influence we have? Whether in small, personal contexts or larger, more public roles, we must be vigilant not to let power blind us to the needs and rights of others. Joseph Smith's words serve as a reminder that trust must be earned, and that those who hold power—whether prophets, leaders, or everyday individuals—must constantly strive to ensure that their actions are guided by righteousness and integrity. It is only when power is exercised in service to the greater good that true peace and justice can prevail.

Let us take this lesson to heart. We are all, in some way, entrusted with power—whether over others, over ourselves, or over our communities. The price of leadership, then, is not only the authority granted to us but the responsibility to lead with honor, wisdom, and above all, trust. In every action we take, let us ask ourselves whether we are using our power to build others up, to create trust, and to lead with a heart full of integrity. Only then can we truly justify the weight of the responsibility placed upon us.