Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith.
Joseph Smith was a ‘worthy vessel’ uncluttered by the convictions of men and things of the world. This has been God’s pattern for choosing prophets anciently. God’s hand of influence was upon Joseph from before his 15th year. Joseph is an example of the miraculous way God can mold individuals who are vulnerable to His instruction and change under His guidance and reproof. He endured persecution, at times relentless and excruciating, often from those who were once his close friends. The Lord didn’t take trials from him but supported him through them (-as He will us when we look to Jesus as Joseph did). His life paralleled our Redeemer’s even to sealing the work with his own blood. Not supported by our Savior, had the work been false, no one including him would have had the stamina to follow through and accomplish such a great work while enduring such constant opposition and hardship.
In all of this he carried a quiet steady demeanor and had a great sense of humor. A Protestant preacher came to visit Joseph seeking to see what a man claiming to be a Prophet of God would look like. When he was told Joseph was out playing ball with the youth, this man rejected him as not being serious enough. Joseph’s comment upon hearing this was that he was like an archer’s bow that must be unstrung when not in use to keep its strength and power when needed.
I have a profound respect for the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. who gloriously passed all the criteria of being called and chosen of God even as prophets anciently. I know him to be a true prophet of the living God for many reasons. Most important the Lord has told me so and continues to tell me so daily through personal positive feelings as I embrace the fullness of the Gospel brought forth through Joseph under the direction of Jesus Christ Himself. There is nothing negative about this, God’s work. It is all divinely designed to bless lives in drawing closer to our Creator and returning to His presence.
This personal post above is one of many on Mormon.org authored with the Lord’s guidance. The idea being that we can share Gospel truths with others who don’t know or have forgotten them. Sister Sharon Eubank, First Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency spoke September 23, 2017 of us all learning to ‘articulate’ gospel teachings to anyone interested in a way that provides clarity to the LDS position. (see ‘Turn On Your Light’). Each post will be numbered and, as with this format, will include the Church position and my own thoughts. (k)
1. increasing faith in Jesus Christ 2. What is the Atonement of Jesus Christ 3. Why is authority to perform a baptism important? 4. How has attending church services helped you? 5. How has the Book of Mormon brought you closer to God? 6. Please share your feelings/testimony of Joseph Smith. 7. shielding family from unwanted influences 8. What do Mormons believe about family? 9. Make more right choices
