JOSEPH THE ACHIEVER

 

I am always amazed when I do a post on Joseph Smith how the critics come out of the woodwork and tell me how he was a liar, a cheat, an adulterer, a paedophile, a tool of Satan. It’s like they have a radar that picks up his name. It used to upset me when I started writing years ago. Now I just smile at their ignorance.

Now that I have had the Gospel in my life for 50 years, I cannot imagine going without it and I owe that to the Prophet Joseph. In a tribute to him, the Church has attributed 41 achievements to his name. I was amazed when I first read them. Here are just a few that deserve thoughtful consideration as to their necessity and efficacy in this world (see D&C Student Manual p 349):

-          He taught correct concepts about the nature of the Father and the Son;

-          He translated and published the Book of Mormon by the power of God;

-          He was the means by which the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods were restored;

-          He organised the Church of Jesus Christ again on the earth under the direction of the Saviour;

-          He revealed the true meaning of Zion, its location in the last days, and the laws by which it shall be governed;

-          He received over a hundred revelations and published them in the Doctrine and Covenants;

-          He worked on translation of the Bible, restoring lost scripture and correcting erroneous translations;

-          He restored the keys and knowledge of temple ordinances for both the living and the dead;

-          He received keys of restoration from Moses, Elias and Elijah;

-          He started a missionary program that has involved tens of thousands of missionaries and resulted in millions of converts in countries all over the world;

-          He translated by inspiration from God papyri from Egypt, containing some of the writings of Abraham;

-          He set forth the proper organisation, name and purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ.

-          He built temples and revealed temple ordinances for the living and the dead.

This is my iron clad testimony of Joseph Smith, which I have shared before. I never had to question my testimony of him until 13 years ago when I chose to do a University assignment about the Church. I read a lot of questionable material about him on line that disturbed me. It brought me to my knees pleading for God to help me understand.

What opened in my mind was a vision of Joseph’s heart, an understanding of the goodness therein. I saw the pioneers dressed in white surrounding him and I felt their love for him. I understood and I wept. No critic of the Church can dissuade me from this testimony. In the end, the truth will stand. 

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Joseph Smith by Liz Lemon Swindle)