Two Lines of Communication - The Light Bulb Parable

Is "Follow the Prophet" a misleading saying?
Are we good enough because we have a prophet?
How do I reconcile my questions with the existence of Scripture, prophets, and a church?
If we have personal revelation, then why do we need a prophet, and vice-versa?
What is the relationship between spirituality and religion? Can spirituality replace organized religion? Or does organized religion stifle spirituality?
What happens when true prophets and personal revelation combine?
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Years ago, Elder Dallin H. Oaks gave a talk describing the necessity for each of us to have two lines of communication with heaven: A personal line and a priesthood line. He said, "We must use both the personal line and the priesthood line in proper balance to achieve the growth that is the purpose of mortal life. If personal religious practice relies too much on the personal line, individualism erases the importance of divine authority. If personal religious practice relies too much on the priesthood line, individual growth suffers. The children of God need both lines to achieve their eternal destiny. The restored gospel teaches both, and the restored Church provides both."

Two Lines of Communication
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/10/two-lines-of-communication?id=p31&lang=eng#p31Joseph Smith Jr. reportedly said: "If the people departed from the Lord, they must fall— that they were depending on the prophet, hence were darkened in their minds from neglect of themselves."
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/nauvoo-relief-society-minute-book/74#source-note
The Lord revealed the following through the Prophet Joseph Smith, speaking about his calling as prophet:
"Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his [Joseph's] words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory."
Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6
Prophets are not a useless accoutrement nor are they merely opinionated mortals. As evidenced by the entirety of Scripture, being grounded in prophecy and priesthood in the organization of the actual church of Jesus Christ is essential to our progress in this life and in eternity. Personal connection to God is both installed and strengthened by God's callings to seemingly ordinary mortals to officiate in the organization of His church and priesthood. The redeeming and exalting work of the church cannot be accomplished without individual initiative and inspiration.

Prophets and Apostles of God speak to all people today, just as they did anciently.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/21?id=p4-p6&lang=eng#p4

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference?lang=eng

The author's views are his own and should not be taken to represent the church or any other organization.