“Joseph Smith’s Prophetic Mission,” New Era, Dec. 2009, 37
What Joseph Smith Taught
Joseph Smith’s Prophetic Mission
The Prophet Joseph Smith knew and fulfilled his mission.
When he was 14 years old, Joseph Smith’s life changed forever when he prayed in a grove of trees and was visited by God the Father and Jesus Christ. After the First Vision, Joseph Smith grew into his role as the Prophet of this latter-day dispensation and learned what it means to be a prophet. Here are some of Joseph Smith’s teachings on his prophetic mission.*
The Prophet Loved People and Taught Them the Truth
“It is my meditation all the day, and more than my meat and drink, to know how I shall make the Saints of God comprehend the visions that roll like an overflowing surge before my mind.”
“You say honey is sweet, and so do I. I can also taste the spirit of eternal life. I know that it is good; and when I tell you of these things which were given me by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, you are bound to receive them as sweet, and rejoice more and more.”
“The Saints need not think that because I am familiar with them and am playful and cheerful, that I am ignorant of what is going on. Iniquity of any kind cannot be sustained in the Church, and it will not fare well where I am; for I am determined while I do lead the Church, to lead it right.”
“If I reprove a man, and he hates me, he is a fool; for I love all men, especially these my brethren and sisters.”
Despite Challenges, the Prophet Fulfilled His Mission
“I never told you I was perfect; but there is no error in the revelations which I have taught.”
“If I had not actually got into this work and been called of God, I would back out. But I cannot back out: I have no doubt of the truth.”
“I speak boldly and faithfully and with authority. … I know what I say; I understand my mission and business. God Almighty is my shield; and what can man do if God is my friend?”
“You don’t know me; you never knew my heart. No man knows my history. I cannot tell it: I shall never undertake it. I don’t blame any one for not believing my history. If I had not experienced what I have, I would not have believed it myself.”
Illustration by Julie Rogers