What I discovered from Joseph's life is a model, a basic outline if you will, to find and follow Jesus Christ in any circumstance, trial, or situation.
On my first Sunday here in Helena, I was assigned to speak to one of the congregations. The topic given to me was this, "How can we use (apply) Joseph Smith in our lives". There is a lot to be said about this man's life and prophetic calling. For some, many might say, "I admire your church very much. I think I could accept everything about it—except Joseph Smith." Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gave a response saying that "that statement is a contradiction. If you accept the revelation, you must accept the revelator." Joseph Smith's claim to have seen God and Jesus Christ was the beginning of what created the Church as it stands today and was, from the onset, a matter of harsh persecution for its members. As for Joseph, the opposition never ceased up until his martyrdom by an armed mob on June 27th, 1844.
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| "You did it, Joseph, you got the Tony!" - Trey Parker |
As Joseph Smith progressed in his calling, he was told by an angel that his "name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues" There are many evidences of this today. Indeed, in June earlier this year Trey Parker announced, rather jivingly, Joseph Smith's name before the world during the Tony Award's. On the other hand, in our current hymnal resides a song named "Praise to the Man", which honors the prophets life. Its writer is William W. Phelps who was a very good friend to Joseph and a strong advocate for the Church. With persecutions settling in however, W.W. Phelps turned against the Church and his friend. Eventually returning after the Prophet's death, he produced many hymns still sung today, namely the one mentioned above.
The first verse of "Praise to the Man" goes as follows:
"Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah! Jesus annointed that Prophet and Seer. Blessed to open the last dispensation, Kings shall extol him, and nations revere."
As we look at the return of W.W. Phelps back into the Church and the hymns which he created, it was rather fitting for him to have one of those be a tribute to the man who he had caused so much hardship for and recognize the truthfulness of Joseph Smith's calling as a prophet and revelator for God. Like W.W. Phelps, I too feel the need to honor his life. I also feel that it is in my Christian duty to uphold Joseph Smith's name for good among all nations.
What I discovered from Joseph's life is a model, a basic outline if you will, to find and follow Jesus Christ in any circumstance, trial, or situation. Here are four brief points that make up that model.
1. Have concern for the welfare of your soul.
We learn from the life of the Prophet Joseph that from about the age of 12 he was very conscious of his spiritual well being. Joseph said he had "concerns for the welfare of my immortal soul, which led me to searching the scriptures, . . . [and] pondered many things in my heart concerning the situation of the world". A desire at such a young age created a drive and motivation that gave the Prophet Joseph the energy to complete all the tasks that the Lord had for him.
2. "Search, Ponder, and Pray".
Joseph's reading of James 1:5, which states, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all man liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him" led him to go into a grove of trees near his home in Palmrya, New York. It was there, after reading the scriptures and pondering their meaning, that Joseph received his answer from God.
"Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good..." (D&C 90:24)
3. Converse openly about your beliefs.
If Joseph has told no one about his experience and revelation, how could he teach the people restored truth that God has just given him? Without telling others about the truths he knew, nothing would have ever happened and most likely God would have called on another to establish his Church. However, Joseph Smith did speak openly to others and accepted his calling as a prophet. Although having received a call from God, he was still an imperfect man that depended on Jesus Christ yet he gave his all to live what he taught.
4. Endurance and Sacrifice.
In short, endure the sacrifice, don't sacrifice the endurance. The principles of the Gospel are faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. The Prophet Joseph's life fits the bill in enduring everything that came his way. Whether it was imprisonment on false charges, death threats, torture, persecution, physical and spiritual fatigue, Joseph outlasted all of these until his death.
So "praise to the man who communed with Jehovah", or as I might say, praise to the man who "found" the Jehovah and praise to any who finds Christ the Lord for it is a meek and humbling journey that all are invited to experience.
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