Saint Basil explicitly defines the boundaries of obedience. He says that the believer cannot be guided by him who issues an order, however high position this person may hold, but must be guided by what kind of an order it is. If the order is in accord with the Spirit of Christ and with God’s commandment, he is obliged to obey it. However, if the order breaks God’s commandment and opposes the Spirit of Christ, he must not obey it.

Spiritless obedience to the law which is bad in its essence is a betrayal of Christ and of His Gospel.

The most powerful driving force or weapon for self-destruction of the Church these days is an abuse of obedience inside the Church.