I stand beside Joseph Smith with all his imperfections… I’m honoured to be counted as one of his friends (that he hasn’t met). Joseph Smith, an imperfect person perfectly taught me that if I ask God for the things that I lack wisdom on, that God will help me. It is wonderful that imperfect humans are entrusted by God with so many perfect things such as children (to teach) or truths (to share) or love (to give)… or in the case of Joseph Smith, the gospel of Jesus Christ to restore! Praise to that man who did so much with so little while experiencing the human aspects of mortality. Jesus Christ chose him as His friend… and so do I. ❤
Having raised four boys I love reading about Joseph Smith and learning of his humanity. His weaknesses and mistakes make him more real to me. I would look at my boys and wonder how they would lead a group at the ages that Joseph did. I love the prophet Joseph Smith and am so grateful that in spite of his weaknesses and mistakes he got so much done!
Brother Erekson has some excellent points. Some Church rhetoric that centers on following the prophet can lead to the misunderstanding that prophets are somehow superior to us, and that we are second class church members, and sometimes can implicitly discourage accepting mortal weakness as part of a prophet. I say this as an active Latter-day Saint. Some of our messaging can improve to more focus on the Savior Jesus Christ.
I know the Lord has called me to great things myself, but I have struggled with pornography addiction all my life. I have really messed up my patriarchal blessing. I have even received priesthood blessings where I was promised the second comporforter , seeing the lord face to face, etc. Have I lived up to those blessings. Definitely not. I wish I would have been a better disciple , but I am 41 , single, and have never even been in a single relationship, so obviously I have not. I have always looked up to the Prophet Joseph, and know the church is true.
“ We put prophets in the center and imagine they are perfect.” I so agree with this analysis. Christ is in the center. If you have to be perfect to be a prophet then we would never have one, from Abraham on down. Repentance is for us all. We fight, we strive, we repent, we grow, we do better. In between there we have witnesses from the Holy Ghost to help us course correct. Paul, Alma, Joseph,Brigham , none were perfect. They gave all they had including the humility to ask for forgiveness and continue on serving in the face of adversity.We are taught that Christ doesn’t call perfect people, he calls those willing. Willing to serve in the middle of adversity. Willing to serve in the middle of tragedies. Willing to serve The Lord in gladness and in joy. I’ve had many callings. I made mistakes in all of them. I also knew I was carrying out the work of The Lord by serving his people.
I really appreciate this message and feel it would have been much healthier if we had adopted it earlier. Something that I think many people have a hard time reconciling is that we are taught that a prophet would never lead us astray and to “follow the prophet, he knows the way” and yet we have examples in both ancient and modern history where prophets made terrible choices or said very harmful things. It can be very disorienting. I’d love to know other people’s thoughts on how to reconcile these two things. The best I can make of it is that we are to seek a personal confirmation from God if what a prophet has said or done or asks us to do is of God. That’s what I see President Nelson teaching is that we are to learn how to Hear Him. And it’s important for us to seek a personal witness and not simply obey but receive our own witness.
I’m curious to know what “harmful” things you’re referring to, nevertheless, we are encouraged to never follow our leaders blindly. The Lord does not demand blind obedience, He gives reason for submission. Brigham Young said something instructive: "I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by Him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purposes of God in their salvation, and weaken that influence they could give to their leaders, did they know for themselves, by the revelations of Jesus, that they are led in the right way. Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not." -Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 9:150. When we have a witness our leaders are called of God, those seemingly harmful things will not make us stumble.
I don’t wish to destroy anyone’s faith or cause anyone to question so I’m not going to give specific examples. Suffice it to say, many of us who have a sincere desire to follow Jesus Christ the church and its leaders have come across harmful things church leaders have said regarding women or people of color. With that said, I believe further study can be given into the context and culture of that time. But that doesn’t excuse what’s said, we can call out false truths even by our own leaders, while still expressing faith and belief in God and that He inspires imperfect men and women.
“Seemingly harmful” lol. K. I’d say ask the homosexual Mormon kids about “seemingly harmful,” but so many have taken their own lives, I’m not sure there are any available to talk to you about how harmful our leaders’ words and actions have been.
@@retardedkid007as a mother of an LGBTQ young adult I have a lot of compassion and understanding for the experience you are referring to. There is so much more we can do to welcome and support anyone who feels different for any reason. I do see the church making needed steps toward that. And most importantly parents and members of the church as a whole need to be taught how they can both show love for their LGBTQ loved ones and hold to their faith. We don’t have to choose. I mourn for anyone who has lost a child for any reason and I understand your passion and commend your compassion. We can improve so that every individual feels loved and accepted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ is the Main Character
I stand beside Joseph Smith with all his imperfections… I’m honoured to be counted as one of his friends (that he hasn’t met). Joseph Smith, an imperfect person perfectly taught me that if I ask God for the things that I lack wisdom on, that God will help me. It is wonderful that imperfect humans are entrusted by God with so many perfect things such as children (to teach) or truths (to share) or love (to give)… or in the case of Joseph Smith, the gospel of Jesus Christ to restore! Praise to that man who did so much with so little while experiencing the human aspects of mortality.
Jesus Christ chose him as His friend… and so do I. ❤
Amen! I couldn't say it any better. Jesus is the Christ and Joseph is His Prophet. I love them both.
Love your thought, I totally agree! I can’t wait to meet him!
Thank you Prophet Joseph Smith Jr.
Nicely said... I couldn't agree more.
Having raised four boys I love reading about Joseph Smith and learning of his humanity. His weaknesses and mistakes make him more real to me. I would look at my boys and wonder how they would lead a group at the ages that Joseph did. I love the prophet Joseph Smith and am so grateful that in spite of his weaknesses and mistakes he got so much done!
Love this!
Praise to the man, grateful he had the faith to ask of God!
Amazing!!!
Brother Erekson has some excellent points. Some Church rhetoric that centers on following the prophet can lead to the misunderstanding that prophets are somehow superior to us, and that we are second class church members, and sometimes can implicitly discourage accepting mortal weakness as part of a prophet. I say this as an active Latter-day Saint. Some of our messaging can improve to more focus on the Savior Jesus Christ.
I know the Lord has called me to great things myself, but I have struggled with pornography addiction all my life. I have really messed up my patriarchal blessing. I have even received priesthood blessings where I was promised the second comporforter , seeing the lord face to face, etc. Have I lived up to those blessings. Definitely not. I wish I would have been a better disciple , but I am 41 , single, and have never even been in a single relationship, so obviously I have not. I have always looked up to the Prophet Joseph, and know the church is true.
What a great perspective! Well done. Thank you!
“ We put prophets in the center and imagine they are perfect.” I so agree with this analysis. Christ is in the center. If you have to be perfect to be a prophet then we would never have one, from Abraham on down. Repentance is for us all. We fight, we strive, we repent, we grow, we do better. In between there we have witnesses from the Holy Ghost to help us course correct. Paul, Alma, Joseph,Brigham , none were perfect. They gave all they had including the humility to ask for forgiveness and continue on serving in the face of adversity.We are taught that Christ doesn’t call perfect people, he calls those willing. Willing to serve in the middle of adversity. Willing to serve in the middle of tragedies. Willing to serve The Lord in gladness and in joy.
I’ve had many callings. I made mistakes in all of them. I also knew I was carrying out the work of The Lord by serving his people.
"To put Jesus back as the main character in our modern church history" this is exactly what our human and imperfect prophets do. (IMO)
Anyone struggling with their testimony needs to watch this.
❤
I really appreciate this message and feel it would have been much healthier if we had adopted it earlier. Something that I think many people have a hard time reconciling is that we are taught that a prophet would never lead us astray and to “follow the prophet, he knows the way” and yet we have examples in both ancient and modern history where prophets made terrible choices or said very harmful things. It can be very disorienting. I’d love to know other people’s thoughts on how to reconcile these two things. The best I can make of it is that we are to seek a personal confirmation from God if what a prophet has said or done or asks us to do is of God. That’s what I see President Nelson teaching is that we are to learn how to Hear Him. And it’s important for us to seek a personal witness and not simply obey but receive our own witness.
I’m curious to know what “harmful” things you’re referring to, nevertheless, we are encouraged to never follow our leaders blindly. The Lord does not demand blind obedience, He gives reason for submission. Brigham Young said something instructive: "I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by Him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purposes of God in their salvation, and weaken that influence they could give to their leaders, did they know for themselves, by the revelations of Jesus, that they are led in the right way. Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not." -Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 9:150. When we have a witness our leaders are called of God, those seemingly harmful things will not make us stumble.
I don’t wish to destroy anyone’s faith or cause anyone to question so I’m not going to give specific examples. Suffice it to say, many of us who have a sincere desire to follow Jesus Christ the church and its leaders have come across harmful things church leaders have said regarding women or people of color. With that said, I believe further study can be given into the context and culture of that time. But that doesn’t excuse what’s said, we can call out false truths even by our own leaders, while still expressing faith and belief in God and that He inspires imperfect men and women.
“Seemingly harmful” lol. K. I’d say ask the homosexual Mormon kids about “seemingly harmful,” but so many have taken their own lives, I’m not sure there are any available to talk to you about how harmful our leaders’ words and actions have been.
@@retardedkid007as a mother of an LGBTQ young adult I have a lot of compassion and understanding for the experience you are referring to. There is so much more we can do to welcome and support anyone who feels different for any reason. I do see the church making needed steps toward that. And most importantly parents and members of the church as a whole need to be taught how they can both show love for their LGBTQ loved ones and hold to their faith. We don’t have to choose. I mourn for anyone who has lost a child for any reason and I understand your passion and commend your compassion. We can improve so that every individual feels loved and accepted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.