Philippians - Thessalonians

We must make good choices independently.

Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

God works with us on a very personal level. While it is true that He blesses us often through other people we come in contact with we must remember to put our trust in Him primarily and not in His messengers. I was recently listening to a book on tape called "Chaos". Towards the end, the main character Jason states "God uses everyone he has, good and bad, to achieve his purposes." If we base our decisions and testimonies on other, they will lead us astray. God is faithful and does not change. We must develop a personal relationship with Him. If we do, we will never be let down or disappointed.

Elder Nelson: "It seems almost beyond comprehension to think that He paid this enormous price for each of us. And yet, as far as we are concerned individually, unless you and I do our part, we will not gain full benefit from the Atonement. It is that covenant relationship—that mutual trust—that makes His atonement such a personal gift. It brings us protection, perennial hope, and the promise of joy." (Russell M. Nelson, “Standards of the Lord’s Standard-Bearers,” Ensign, Aug 1991, 5)