Romans 13

As Paul teaches principles of leadership,following priesthood leaders, and magnifying our callings, I am reminded that the Lord had previously taught on several occasions -

"...that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
7 And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls." (Book of Mormon | Alma 37:6 - 7)

Alma at one time wished -

"O THAT I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!" (Book of Mormon | Alma 29:1)

But then acknowledged -

"But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me." (Book of Mormon | Alma 29:3)

At times we may also wish to accomplish great things but should remember the Lord works by "small means". Paul taught the Romans -

"...through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office..." (New Testament | Romans 12:3 - 4)

Thus -

"...we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us..." (New Testament | Romans 12:5 - 6)

Each of us a members of the body of Christ, and should be content and diligent in our service knowing -

"...the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness." (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 12:21 - 23)

But in the "body of Christ" there will always be those called to be leaders. Of which Paul counsels -

"LET every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." (New Testament | Romans 13:1)

And -

"Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." (New Testament | Romans 13:2)

"For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger [I believe a judge] to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." (New Testament | Romans 13:4)

"Wherefore ye must needs be subject..." (New Testament | Romans 13:5)

One more thought. As Paul teaches our obligations to keep the commandments, he summarizes with the second greatest commandment -

"...it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (New Testament | Romans 13:9)

Much of the commandments is exactly that, to love your neighbors.